James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, has a reputation for spotlighting lesser-known characters while sometimes adding unconventional twists. He has previously transformed obscure Marvel figures into household names, such as Peter Quill, played by Chris Pratt, who became a defining Star-Lord despite differences from his comic-book origins. Gunn’s ongoing work with DC aims to similarly elevate both iconic heroes like Superman and Wonder Woman, and lesser-known characters within the universe.
In an interview with GQ, Gunn outlined his vision: the goal is not only to preserve but also to enhance the core DC properties. Alongside his partner Peter Safran, Gunn is focused on building the strength of these characters to ensure they remain at the forefront of the brand’s appeal.
Developing Lesser-Known Figures into Prominent Players
Gunn explained his strategy involves turning secondary characters into flagship properties. He cited the success of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy as an example, emphasizing how characters unfamiliar to mass audiences became central to the franchise’s popularity. He said,
“But it’s also to take other characters and turn them into diamond properties, and that is Peacemaker or whatever, Lanterns—the other characters that aren’t as known universally. Which is what I was able to do at Marvel. I mean, the two biggest rides in the world are both the Guardians rides.” – James Gunn, DC Studios co-head
He also noted the enthusiastic audience reaction to Peacemaker in DC projects, stating,
“And that’s incredible because nobody knew who those characters were, but now it’s just like they’re a part of the Marvel lore in a way that makes them major players. And to be able to do that with Peacemaker—it’s so funny, every time I’ve sat in a crowd watching Superman and Peacemaker comes on screen, it was one of the crowd’s favorite moments, and that’s a character nobody knew.” – James Gunn, DC Studios co-head
Though John Cena’s portrayal of Christopher Smith in Peacemaker has memorable moments, some critics argue the material tries too hard to appeal to adult sensibilities, risking Peacemaker’s status as a reliable, mid-tier DCU character. Despite mixed reviews, Gunn continues to develop the DC universe with bold reinterpretations.
Hints of Bisexual Killer Croc in Peacemaker Series
In the sixth episode of Peacemaker, a scene features Lex Luthor, played with chilled menace, conversing with Rick Flagg (Frank Grillo) in prison. Luthor complains about loud sex noises from the adjacent cell. One inmate is described as “bear-sized…with dragon skin,” while another is a “glowing twink.” The large figure is presumed to be Killer Croc, originally portrayed by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje in Suicide Squad. Although the continuity of that film is debated, Croc remains a character whose story is largely unexplored on screen.
This portrayal gives James Gunn room to redefine Killer Croc’s character within the DC Universe. When asked about the possibility that Croc might be canonically bisexual, Gunn responded cautiously, saying, “Well, you know, who knows?” This ambiguous answer has sparked speculation on social media, as fans wonder if Gunn intends to introduce another controversial interpretation to the character.
The Future of DC’s Character Reinvention
James Gunn’s work shows a pattern of reshaping characters to resonate with contemporary viewers, sometimes eliciting strong reactions. His openness to experimenting with character backgrounds, like hinting at Killer Croc’s bisexuality, signals an ongoing willingness to push boundaries within the DC Universe. This approach could lead to fresh stories and increased diversity but also invites debate among longtime fans.
As Gunn and Peter Safran continue steering DC Studios, audiences can expect further attempts to balance established heroes with revitalized secondary characters, potentially expanding the range and emotional depth of the franchise’s roster. The industry will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold in upcoming films and series.
