James Gunn, now working within the DC universe rather than Marvel, is shaping a fresh direction for the superhero world that fans have come to expect, including interconnected heroes and a multiverse. Central to these narratives is usually a powerful villain, often thought to be Darkseid, the ominous New God who commands Apokolips and seeks the Anti-Life Equation. However, Gunn has made it clear that Darkseid will not serve as the primary villain in his iteration of the DC universe.
Why Darkseid Is Not the Big Threat for Now
In a conversation with New Rockstars, Gunn said,
“Using Darkseid as the big bad right now isn’t necessarily the thing.”
This declaration goes against long-standing assumptions, as Darkseid is traditionally the ultimate evil in DC’s mythology. Created by Jack Kirby in 1970 as part of his Fourth World, Darkseid embodies a force that threatens hope and freedom, intending to replace all good with despair.
Gunn’s decision is especially noteworthy considering recent developments related to Darkseid in other DC projects. For example, an animated version of the Tom King and Mitch Gerads miniseries, Mister Miracle, is in the works, in which Darkseid’s use of the Anti-Life Equation undermines the hero’s confidence. Additionally, the second season of Peacemaker concludes with the introduction of Salvation, a prison planet from the comics where Rick Flag plans to send opponents. Salvation Run involved Darkseid and other New Gods heavily, and was connected to Grant Morrison’s Final Crisis, a major crossover event featuring Darkseid’s invasion of Earth.
Reasons Behind Gunn’s Choice to Hold Back on Darkseid
Gunn explained his reasoning further, revealing two main factors guiding his choice. First, he noted the parallels between Darkseid and Marvel’s Thanos, a character whose creation was influenced by Jim Starlin as an homage to Kirby’s New Gods. Second, and perhaps more personal, Gunn expressed respect for Zack Snyder’s portrayal of Darkseid in Justice League, saying, “Zack did him so well.” This admiration for Snyder’s work steers Gunn away from retreading that territory immediately.
This stance suggests that despite fan divisions, major creative figures like Gunn and Snyder maintain mutual respect, hinting at a more collaborative atmosphere than viewers might expect. Gunn’s approach to the DC villain landscape reflects a thoughtful balance between honoring past interpretations and inventing new ones.
Implications of Gunn’s Direction for DC’s Future
The decision to delay Darkseid’s prominence allows for fresh storytelling opportunities within the DC universe. By holding back such a well-known villain, Gunn opens the door to introducing other antagonists who can shape this new era. This choice may also affect how the larger shared universe evolves, integrating the multiverse elements demonstrated in Peacemaker and expanding the scope of hero interactions.
Fans can anticipate further announcements about who will rise as the central threat under Gunn’s guidance. His recognition of existing portrayals and careful planning signal a deliberate creative vision that aims to maintain narrative tension while respecting established legacies in the DC pantheon.
