James Gunn’s approach to villains in the new DC Universe (DCU) draws direct inspiration from Zack Snyder’s vision for the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), especially regarding its central antagonists. The decision to build on Snyder’s concepts, while shifting away from them, reflects the studio’s intent to redefine the DCU’s main villain framework and establish a fresh direction for Chapter One of the franchise.
After the disappointing performance of DCEU’s final wave of films in 2023, including the poorly received The Flash, Warner Bros. Discovery sought to reboot the DC franchise. Zack Snyder’s dismissal before completing his expansive DCEU plan undermined the cohesion of the villain arc, which is now influencing Gunn’s DCU plans to depart from the past while respecting what came before.
Unfinished Ambitions for Darkseid in Zack Snyder’s DCEU Vision
Zack Snyder aimed to elevate Darkseid as the ultimate villain within the DCEU, paralleling the success Marvel Studios had with Thanos in the MCU’s Infinity Saga. However, Snyder’s vision was never fully realized due to the director’s exit and the studio’s pivot after the 2017 theatrical release of Justice League. That version minimized Darkseid’s presence, instead spotlighting Steppenwolf, who failed to capture audiences’ imaginations.
When Snyder’s cut of Justice League arrived in 2021, Darkseid, portrayed by Ray Porter, finally received attention befitting his role, hinting at grander narrative ambitions. Snyder’s original story arc envisioned Darkseid’s triumphant debut through his use of the Anti-Life Equation to usher in the dystopian “Knightmare” world seen by Ben Affleck’s Batman. This plan would have involved profound losses, including the death of Amy Adams’ Lois Lane and Henry Cavill’s Superman becoming subjugated before ultimately reclaiming his heroic identity in a redemptive climax. Time travel and Batman’s ultimate sacrifice were pivotal components of this storyline, emphasizing the epic scale Snyder intended for his villain’s impact.
James Gunn Explains Why Darkseid Is Not the Leading Villain in the DCU
Though Darkseid was once positioned as the DCEU’s defining antagonist, James Gunn has confirmed that the character will not serve as the main villain in the current DCU. Gunn, as the creative chief of the franchise, addressed speculation about Darkseid’s role following the dramatic conclusion of Peacemaker Season 2, where protagonist John Cena’s character is transported to a prison world named Salvation. This setting, drawn from the comic storyline “Salvation Run,” features connections to the New Gods and Darkseid’s lore, but Gunn clarified that the upcoming DCU projects will not continue this narrative thread.
“Zack [Snyder] did it so cool in his way.”
— James Gunn, DCU Creative Chief
Gunn respects Snyder’s portrayal of Darkseid and acknowledges the definitive take Snyder delivered, which has led to a conscious choice not to reuse the character as the first central villain in the new universe. Despite Darkseid’s earlier streaming appearance boosting his profile among fans, Gunn feels the character’s story has already been effectively told. Furthermore, Gunn highlighted the risk of overlapping with Marvel Studios, as Darkseid influenced Thanos’ creation in comics. Using Darkseid prominently after Thanos’ success could blur the lines between the franchises instead of fostering distinction.
Advantages of a Villain Strategy Beyond Darkseid in the DCU
The decision to move away from making Darkseid the central villain aligns with the DCU’s aim to carve out its own identity separate from the former DCEU. This new approach may not rely on one overarching villain but rather present multiple antagonists across different projects. This is consistent with the current trend in DCU’s content, which integrates a wide range of heroes and villains, enriching the universe from the start.
The Salvation prison setting demonstrates this flexibility by housing both villains and anti-heroes, such as Peacemaker, who do not traditionally fit the villain mold. This opens the door for more complex conflicts born from government opposition and clashing factions instead of a single villain orchestrating events. Such an approach could offer fresh storytelling potential and deeper character dynamics than the previously anticipated Darkseid-centric narratives.
Darkseid’s Upcoming Role in the Mister Miracle Animated Series
While Darkseid will not headline the DCU’s main storyline, the character remains significant within DC’s broader content plans. Darkseid is confirmed to feature prominently in the forthcoming animated adaptation of Mister Miracle, based on Tom King’s acclaimed comic limited series. King returns as showrunner for the show, which explores Scott Free’s origins and his relationship with Darkseid, who serves as his adoptive father.
This series promises to delve into Darkseid’s layered personality and the broader mythology of the New Gods, providing fans with a nuanced portrayal that goes beyond his villainous archetype. Although the show’s integration into the DCU continuity is yet to be clarified, it offers a vital outlet for exploring characters and themes that are unlikely to be central in live-action DCU projects anytime soon.
Ultimately, James Gunn’s DCU villain strategy reflects a thoughtful balance between honoring Zack Snyder’s foundational work and pursuing innovative storytelling avenues. By choosing to emphasize fresh narratives and diverse antagonists, the DCU hopes to establish a distinct and compelling universe that stands apart from its predecessors and competitors alike.
