James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, has confirmed that the introduction of Darkseid, one of DC Comics’ most formidable villains, in the new DC Universe (DCU) will be postponed. This delay stems from comparisons to Marvel’s Thanos and previous portrayals, which affect how the DCU is shaping its narrative and villain roster.
Since 2012, Marvel’s Avengers established Thanos as its central antagonist, culminating in his major role in Avengers: Infinity War, where he emerged victorious over Earth‘s heroes. Darkseid, a villain often compared to Thanos, was teased heavily in the DC Extended Universe and appeared in Zack Snyder‘s Justice League, setting up a potential confrontation with the Justice League team. However, the reboot of the DCU has shifted plans, with Gunn indicating that Darkseid’s arrival as the franchise’s primary villain is not imminent.
Reasons Behind Darkseid’s Absence as the Immediate DCU Villain
In a recent conversation with New Rockstars, James Gunn elaborated on why Darkseid will not headline the DCU’s initial villain lineup. He pointed out that two main factors contribute to this decision: the precedent set by Zack Snyder’s version of Darkseid and the influence of Marvel’s portrayal of Thanos. Gunn said,
“Using Darkseid as the big bad right now is not necessarily the thing.. for a lot reasons… Zack [Snyder] did it so cool in his way and because Thanos and Marvel.”
This perspective underscores the challenge the DCU faces in differentiating its antagonist from Marvel’s widely recognized cosmic villain while honoring Snyder’s previous depiction. Darkseid’s similarity to Thanos makes it difficult to feature him early without inevitable comparisons that could weaken his impact.
The postponement also allows the DCU to spotlight lesser-known villains such as Vandal Savage and other New Gods. This approach helps broaden the universe’s range of threats and characters, giving audiences time to connect with the DCU’s heroes and stories before escalating to a more overpowering enemy like Darkseid.
Building the DCU Before Introducing a Cosmic Threat
Darkseid stands as the ultimate adversary in DC’s mythology, but Gunn argues that the current phase of the DCU should prioritize establishing its heroes and world-building before elevating the stakes to a cosmic level. Marvel Studios’ gradual buildup to Thanos’ debut ensured that his threat felt earned, with the lives of iconic figures like Iron Man and Captain America hanging in the balance during Infinity War.
Similarly, the DCU must invest in character development and narrative depth to create genuine emotional stakes. Rushing to make Darkseid the main villain risks alienating viewers who are not yet fully invested in the universe or its characters. Gunn’s caution also reflects an understanding that mishandling Darkseid could reduce him to a forgettable or generic villain rather than a menacing force.
Introducing such a colossal antagonist requires precision, given the potential pitfalls. The creative teams must carefully avoid repeating elements of Snyder’s portrayal or echoing Marvel’s storyline too closely. By saving Darkseid for a later chapter beyond the initial phase, the DCU can build anticipation and frame him as a truly unparalleled threat.
Upcoming Projects in DCU Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters
Despite Darkseid’s delay, the DCU has an extensive slate of projects planned for 2026 under Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters. This includes the HBO Max series Lanterns and two major films, Supergirl and Clayface, which aim to introduce new characters and expand the universe’s mythos. These projects will lay the foundation for the DCU’s shared world, providing context and grounding for the eventual emergence of Darkseid as a future villain.
This strategy underlines the importance Gunn and his team place on a methodical rollout, focusing on broadening the scope of villains and heroes alike, and building a compelling universe ready for larger conflicts ahead.
The Strategic Importance of Delaying Darkseid’s Introduction
Holding off on Darkseid’s debut allows the DCU to avoid the pitfalls of an early climax with an overwhelming villain. It secures space for creative exploration of less tapped antagonists, enriching the narrative fabric and increasing audience investment in the characters and stories. Gunn’s approach ensures that when Darkseid finally appears, the character’s threat will feel fresh, unique, and truly formidable.
As the DCU continues to evolve, this measured pacing will likely influence the franchise’s long-term success, helping to prevent comparisons with Marvel’s more established narratives while carving out its own distinctive identity.
