DC Studios’ co-head James Gunn has confirmed that the iconic villain Darkseid will not appear in the upcoming DC Universe (DCU) films. Gunn explained that although Darkseid is one of the most powerful antagonists in comic history, the studio does not plan to introduce him at this stage.
During a recent discussion, Gunn shared that his creative direction for the DCU differs from the popular Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) approach. He highlighted the similarities between DC’s Darkseid and Marvel’s Thanos, noting that both characters share visual and thematic traits.
“Aspects of Darkseid and Thanos are obviously very similar,” he said. “They look quite alike, and using Darkseid as the main villain right now isn’t the right move for many reasons.”
Why DC is Steering Clear of the “Marvel Formula”
James Gunn emphasized that DC’s storytelling will not imitate Marvel’s connected universe formula. Instead, he intends to craft a cinematic world where each film can stand independently while contributing to a broader storyline.
He explained that repeating Marvel’s narrative structure would make DC’s universe feel repetitive. The goal, he added, is to explore fresh storytelling ideas that preserve DC’s distinctive tone and depth.
Gunn also acknowledged that director Zack Snyder had already portrayed Darkseid memorably in his version of the Justice League. Therefore, bringing him back so soon might lessen the impact of the character’s previous cinematic appearance.
Focus Shifts to “Man of Tomorrow” and Beyond
The DCU’s upcoming projects will focus on developing strong, character-driven stories rather than relying on a single central villain. Gunn revealed that his next major film, Superman: Man of Tomorrow, has been in development for a long time.
“I’ve had the idea for Man of Tomorrow for years,” Gunn said. “I already know the next few films I’ll direct because they’re part of one big story.”
While the DCU will feature a connected storyline, Gunn stated that every movie should still be enjoyable as a standalone experience. This balance between connection and individuality, he believes, will define DC’s new era.
A Fresh Creative Era for DC Fans
With Gunn’s leadership, the DCU appears ready to embark on a creative path that values originality over imitation. By steering away from the Marvel-style formula and focusing on meaningful storytelling, DC aims to deliver films that honor its legacy while offering something entirely new.
