What Parts of the DCEU Are Currently DC Universe Canon?
James Gunn’s recent comments have provided clarity on how the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) connects to the DC Universe. The news marks a significant moment in the DC franchise, as many fans have been eagerly awaiting answers about the canon status of some popular releases. Gunn’s statements have offered a more precise response, offering a clearer understanding of the connection between the two eras of DC’s on-screen history.
According to Gunn, only Creature Commandos and its subsequent projects are considered pure canon. This means that any events or plot points mentioned in DC Universe releases are now part of the new universe’s story, without needing to re-establish their canon status. This approach simplifies the process, as it eliminates the need to readdress what is no longer canon.
Moreover, Gunn’s long answer highlights the “imperfect memory” concept, implying that specific details like castings or character backgrounds may change, while the overall story remains part of the DC Universe’s history. This flexible approach will help to maintain consistency across the franchise.
As a result of Gunn’s statements, several parts of the DCEU have become solidly integrated into the DC Universe. These include the death of Rick Flag Jr. from The Suicide Squad, which is confirmed by Amanda Waller and Rick Flag Sr. in Creature Commandos. The show also establishes the event where Amanda Waller’s daughter got in trouble with the government, leading to the closure of Task Force X and the formation of Task Force M.
Additionally, the appearance of Weasel and King Shark in Creature Commandos confirms the crossover between the two franchises, with King Shark being voiced by Diedrich Bader, unlike Sylvester Stallone in The Suicide Squad. This recasting serves as an example of how The Suicide Squad will be an “imperfect memory” of the DC Universe version.
The shared parts of the DCEU and DC Universe are becoming clearer, providing a more defined understanding of the connection between the two eras. This clarity is essential as the DC Universe continues to debut new releases, including Superman in July 2025 and Peacemaker season 2. As the franchise moves forward, the lingering confusion about the DCEU and DC Universe overlap seems likely to be minimized.
