Gunn Explains Why DCU Wasn’t A Full Reboot

James Gunn and Peter Safran took over DC Studios in late 2022 with talk of a complete reboot in the wake of the DC Extended Universe.

But it… wasn’t. Some characters survived the switch, most notably those on “Peacemaker,” along with indications that “Blue Beetle” would also survive the jump.

No-one has been quite clear on why, and the continuity has caused some confusion. Turns out it’s more than just Gunn’s obvious love for the “Peacemaker” show he created – there were legal reasons too.

Asked on Threads if a full recasting was ever seriously considered, he confirmed contractual obligations prevented it:

“Peacemaker Season 2 deals were all in place when I became head of DC. It was either break everyone’s contracts and pay out all that money and take away HBO Max’s biggest show at the time or find a way to make it work. I chose the latter. Mostly tho because I love the character and the show and thought he/they could be an important part of the DCU.”

Gunn also ended a debate over a line in “The Suicide Squad” which stated that Bloodsport shot Superman with a Kryptonite bullet and put him in the ICU. If that were the case, how could Gunn’s “Superman” film open with him losing his first fight? Gunn says:

“A lot of people are saying this. But is being shot by someone at long distance while you’re not looking ‘losing a fight’? I don’t see Abraham Lincoln having ‘lost a fight’ with John Wilkes Booth.”

The next film in Gunn’s DC Universe is the “Supergirl” movie opening in June.