James Gunn confirms Waller series development by directly addressing fans’ concerns about the show’s fate in the DC Universe. On Threads, Gunn assured followers that the highly anticipated Amanda Waller television project remains in production, ending speculation about cancellation or a change in direction. This update marks the first significant statement about the show in several months, reinforcing Amanda Waller’s continued role in the expanding DCU.
The Waller series was first announced in January 2023 during DC Studios’ initial slate reveal, with Viola Davis reprising her role as the formidable government operative. Accomplished writers Christal Henry, known for her work on Watchmen, and Jeremy Carver, credited with Doom Patrol, were tapped as the creative leads. Despite ongoing rumors, this latest public confirmation from the DC Studios co-CEO provides clear direction for fans who were uncertain about whether the story of Amanda Waller would proceed within James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new continuity.
Fan Inquiries Prompt Direct Response from Gunn
Recent questions from the DC fan community prompted James Gunn to clarify the status of the Waller series on social media. After rumors surfaced that the series might be transformed into a Checkmate show, one fan asked if these reports were true. Gunn answered with an unequivocal “Yes,” confirming the rumors were false and the original show remains intact. Another fan probed for more certainty, asking whether
“So Waller is still in development?”
Once again, Gunn answered emphatically, “Yes.” These interactions were key in shifting the narrative back toward optimism, especially after Gunn acknowledged early in 2025 that the show had faced “a couple of… setbacks, frankly.”
Setbacks arose from unforeseen industry circumstances, specifically the labor disputes that swept through Hollywood in 2023, pausing progress on many productions. The resulting delays forced a reevaluation of the show’s storyline, requiring the writers to adjust plots to match the evolving direction of the DC Universe, and leaving the project’s prospects uncertain until lately.
Waller Series Origins and Creative Team
The initial concept for Waller was conceived as a direct spinoff of Peacemaker’s first season. The show’s premise aimed to delve into the repercussions after Amanda Waller’s daughter, Leota Adebayo—portrayed by Danielle Brooks—exposed the existence of Task Force X to the public. However, the sweeping changes within the DCU, compounded by the strike-driven delays in Hollywood, made that original concept unworkable. Instead, the team undertook substantial rewrites to integrate the series more fully into the newly launched universe, keeping Viola Davis front and center as Amanda Waller. DC Studios, under the stewardship of James Gunn and his fellow executives, made it clear through this recent update that the character’s solo journey remains a fundamental part of the franchise’s unfolding storylines.
Developments in Peacemaker and Their Impact on Waller
The upcoming second season of Peacemaker, scheduled to premiere on HBO Max in August 2025, factors significantly into the status of Waller. The new season establishes a markedly different dynamic within the DC Universe’s shadowy government agencies. Season two takes place several years after the first, revealing that Amanda Waller has lost her position of authority at ARGUS, a secret government organization. Rick Flag Sr., played by Frank Grillo, steps into leadership of ARGUS, using all available resources to pursue Christopher Smith—Peacemaker—portrayed by John Cena, seeking revenge for the death of his son Rick Flag Jr., played by Joel Kinnaman, in The Suicide Squad.
These shifting dynamics within Peacemaker have a direct bearing on the future of Amanda Waller within the DCU. As the universe’s narrative expands—incorporating new leadership, new conflicts, and long-reaching consequences for its most powerful characters—the Waller series promises to offer fans a deeper view into political intrigue and power struggles. The inclusion of Leota Adebayo and references to other franchise regulars ensures that the show remains closely tied to recent and upcoming DCU events.
Peacemaker Expands DCU Scope with Science Fiction Elements
In addition to changes in leadership, Peacemaker’s new season is set to venture into uncharted territory for the DCU, with bold science fiction components coming to the fore. Viewers can expect the Quantum Unfolding Chamber to introduce multiversal travel, creating surprising alternate versions of familiar characters. One alternate universe features a jetpack-equipped Peacemaker and a living brother, Keith, working alongside him, while a new vision of White Dragon (Robert Patrick) appears in striking blue armor. Other novel additions, such as Michael Rooker’s Red St. Wild and a mysterious alien figure with four eyes, show that DC’s television properties plan to push the boundaries of the genre and give fans an experience that is both thrilling and unpredictable.
Such wild narrative experiments indicate that while Amanda Waller’s own journey may be experiencing delays and significant changes, the interconnected fabric of the DC Universe continues to grow more ambitious with each new release. As the universe explores high-concept ideas and consequences for its most prominent characters, the evolving roles of Waller, Rick Flag Sr., and Peacemaker signal a future focused on reinvention as well as continuity.
What the Confirmation Means for DCU Fans and the Franchise
James Gunn’s recent statements provide overdue closure for those invested in Amanda Waller’s next steps and for audiences eager to see Viola Davis continue her acclaimed portrayal. With Christal Henry and Jeremy Carver guiding the narrative, the Waller series stands as a testament to the creative risks and narrative complexity that James Gunn is bringing to the DC Universe’s next chapter. By prioritizing clarity and open communication with fans, Gunn and DC Studios work to maintain engagement and excitement around ongoing projects, even when delays or rewrites are necessary.
As the DCU heads toward its next wave of interconnected TV series and films, Amanda Waller’s confirmed presence signals that nuanced, adult-oriented storytelling remains a pillar of the slate. Future episodes are expected to explore the consequences of exposure, shifts in power, and the sometimes-blurred lines between heroism and manipulation—themes that have long defined Waller as a pivotal figure in both comics and on screen. With Peacemaker season two due to launch on August 21st on HBO Max and Waller reasserted as an essential component of the shared universe, fans can look forward to a rich, evolving landscape full of intrigue and moral complexity.
“the Waller show being reworked into a Checkmate show”
—Fan
“So Waller is still in development?”
—Fan
