James Gunn has recently faced intense scrutiny over his comments about the 2022 and 2023 DC films Black Adam and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. While promoting Superman, his words were sharply debated, with some interpreting his phrase “I hate it” as direct criticism of those films. Gunn has now clarified that his disapproval was specifically about certain narrative choices rather than the films in their entirety. This clarification comes amid ongoing changes in the DC Universe (DCU) under his leadership as co-CEO of DC Studios.
Gunn took to Threads, his preferred platform for addressing misunderstandings, to set the record straight. He emphasized that he never expressed hatred toward the earlier DC Extended Universe (DCEU) movies, which were produced before he and Peter Safran took charge of DC Studios. Instead, his gripe centered on the inclusion of the so-called “11th Street Kids” subplot, which he felt did not align with established character roles and lore, specifically citing Harcourt and the Justice Society’s involvement.
“This is the kind of nonsense you have to look out for in these posts. I never said I hated either of those films – I said I didn’t like the way the 11th Street Kids were included, as I don’t think Harcourt was ever the warden of an underwater prison, and I don’t think Waller had anything to do with the Justice Society.” —James Gunn, DC Studios Co-CEO
Reconciling the Past and Future: The Complex Status of Peacemaker in the New DCU
The transition from the DCEU to the freshly established DCU entails significant challenges, particularly in reconciling characters that appeared in now non-canon films with the evolving storyline. One prime example is the television series Peacemaker, starring John Cena, whose first season was produced under the DCEU banner but is set to continue within the DCU.
Gunn confirmed that most of Peacemaker’s first season—approximately 95%—will remain canonical within the DCU. The remaining inconsistencies will be addressed in Peacemaker’s upcoming second season, which is slated for release in August. This careful selection reflects the ambition to honor key parts of prior content while streamlining the renewed narrative arc of the DCU under Gunn and Safran.
As Gunn has explained, canon status is ultimately determined by the current DC leadership’s creative decisions, meaning some elements may seem contradictory but will be clarified over time. This strategic approach allows the DCU to move forward while maintaining ties to previous storytelling, gradually solidifying its own identity.
Clarifying Details on Black Adam and Shazam! Fury of the Gods
Black Adam, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, hit theaters on October 21, 2022, with Dwayne Johnson portraying the titular character, Teth Adam. The film also stars Aldis Hodge as Hawkman/Carter Hall. The action-packed feature blends superhero, fantasy, and sci-fi elements, rooted in the DC Universe and helmed by writers including Bill Parker, C.C. Beck, Jerry Siegel, Jack Kirby, Rory Haines, Sohrab Noshirvani, and Adam Sztykiel.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods, released on March 17, 2023, directed by David F. Sandberg, continues the superhero adventure with Zachary Levi returning as Shazam, alongside Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu, and Rachel Zegler. This film combines action, comedy, and fantasy in a narrative that was also created prior to Gunn’s appointment.
Given their place within the failed DCEU continuity, Gunn’s remarks around these films specifically target some creative choices rather than their overall quality or entertainment value. His leadership is steering the DCU away from this fragmented past and toward a unified future while respecting the legacy of its characters and stories.
Future Directions and the Impact on DC Universe Storytelling
The clarification from James Gunn is vital as it signals an intention to carefully rework the DCU’s continuity while respecting fan investment in characters like those showcased in Peacemaker, Black Adam, and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. The process acknowledges previous storylines but prioritizes narrative consistency for the new chapter called Gods and Monsters.
This strategy also demonstrates how Gunn and Peter Safran are navigating complex crossovers and character appearances from older productions, ensuring a cohesive cinematic and television universe moving forward. Fans can expect further explanations and clarifications, particularly through upcoming series seasons and new DCU projects.
As the DCU solidifies its foundation, viewers may notice adjustments that reshape familiar characters and events, but these changes aim to build stronger, more coherent storytelling. The evolving universe promises to blend legacy characters with fresh narratives that fit the vision Gunn and his team are crafting in this new era of superhero entertainment.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer is still significant to him. However, he has also expressed being somewhat opposed to religion.
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. Gunn’s 2025 update of Superman inspired the new CGI version of Krypto the Superdog, taking cues from Ozu. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and says prayer is still important to him. However, he also describes himself as “in some ways, anti-religion.”
