James Gunn Teases ‘Creature Commandos’ and Future DCU Projects at NYCC

A New, Darker Animated Series Sets the Tone for DC’s Expanding Universe

James Gunn and the cast of Creature Commandos made a grand entrance at New York Comic Con, unveiling exciting details about the upcoming Max animated series. During a packed panel, Gunn and his creative team promised fans a unique entry into the DC Universe, one that would stand apart from previous DC efforts. “This is beyond what any of us expected,” Gunn teased, emphasizing the project’s distinct tone and narrative.

A Standalone Yet Connected Universe

Gunn, joined by executive producer Dean Lorey and voice talents including Frank Grillo (Rick Flag Sr.), David Harbour (Frankenstein), and Maria Bakalova (Princess Ilana), confirmed that Creature Commandos will be “its own thing,” even as it links to DC’s interconnected universe. “Every project will have its own aesthetic,” Gunn explained. “This will be nothing like Superman: Legacy or Lanterns.” Lorey described the series’ visual palette as “dark and Eastern European,” with a grounded but stylish approach that distinguishes it from DC’s comedic offerings like Harley Quinn.

A Love for Monsters and Unconventional Heroes

Gunn revealed that the project had already been in development when he took over as co-CEO of DC Studios. “I love monsters and the stories of Frankenstein and the Bride,” he shared. “It just felt like the right project, and I wrote the scripts before I even had a deal.”

Voice cast members hinted at their characters’ complexities. Alan Tudyk, who voices Dr. Phosphorus, promised gripping origin stories. “Some of it is terrifying,” Tudyk said. “These characters will make you laugh, shock you, and horrify you all in the same breath.” Grillo also teased that the series won’t shy away from mature themes: “Maria and I have a very steamy scene—traumatizing if you’re watching with a 16-year-old son.”

The creators emphasized that while the series explores dark themes, it still treats its relationships with seriousness. “It’s adult, it’s raw, and characters die—sometimes without purpose,” Gunn said, comparing it to Guardians of the Galaxy but without the sentimentality. “This story is darker, and not every ending is a happy one.” Lorey added that the show balances humor with emotional weight: “Deaths are felt, relationships matter, and nothing is played for cheap laughs.”

Bringing Animated Characters to Life in the DCU

Gunn revealed that several Creature Commandos characters might transition to live action. “We cast actors who could perform these roles in both mediums,” Gunn explained, hinting that Rick Flag Sr. will appear in Superman: Legacy and Peacemaker season two. He also confirmed that Amanda Waller, voiced again by Viola Davis, will play a critical role in the series.

The panel concluded with a preview of the show’s format: “The first episode brings the team together, but subsequent episodes dive into individual backstories,” Gunn explained. “Some characters turn out to be better—or worse—than they initially seem.”

Updates on Other DC Projects

Gunn shared progress on upcoming DCU projects, including:

Peacemaker Season 2: John Cena has grown immensely as an actor, Gunn said, with Greg Mottola directing standout episodes.
Superman: Legacy: Gunn praised David Corenswet’s portrayal and teased the inclusion of Krypto, promising a trailer soon.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow: The film will bring a fresh take on the superhero genre, based on Tom King’s comic.
Lanterns: Gunn described the Green Lanterns series as a grounded and unprecedented take on the iconic characters, with Aaron Pierre’s casting as John Stewart hailed as a perfect choice.
With Creature Commandos set to break new ground, the panel left fans buzzing with excitement about the future of the DC Universe. “This series is for everyone,” Gunn emphasized. “Whether you’ve seen every DC project or are jumping in fresh, this story will pull you in and keep you hooked.”