THE DC Universe There’s a month to go until the debut of the story that DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn called “the saddest thing I’ve ever written in my life” – and based on his career, it sets a high bar for what’s to come. With DC Universe’s slate of releases about to start hitting screens, the first projects scheduled to debut have a crucial place in securing the success and stability of the new era of DC’s cinematic history While much of what’s in store is still unclear for the DCU, much of its initial slate has been confirmed and is expected to arrive starting in late 2024.
The current focus has naturally been on 2025 Superman film, which will be the first DCU film to be released, and marks a key point for the franchise as David Corenswet takes on the role of the Man of Steel, setting the tone in a major way for everything to come. That being said, there are plenty of other DCU releases announced that are sure to have a significant impact on the franchise, with other films like the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow movies and programs like Flashlights and Creature Commands all ready to flesh out more characters and provide more details about the new universe.
James Gunn has spoken at length about these upcoming projects, providing a number of noteworthy details about a number of installments. This included a promising, if somewhat chilling, statement that one of the DCU’s earliest releases contains the saddest thing Gunn has ever written. Based on this comment and the project’s timing in terms of release, it appears that a moving story is lurking when many viewers least expect it – something that will certainly make it even more potent for those it catches by surprise.
James Gunn Created a DC Universe Script So Sader Than Anything He’s Written Before
Gunn says his saddest script is on the way
At New York Comic-Con 2024, James Gunn shed more light on what to expect from the upcoming DC Universe and its first releases. Appearing alongside the Creature Commands cast, Gunn discussed where the DCU Superman the film was released in October and gave audiences a new look at the first DCU series through a Creature Commands trailer, which was also released online on YouTube on the same day, ensuring viewers could get a closer look at what the series – releasing weekly between December 2024 and January 2025 – will be like.
Interestingly, when talking about the upcoming DCU show, Gunn mentioned that Creature Commands episode 4 was “the saddest thing I’ve ever written in my entire life. It’s really moving.“ Considering how many deeply sad and emotional moments can be found throughout James Gunn’s work, this sets an important tone for the imminent release – especially since the series’ weekly release order means that episode 4 will be released on December 26th, putting -it squarely in the holiday season and during a time when many other releases are conventionally bright and cheerful.
James Gunn’s Previous Scripts Suggest Creature Commandos Episode 4 Will Be Emotionally Devastating
James Gunn’s MCU and DC Releases Set a High Bar for Sad Moments
Those familiar with James Gunn’s scripts – particularly around the superhero genre – may already have a sense of impending emotional devastation regarding what’s to come. Creature Commands episode 4 based on the DCU co-CEO’s own description of his upcoming job. Gunn’s most recent previous script was for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3who is praised and famous for his adaptation of the story of Rocket Raccoon and the emotional blows that his mistreatment and the death of all his childhood friends bring for the story.
However, this is by far not the only time that Gunn has managed to deliver a story that is both engaging and emotionally turbulent. The previous Guardians of the Galaxy films have provided their fair share of heartbreaking moments, with scenes like Star-Lord discovering his father was responsible for his mother’s death shortly after reuniting with him or Groot’s death (and a return of sorts) ensuring The franchise is no stranger to playing with the audience’s feelings.
Likewise, Gunn’s previous DC outings also have their own deeply emotional moments that make their points about Creature Commands even more powerful. Peacemaker explores how the titular character was deeply harmed by his upbringing at the hands of his hateful father, adding a tragic vein to the comedy-leaning series, and The Suicide Squad is also careful to ensure that the stories of its cast are drenched in tragedy and blood throughout the film – particularly when it comes to David Dastmalchian’s Polka-Dot Man.
What Could Make Creature Commandos Episode 4 the Saddest Thing James Gunn Has Ever Written
The Creature Commandos Setting Already Teases More Than One Way Episode 4 Could Be So Sad
It has been confirmed that the DCU will retain a central event from a previous DC film – namely Rick Flag Jr’s death at the hands of Peacemaker at the end of The Suicide Squad. With the fact that Creature Commands‘the cast has Frank Grillo playing Rick Flag Sr. in mind, it’s very possible that’saddest thing” Gunn has already written is the part of this show that addresses the plot, such as the story of a man who survived his son due to his murder is certainly the subject of an intensely sad narrative at all levels.
That said, it’s also possible that this is a reference to the stories of the rest of Creature Commands themselves. Amanda Waller mentions in Creature Commands trailer that the group was chosen because Congress said it could not use human prisoners in its plans – but that the characters are not considered human in the same wayand therefore can be used for these missions. This setup makes the prospect of some tragic things happening to the group, whatever is in store for them, seem very possible, which means there is more than one way in which the DC Universe the series could achieve this feat.
Upcoming DC film releases