James Gunn Rules Out Darkseid as DCU's Main Villain (For Now)

DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn just dropped a major bombshell, confirming that the legendary cosmic tyrant Darkseid isn't in his plans to be the DC Universe's overarching "big bad" for its initial saga.

TL;DR

James Gunn confirmed Darkseid won't be the main villain for the new DCU's first major arc.
His reasons include wanting to avoid comparisons to Zack Snyder's take and Marvel's Thanos.
Fan theories about Darkseid's return after the Peacemaker Season 2 finale have been debunked.
Brainiac is strongly hinted to be the next major threat, appearing in 2027's Man of Tomorrow.

Alright, DC fans, let's talk about the big bad. When James Gunn took the reins at DC Studios, everyone immediately started speculating: who would be the ultimate villain for this fresh new DC Universe? For many, one name always came to mind: Darkseid. He's the Justice League's quintessential final boss, a cosmic tyrant set to unite Earth’s heroes.

Well, get ready for a plot twist, because James Gunn himself has pretty much ruled out Darkseid as the "big bad" for the DCU's initial phase. He spilled the beans in recent interviews with YouTube channels like New Rockstars and ScreenCrush, and his reasoning is pretty candid and, honestly, makes a lot of sense.

Why Darkseid Won't Be the Ultimate DCU Threat Right Now

Gunn gave two main reasons why the Lord of Apokolips won't be the overarching villain for the DCU's first major saga. It's not that he dislikes the character (he even acknowledged Jack Kirby's fascinating Fourth World creation, which includes Darkseid and Mister Miracle, who's getting his own animated series). Instead, it’s about creating something fresh and distinct.

James Gunn on Darkseid:

"Using Darkseid as the big bad now is not necessarily the thing... because for a lot of reasons. Zack [Snyder] did it so cool in his way and because of Thanos and Marvel."

— James Gunn, DC Studios Co-CEO and Superman director

Let's break down those two reasons:

Zack Snyder "Did It So Cool in His Way": Gunn acknowledged that Zack Snyder already featured Darkseid in his unique vision for the DCEU, especially in Zack Snyder's Justice League. While that universe didn't fully realize its Darkseid storyline, the character made a memorable appearance. Gunn seems keen on giving his new DCU its own identity rather than immediately revisiting a villain already prominent in a recent, albeit separate, DC cinematic iteration. It’s about not retreading familiar ground so soon after.
Comparisons to Marvel's Thanos: This is a big one. Gunn pointed out the obvious similarities between Darkseid and Marvel's Thanos, not just in their cosmic tyrant roles but also visually ("massive all-powerful bald guy," as one article put it). Thanos dominated pop culture for a decade as the MCU's ultimate antagonist, culminating in Avengers: Endgame. Introducing a very similar character as the main "big bad" for the new DCU might feel too derivative or competitive, and Gunn wants to ensure his universe stands on its own merits. He wants to avoid the new DCU feeling like a "copycatting of cosmic villains."

Debunking the Peacemaker Season 2 Finale Theories

For a while there, fans thought they had it all figured out. The finale of Peacemaker Season 2 (streaming on HBO Max) introduced a mysterious prison planet called Salvation, where metahumans are sent. In the comics, this planet has direct ties to Darkseid's domain, often serving as a training ground for his Parademon forces in storylines like Salvation Run.

Naturally, this led to rampant speculation that Darkseid was on the horizon for the DCU. However, Gunn quickly shot down these theories. He clarified that while he "liked the idea of supervillains building a society in this other dimension" and the "practical way" Amanda Waller and Rick Flag Jr. were dealing with continuously escaping metahumans, he's only leveraging the concept of Salvation. Don't expect a direct comic adaptation leading straight to Darkseid's doorstep from this storyline.

So, If Not Darkseid, Who Will Be the DCU's Overarching Threat?

This is the million-dollar question, isn't it? With Darkseid off the table for now, the door is wide open for other formidable villains to take center stage. And we might already have a strong hint for the next major foe.

Brainiac is a Leading Candidate for the Next Major Antagonist

Gunn has strongly hinted that Brainiac will be a central antagonist in the upcoming Man of Tomorrow, the 2027 Superman film that Gunn is writing and directing. He posted an image of the script cover featuring a human brain, which, he admitted, was not an accidental tease. The film is described as a "Superman and Lex [Luthor] vs. a bigger threat" story, and Brainiac perfectly fits that bill.

Brainiac, a super-intelligent synthetic human with powers like flight, superhuman strength, and telepathy, is one of DC's most powerful villains. His introduction would make perfect sense for a film where Superman and his bitter rival Lex Luthor are forced to set aside their differences (temporarily!) to combat a shared, universe-level threat. This would offer a fresh, intellectually-driven challenge rather than just another cosmic brawler.

Other Formidable Villains Who Could Challenge the Justice League

The DC Universe has a deep bench of villains capable of headlining a multi-chapter saga. Some other names that have been floated as potential "big bads" or major threats include:

Anti-Monitor: Often cited as one of the most logical options for an ultimate crisis event.
Mongul: The ruthless ruler of Warworld, a galactic tyrant who can challenge Superman in single combat. An invasion led by Mongul would force the League to confront an overwhelming military force.
Amazo: An android capable of replicating the powers of any metahuman it encounters, making it a terrifying "one-android army" that could turn the League's strengths against them.
Black Hand: Especially with the Lanterns TV series confirmed as a cornerstone of the new DCU, Black Hand, the avatar of death, could naturally lead to a live-action adaptation of the iconic Blackest Night storyline.
Vandal Savage: An immortal, brilliant tactician who has manipulated humanity for over 50,000 years. His insidious, deeply rooted plans for world domination could be a long-term, more grounded threat.
Trigon, Perpetua, Doomsday, Parallax, Lucifer Morningstar: Other powerful entities from DC lore that could serve as major antagonists.

Gunn has a reputation for pulling unexpected characters into his projects and taking non-traditional paths, so it's exciting to imagine who he might elevate to "big bad" status.

Beyond Darkseid: What Else Is Coming in the DCU?

While the "big bad" question is always a hot topic, Gunn's DCU is a vast undertaking with many projects already in various stages of development. Here’s a quick look at what we know:

Superman (film): The movie that launched the new DCU this summer, establishing a fresh origin for the Man of Steel.
Man of Tomorrow (film): The 2027 follow-up to Superman, expected to feature Brainiac as the major threat.
Supergirl (film): Slated for 2026.
Clayface movie (film): Also set for 2026.
Mister Miracle (adult animated series): Based on the Tom King and Mitch Gerads comic series, Gunn has the script for the pilot, indicating movement on this project.
Lanterns (TV show): Confirmed as a cornerstone series.
Creature Commandos Season 1 (animated series): The first adult animated series from Warner Bros. Animation and DC Studios.
Other Animated Series: Starfire!, My Adventures with Green Lantern, and DC Super Powers have also been greenlit.
Peacemaker Season 2: While no Season 3 is planned right now, the ending sets up Peacemaker (John Cena) for a "broader role" in the wider DCU, emphasizing his importance as a character Gunn aims to turn into a "diamond property."

It's important to remember that Matt Reeves's The Batman 2 (due October 1, 2027) is part of a separate 'Batman Epic Crime Saga' and not directly tied to Gunn's main DCU continuity.

Gunn's Vision: A Fresh Take for the Fandom

Gunn's decision to sideline Darkseid for now highlights his commitment to giving audiences something genuinely new and different. He understands that superhero movie fans are looking for fresh stories and unique challenges, especially after years of interconnected universes. By charting a course away from what's already been done (both in Snyder's DCEU and the MCU), he's aiming to deliver a franchise that feels original, exciting, and capable of surprising even the most die-hard comic book fans.

It's a bold move, but one that could pay off by making the DCU truly stand out. We're certainly looking forward to whatever "surprising shift in direction" Gunn has in store for the next decade of DC storytelling!

Frequently Asked Questions About the DCU's Villain Plans

James Gunn Reveals Why Darkseid Won't Be the DCU's Ultimate Villain (For Now) image 3

When will James Gunn's Superman movie be released? The Superman movie, directed by James Gunn, launched the new DCU this summer. Its follow-up, Man of Tomorrow, is scheduled for 2027. Where can I watch Peacemaker Season 2? Peacemaker Season 2 is currently streaming on HBO Max. Its finale is what sparked much of the Darkseid speculation. Is Darkseid completely off the table for the DCU forever? Not necessarily "forever." Gunn's comments indicate he's not the "big bad right now." The DC bench is deep, and the universe is vast; Darkseid could potentially appear in a different capacity or much further down the line, but not as the immediate overarching threat. What other major DCU projects are in the works? Besides Man of Tomorrow, upcoming projects include the Supergirl film (2026), a Clayface movie (2026), and the Lanterns TV show, among several animated series like Mister Miracle.