James Gunn Clears Up DCU Confusion About ‘Black Adam’ and ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ Being Canon — “I Hate It”

The big reboot of the DC Universe has left fans confused about what’s actually part of the new story and what isn’t. Some might think that because actors from the Peacemaker show, Steve Agee and Jennifer Holland, played their characters in 2022’s Black Adam and 2023’s Shazam! Fury of the Gods, those movies must count in the new DC Universe. But that’s not the case.

James Gunn, the creative mind behind the new DCU, made it clear in an interview with Den of Geek: “They’re not canon! I hate it!” He’s not happy about it either.

When you rebuild a whole movie universe, things get messy. But what’s surprising is who Gunn trusts to help sort out this mess.

It’s not Superman, but Peacemaker, the character who has his second season coming out just weeks after the new Superman movie hits theaters. Peacemaker is a funny character who’s all about peace… by any means necessary.

Gunn explained, “There are certain things from the old universe that we refer to in Peacemaker season 2, but until then, they’re not canon. Almost everything from season 1 is canon, but season 2 will explain everything that is or is not canon.”

Before, Gunn said that almost nothing from before the show Creature Commandos counts as canon in the new DC Universe, except for a few parts. He made it clear that only what’s shown in Creature Commandos or anything that comes after it is official.

He gave an example: “Now in Creature Commandos, you’ll hear them talk about things that happened in [The] Suicide Squad or Peacemaker, well then, those things automatically become canon.”

For instance, the character Weasel survived in The Suicide Squad and showed up in Creature Commandos, joining a new team run by Amanda Waller. Gunn also addressed confusion caused by a scene in Peacemaker that showed the old Justice League with Aquaman and Flash. He said those versions belong to the old DC Universe, not the new one.

“The truth is almost all of Peacemaker is canon with the exception of Justice League… which we will kind of deal with in the next season of Peacemaker,” Gunn added.

Regarding the movies, Black Adam received mixed reviews, with critics praising Dwayne Johnson’s performance but criticizing the story and tone for not living up to expectations. Shazam! Fury of the Gods also got mixed reactions, with some enjoying the humor and action, while others found it less engaging than the first Shazam! film.

So, if you’re wondering if these two movies fit in the new DC story, James Gunn’s answer is clear, they don’t. The new DC Universe is starting fresh, and Peacemaker’s upcoming season will help explain what really counts.

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