John Cena As The Peacemaker, Viola Davis As Amanda Waller & Xolo Maridueña As Blue Beetle Set To Return Confirmed By James Gunn

In a significant twist for DC fans, James Gunn, the visionary director behind the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ series, has confirmed that three familiar faces from the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) are set to make their triumphant return. Gunn, who is now steering the ship for the new DC Universe (DCU), has announced that Xolo Maridueña, Viola Davis, and John Cena will reprise their roles in the upcoming animated series ‘Creature Commandos,’ marking the first project in this exciting new era.

The Trio’s Return: Blue Beetle, Amanda Waller, and Peacemaker

James Gunn took to his personal Threads account to share the electrifying news. Xolo Maridueña is all set to bring back the character of Blue Beetle, Viola Davis will once again grace the screen as the indomitable Amanda Waller, and John Cena will lend his voice to the iconic Peacemaker. This revelation has set the DC fanbase abuzz with anticipation.

A Glimpse into ‘Creature Commandos’

The highly anticipated ‘Creature Commandos’ is slated to be a seven-episode series and serves as the inaugural chapter in Gunn and Peter Safran’s grand vision titled ‘Chapter 1: Gods & Monsters.’ While this chapter introduces the returning characters, it promises to be just the tip of the iceberg. Future installments are expected to unveil iconic DC characters like Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, and many more, albeit in due course.

Viola Davis as Amanda Waller: A Powerhouse Returns

Viola Davis, an acting powerhouse in her own right, has been confirmed to reprise her role as Amanda Waller. Her return had been rumored since the announcement of her own TV show, making her presence in the DCU all the more thrilling. James Gunn himself affirmed that Xolo Maridueña’s Blue Beetle will be the trailblazer for the DCU, adding an extra layer of excitement to this announcement.

The Road to Understanding the DCU

As fans eagerly await the arrival of ‘Creature Commandos,’ some have wondered whether prior knowledge of the DCEU is a prerequisite for enjoying the new DCU. In response to this query, James Gunn, also serving as the DC Studios co-CEO, provided a concise answer: “No, they will not.”

He emphasized that the DCU’s true canon will only begin with ‘Creature Commandos’ and then delve deeper into the universe with ‘Superman: Legacy.’ Gunn acknowledged that the desire to comprehend every detail is innate, but it’s okay to be a bit perplexed about the evolving DCU, given that no one has yet witnessed its full extent.

Breaking Down the Canon

In Gunn’s words, “Nothing is canon until ‘Creature Commandos’ next year – a sort of aperitif to the DCU – and then a deeper dive into the universe with Superman: Legacy after that.” He clarified that while some actors may reprise roles from previous stories and some plot points may align with past DC projects, the true canon only begins with ‘Creature Commandos’ and ‘Superman: Legacy.’

This means that despite the return of Cena, Maridueña, and Davis to their respective DCEU characters, their stories will not be direct continuations of previous films and shows. Consequently, ‘Peacemaker’ Season 1 and 2, ‘Blue Beetle’ (2023), and the ‘Suicide Squad’ films will not be considered part of the DCU’s canon.

What Lies Ahead

DC fans can expect more exciting announcements in the near future, as Gunn hinted, “I’d imagine more news out in the not-too-distant future.” Gunn’s upcoming projects, including ‘Creature Commandos’ and ‘Superman: Legacy,’ are poised to kickstart the DCU in grand fashion.

‘Creature Commandos’ and ‘Superman: Legacy’ – What to Expect

‘Creature Commandos’ is an animated series that explores Amanda Waller’s creation of a black ops team comprising monstrous prisoners. The series boasts a star-studded cast, with Frank Grillo taking on the role of Rick Flag Sr. and David Harbour embodying the character of Eric Frankenstein. While the series lacks a specific release date, ‘Superman: Legacy’ is set to premiere on July 11, 2025. This particular installment will delve into the life of a young Superman as he grapples with his Kryptonian and Kansan heritage.

A Reimagined DC Universe

With James Gunn at the helm, the DCU is undergoing a transformation. Gunn has expressed his intention to explore lesser-known DC characters, breathing new life into them through upcoming projects centered around characters like Booster Gold, The Question, Green Arrow, Azrael, Hawkgirl, Doctor Fate, Mister Miracle, and Plastic Man.

As the DCU evolves, fans can look forward to a fresh perspective and an array of captivating stories that delve into the uncharted territories of the DC universe.

In conclusion, the return of Xolo Maridueña, Viola Davis, and John Cena to their DCEU roles in the new DCU marks an exciting chapter in the world of DC entertainment. With ‘Creature Commandos’ and ‘Superman: Legacy’ on the horizon, DC fans have much to anticipate as James Gunn steers the DCU toward uncharted waters, promising a fresh and exhilarating take on beloved characters.