Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Creature Commandos episode 6.The newDC Universestarted with James Gunn’sCreature Commandos, and the latest episode of the animated series serves as the perfect example of what the franchise’s R-rated movies could look like. In January 2023, Gunn announced the first fewmovies and series in the DCU’s Chapter One. At the time, the director claimed that the ten projects consisted of less than half of the slate for the first chapter of the new franchise. Since then,DC has greenlit new projectsthat had not been announced then, with more rumored to be happening.
Many projects, such as the reported Deathstroke and Bane movie or the officially announcedThe Authorityfilm, seem perfect for an R rating. While the Marvel Cinematic Universe took quite some time to get to its first mature projects, Gunn’s DCU is already focused on that angle from the start.Creature Commandos,the DCU’s first project, is a TV-MA animated series that does not shy away from violence, gore, and dark themes. With James Gunn confirming toColliderthatmultiple R-rated projects are in the works for the DCU, the franchise’s first release shows how that could work.
Creature Commandos Has Made The Prospect of R-Rated DCU Movies Look Even More Promising
James Gunn’s First DCU Project Is A Great Success
James Gunn wrote all ofCreature Commandosseason 1’s seven episodes, ensuring that his creative vision for the DCU can be felt from the start of the franchise. I think that was the perfect choice, as the series makes the most out of its TV-MA rating to show that the new DC can offer great variety for fans, especially since Gunn himself goes from this violent series intoDavid Corenswet’s Supermandebut later this year.Creature Commandos' action scenes are some of the most dynamic in DC adaptations, with the show approaching emotional stories and character development equally well.
Creature Commandos was renewed for season 2 before the first season even ended.
I believe thatCreature Commandosis the ideal example of what the DCU’s planned R-rated movies should aim for, both tone and action-wise.Creature Commandosepisode 6 cemented that for me, as the show’s latest entry was incredibly dark and violent. In terms of action, the animated series went all out, with Doctor Phosphorus melting people’s faces and body parts whileThe Bride tore a man’s heart out of his bodyand crushed it as he watched and died. Those moments are pretty intense, and with Phosphorus' family being murdered and his revenge arc, they make for a dark episode.
James Gunn’s Movie History Means R-Rated DC Universe Movies Could Be Something Special
The Director Understands The Darker Tone Since Before His DC Days
WhileCreature Commandosand the DCEU’sPeacemakerseason 1 are great examples of James Gunn’s expertise with TV-MA storytelling, it runs deeper. Gunn’s movie history features multiple instances where the director brought to life engaging characters and stories within an R-rated setting. Before his latest DC entries,Gunn made his start in the franchise through 2021’sThe Suicide Squad. While the film had a lot of humor, it was a violent affair, with plenty of bloody deaths as members of the titular team and other characters died along the way. Gore and mature themes filled the film.
What Is The DCU’s Endgame? What James Gunn’s Story Should Lead To
Based on the projects announced for James Gunn’s new DC Universe, there are exciting options for the DCU’s endgame with major characters involved.
However, Gunn’s R-rated movie experience goes beyond his DC work. Gunn wrote and directed the 2006 horror movieSlither. The film featured a lot of hilarious and gruesome deaths in the style Gunn has now become known for with his work at DC.Slitheralso brought a horror aspect to Gunn’s R-rated filmmaking, showing how he can build tension around dark themes pretty well. Described by many asthe closest to an evil Superman origin storyin theaters, Gunn was a producer onBrightburn. The movie is another great example of Gunn’s eye for impactful and dark R-rated stories.
The DC Universe Having R-Rated Movies Early Could Be Exactly What It Needs
The Franchise Should Be Different From The MCU & The DCEU
James Gunn has enough experience with both superhero projects and R-rated fare to know what works best. As such, I find his approach to the start of the DCU not only refreshing but also necessary to set the franchise apart from what came before. Not all DCU projects should be PG-13 like most superhero movies are, and that is a good thing.Certain characters demand an R ratingdue to their darker stories or the level of violence that comes from their action scenes. Gunn understands that, which is why every DC project will have the rating that fits it best.
The MCU only started having more mature projects, both in movies and TV, in 2024.
This makes the DCU different from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the old DCEU from the go. The MCU only started having more mature projects, both in movies and TV, in 2024. As for the DCEU, its more mature fare mostly came from Gunn’sThe Suicide SquadandPeacemakerseason 1. By starting the franchise not only with a TV-MA series but an animated one, Gunn shows thatthere will be a plurality of tones in the DCU. Fans of more violent projects likeThe Boysor mature storytelling likeGame of Thronesshould be excited about the newDCU.
Creature Commandos
Cast
Creature Commandos follows the exploits of a secret team of incarcerated monsters recruited for perilous missions unsuitable for humans. Released in December 2024, the film explores themes of redemption and collaboration as the monstrous squad is tasked with handling threats that present dire challenges beyond human capability.
