Avoiding Repetition: Why Darkseid is On Hold for the DCU

In a move that signals a deliberate pivot for the nascent DC Universe (DCU), DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn has confirmed that the cosmic tyrant Darkseid will not serve as the overarching “big bad” for the franchise’s initial phase, Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters. Gunn recently outlined his rationale, pointing directly to the character’s perceived similarity to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) Thanos, as well as the groundwork laid by director Zack Snyder in the previous continuity.

Speaking in a recent interview, Gunn provided two major, intertwined reasons for his hesitation to utilize the powerful New God as the primary villain right now:

• The Thanos Comparison: “There are aspects of Darkseid in Thanos, who are obviously very similar. They look very similar,” Gunn stated. The concern is that general audiences, fresh off the decade-long Infinity Saga climax, would view Darkseid’s introduction as a derivative, copycat attempt by DC to replicate the highly successful Thanos formula. Darkseid, a Jack Kirby creation who predates Thanos, may suffer from this unfortunate audience perception, making it difficult for the DCU to establish its own unique, compelling cosmic threat.
• The Zack Snyder Legacy: The second factor is the character’s memorable, albeit brief, appearance in Zack Snyder’s Justice League. Gunn praised the previous take, noting, “Zack did it so cool in his way.” By avoiding a direct, immediate sequel to Snyder’s intended arc, Gunn is able to create necessary separation and define a new, distinct creative identity for the DCU. This move is crucial to prevent the new continuity from being constantly compared or seen as a mere continuation of the former DCEU.

This strategic decision emphasizes Gunn’s commitment to building a fresh, self-contained universe that prioritizes originality for a global audience.

Setting a New Foundation: Who is the Next Big Bad?

The removal of Darkseid from the DCU’s Chapter 1 blueprint raises the immediate question of who will fill the void as the franchise’s ultimate antagonist. The initial slate of films and series, including Superman and the animated show Mister Miracle, hint at a broader, less centralized approach to villainy.

While Gunn has yet to officially announce a singular, overarching Justice League threat, the focus appears to be on:

• Brainiac: There are strong indications that the technologically-advanced villain Brainiac may be positioned as a major contender, especially with his ties to the next Superman film. Brainiac presents a challenge distinct from a physical, cosmic conqueror, focusing instead on intellect and universal order.
• The New Gods Mythology: Gunn has expressed significant enthusiasm for the larger New Gods world, which Darkseid is a part of. Focusing on other characters like Mister Miracle and exploring the intricate political and personal struggles of Apokolips and New Genesis allows the creators to establish the rich, Jack Kirby-created mythos without immediately rushing to the final boss.
• Salvation Run Connection: The ending of Peacemaker Season 2, which involves the Salvation prison dimension, fueled speculation about Darkseid due to its comic book ties. Gunn has clarified that while he is using the concept of a super-villain society, he does not intend to follow the comic book’s Darkseid-centric storyline for this dimension, preferring to explore how a “fed-up government” might handle the metahuman problem.

The Strategic Significance for DC Studios

Gunn’s rationale is being viewed by industry analysts as a smart, calculated move to manage audience expectations and ensure the longevity of the new DCU. The former DCEU was often criticized for prioritizing the major villain payoff over character development, a mistake Gunn is keen to avoid.

This decision to sideline Darkseid for now provides three key strategic benefits for DC Studios:

1. It allows the DCU to build a reputation for telling different kinds of superhero stories, avoiding the perceived “franchise fatigue” of having a universal, all-consuming threat looming over every project.
2. It gives the New Gods mythos the necessary time to be established and appreciated on its own terms, perhaps through projects like Mister Miracle, before the ultimate villain is unleashed.
3. By choosing a villain like Brainiac or another large-scale threat, the DCU can deliver a major cinematic climax that is unique to DC and does not invite the immediate, detrimental comparison to the decade-defining MCU saga.

While the ruler of Apokolips is unlikely to be absent forever—Gunn did say “never say never”—his absence from the opening chapter is a strong indicator that the DCU is committed to carving out its own distinct corner in the crowded superhero film landscape, a task that requires careful navigation around both Marvel’s colossal success and the complicated history of the previous DC cinematic efforts.

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