Summary
- James Gunn hinted at a mystery character in the DCU that will connect the arc of the franchise.
- Speculation points to Nathan Fillion's Guy Gardner as the character Gunn teased.
- Guy Gardner and Booster Gold could be crucial to the DCU's future, potentially leading to Infinite Crisis.
James Gunn has teased a secret character that connects the entire early DC Universe, and fans think they know exactly who it is and where the franchise could be headed. Gunn has teased significant plans for the DCU, with Superman being the first of their feature film slate. Other upcoming DCU projects include the Lanterns series, a Clayface movie expected to start production soon, two different versions of Batman, and a Supergirl film set to hit theaters in 2026.
However, as Gunn's plans begin rolling out, the press for Superman has seen the director tease a plan for the DCU that will be a big payoff for fans. The DCU's story is also seemingly connected by a single character's arc, which has many fans speculating on what the future may hold. Some believe they have sussed out the truth behind some of Gunn's secrets, and it could point toward a major DC Comics event.
James Gunn's Superman Movie Proves One Character Needs Their Own Game, But It's Not the Man of Steel
DC Comics' latest Superman film features many fan-favorite heroes, villains, and other characters but only one deserves their own solo game
James Gunn Teased A Secret Character Connecting The DCU That Audiences Have Already Seen
Hint: It's Probably Not Superman
While doing press for Superman, Gunn was jokingly asked about Krypto's future in the franchise, with speculation on a connection across projects. The director told Screen Rant, "I do know whose story it is. And it probably isn't anyone anyone would ever expect." While that alone is a big tease about what the future of the DCU may hold, the director confirmed that the character is someone audiences have already seen, and he expanded with further details, stating:
And it's not what anyone thinks. It's not what anyone would guess. But I think that if people watch the next season of Peacemaker, they'll see where a lot of these things are going, and have a little bit more of a sense of maybe what can happen.
Peacemaker season 2 may yet have details that lay further DCU groundwork, proving the show more important than some may think. However, with what fans have already seen of Peacemaker season 2, what Superman has shown, and the announced future projects on the DCU's film and TV slate, some think they may know exactly who Gunn is pointing toward.
A Fan Theory Points To Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner As The Character Gunn Teased In The DCU
Fillion And Gunn Are Close Friends
Nathan Fillion's Guy Gardner is already proving to be a big part of James Gunn's DCU plans. The character first appeared in Superman, as part of the Justice Gang alongside Hawkgirl and Mr. Terrific. The Justice Gang also sets up bigger things for the DCU, as they are funded by Maxwell Lord, a prominent figure who was also introduced in Superman. The trailer for Peacemaker season 2 has also shown Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, and Maxwell Lord as part of the new batch of episodes. Fillion has even filmed scenes for the upcoming Lanterns TV series, continuing to add Guy Gardner to the storyline of the current DCU.
While Guy Gardner's next appearances are not yet known, there are numerous places for him to return, and if the theory proves true, he could be more important than some realize. Given that the DCU has already introduced characters who have had a profound impact on DC Comics, there are several places Guy could reappear. Even future plans for Batman could feature Guy Gardner, as he was featured in the animated Brave and the Bold series alongside the Caped Crusader. However, of all the current projects being developed by DC Studios, the one that may have the most significant impact, and could feature Guy Gardner, is Booster Gold.
Guy Gardner and Booster Gold Could Be Pointing Toward The DCU's Future
A Major Comic Book-Like Crossover Might Be Coming
A Booster Gold series is currently in development for the DCU, and it could be the most important show for setting up the franchise's future for several reasons. It could easily continue Guy Gardner's run of appearances, as he and Booster are friends. Their relationship often stems from a boisterous and competitive nature, but proves endearing, especially when events surrounding Blue Beetle rock Booster to his core.
In the comics, Booster Gold and Ted Kord's Blue Beetle are good friends, which makes things all the worse when Ted Kord dies. This spurs one of the most emotionally devastating times in Booster's life. Booster is haunted by Ted's death, which was at the hands of Maxwell Lord, a character already in the DCU. These events also occur before the events of Infinite Crisis.
Therefore, if the fan theory does turn out to be correct, Guy Gardner and Booster Gold could lead the DCU into Infinite Crisis, which sees the Justice League disbanded after internal conflict has left Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman estranged. The story of Infinite Crisis features Booster Gold, who eventually joins the fight alongside Batman and others, with the multiversal tale featuring many big DC characters, like Lex Luthor and Conner Kent's Superboy.
While James Gunn is keeping his big event plans well under wraps for now, the DCU may be setting the stage for one of DC Comics' most notorious events. Beyond the impactful events that will lead audiences to Infinite Crisis, like allowing Sean Gunn as Maxwell Lord to get his moment in Ted Kord's fate, the DCU could be getting to tell some of the best superhero stories in film and TV.