- James Gunn is avoiding using Darkseid as the DCU's main villain for now to differentiate himself from the Snyderverse and Thanos in Marvel.
- The theory of The Center as a major threat is gaining traction, with possible nods to Dinosaur Island and rumored connections to Man of Tomorrow.
- Lanterns could provide clues through the investigation of Hal Jordan and John Stewart; the fan debate is divided between Black Hand and The Center.
- Darkseid isn't ruled out for the future, but the plan prioritizes building solid foundations; other antagonists, such as Brainiac, are mentioned, but haven't been confirmed.
With the new DCU in full swing and projects like Superman y Peacemaker Moving forward, the big question remains: Who will be the antagonist that connects this first stage? James Gunn has been blunt: Darkseid will not lead the plan in the short term, a decision that opens the door to other less obvious threats.
Far from repeating formulas, the creative approach seeks to chart a different path from the Snyderverse and avoid parallels with Thanos. Among the speculations that resonate, highlights The Centre as a possible background enemyWhile Lanterns y Supergirl could provide key clues about the direction of the new canon.
From central figure in the Snyderverse to strategic absence
In Zack Snyder's vision, Darkseid was set to be the great villain, with an arc of global domination and the corruption of Superman. The expanded Justice League version cemented that approach, with Ray Porter voicing the Apokolips tyrant.
However, internal changes within the franchise cut short that trajectory. With the restructuring of the shared universe, plans that placed Darkseid as the narrative axis were put on hold and the new management preferred to rebuild the project from scratch.
What James Gunn said and why he's not playing now
Gunn has acknowledged the previous work: he believes that Snyder's approach to Darkseid was powerful in its own context. Even so, he prefers not to center the DCU's start on him to avoid immediate comparisons and create his own identity from the first chapter, Gods and Monsters.
The filmmaker has pointed out that resorting to Darkseid would not be the most appropriate, partly because the wake of the Snyderverse is still very present and also by the shadow of Thanos in the popular imagination.
The priority, therefore, is build a solid foundation of characters and conflicts before introducing a full-scale antagonist. The plan focuses on less obvious villains with conceptual nuances, to cement tone and coherence without falling into inevitable comparisons.
The Center: The theory that's gaining traction
Amongst the rumors with more traction appear The Center, an ancient consciousness from the DC universe that perceives humanity as a threat. This approach shifts the conflict to what cosmic and existential, distancing it from the classic intergalactic warlord.
Various theories suggest links to Dinosaur Island and the so-called “Land of Salvation”, elements that could appear in stories like Man of TomorrowIf so, The Center would function as a force of nature, a primal counterweight with philosophical and ecological readings.
Lanterns and Supergirl: Puzzle Clues
Lanterns will place Hal Jordan and John Stewart at the center of an investigation into a mystery that threatens the galaxy. Among the fan community there are Two currents: those who see the hand of Black Hand and the Blackest Night and those who interpret that the breadcrumbs point to The Center.
For its part, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow could contribute emotional and moral dimension to grand narrative, reinforcing this commitment to conflicts with more layers than simple planetary destruction. If the strategy is to dose revelations, both productions would fit together as key pieces.
Other villains on the table, without confirmation
Although the focus is not on Darkseid for now, the board is not empty. Lex Luthor continues to gain presence and its evolution in the new canon will be decisive. At the same time, the option of Brainiac as a rival in a future Superman film, although nothing has been made official.
The common line is clear: settle the universe first, consolidate the heroes and save the bigger cards for when the groundwork is prepared. Bringing in an outright villain too early could unbalance the overall narrative.
With these coordinates, Darkseid will remain in the chamber while the DCU builds its foundation. If he does end up appearing later, it will be in a more robust narrative setting, with his own context that avoids direct comparisons and allows his impact to truly differentiate itself.
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