DC’s Creature Commandos: An Inside Look at the Upcoming Series
On December 5, 2024, Creature Commandos, the first animated series under the new DC Universe (DCU), will make its debut on Max. Helmed by James Gunn, who wrote all seven episodes, this darkly comedic, action-packed series is set to pave the way for future DCU projects. This show is part of Gunn’s overarching vision for the DCU, establishing a shared universe where characters transition seamlessly between animated and live-action formats.
A New Era for DC’s Animated Universe
As the inaugural project of the DCU’s “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters,” Creature Commandos holds significant weight in shaping the future of DC storytelling. Gunn, now co-head of DC Studios with Peter Safran, envisions this series as an “appetizer” for the broader DCU slate. While Creature Commandos is an animated project, Gunn has made it clear that these characters will interact with live-action films and series in future projects.
The Plot and Characters
The premise of Creature Commandos revolves around a covert black ops squad made up of monstrous characters, recruited by Amanda Waller (voiced by Viola Davis) after the events of Peacemaker. The team, also known as Task Force M, includes Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo), Nina Mazursky, Doctor Phosphorus, Eric Frankenstein (David Harbour), the Bride (Indira Varma), G.I. Robot, and Weasel (Sean Gunn). Each episode will focus on different members of this bizarre, motley crew, allowing for a deep dive into their personalities and unique powers.
In terms of tone, Gunn has described Creature Commandos as “dark, humorous, but never goofy.” It will have a “hard R” rating, reflecting its adult themes, similar to other projects Gunn has been involved with, like The Suicide Squad. The show’s style is influenced by classic monster movies, with a macabre twist that blends humor with political commentary.
Bridging Animated and Live-Action Universes
What sets Creature Commandos apart from other animated series is the importance placed on consistency across media. Characters introduced in the animated series will appear in future live-action DCU films and shows, making this a groundbreaking series in terms of character continuity. This is part of Gunn’s broader approach to storytelling, where no character will be constrained to a single medium.
The move to create such cross-medium integration is ambitious and reflects Gunn’s vision for a unified DCU. For instance, characters like Rick Flag Sr. and Amanda Waller will feature in both animated and live-action forms. Gunn’s decision to have the same actors voice and portray these characters in live-action demonstrates his commitment to keeping the DCU cohesive, whether in animation, TV, or film.
Fan Expectations and Competition
Fans are eagerly awaiting Creature Commandos not only for its intriguing plot and characters but also for what it means for the future of the DCU. As the first project from Gunn and Safran’s newly structured DC Studios, this series will give viewers their first taste of the new direction DC is taking post-DC Extended Universe (DCEU). There’s a sense of excitement and curiosity around how the animated characters will fit into the larger DCU, especially given the diverse and unique nature of the team.
However, the series will face tough competition during its release window. In December 2024, Creature Commandos will launch alongside other high-profile shows like Star Wars: Skeleton Crew on Disney+ and Pixar’s Win or Lose.
