2021’s The Suicide Squad Is the First Canon DC Universe Movie, James Gunn Officially Changes Continuity
A new starting point
Gunn confirmed the film’s status during a podcast called “The Suicide Squad: Is It Canon?” He hosted the discussion with Jennifer Holland and Steve Agee, who also appear in the film. The confirmation makes the 2021 movie the first released film considered part of the new DCU. Superman, starring David Corenswet, had previously been described as the franchise’s film starting point.
From reboot to continuity
Gunn said The Suicide Squad and the first season of Peacemaker were initially developed as part of the DCEU. After the franchise reboot, he began again with Creature Commandos season one and the 2025 Superman film.
The new DCU also includes separate Elseworlds stories. Gunn cited Matt Reeves’ Batman universe, described as a grounded crime story, as an example of a project outside the main continuity.
One unresolved exception
On the podcast, Holland said she saw little reason to exclude the whole film, while Agee pointed to its references in current DCU projects. Gunn agreed that almost all of it could be treated as canon, but identified Harley Quinn’s future as a remaining uncertainty.
Gunn said he was open to fans raising continuity questions on Threads and acknowledged that inconsistencies could arise across films. He also said The Suicide Squad fits the canon more easily than Peacemaker’s first season.
Other continuity questions
The article places DC’s canon debate alongside questions about Marvel characters and stories made before the Marvel Cinematic Universe began. It notes uncertainty around connections involving Sony’s Spider-Man films, Netflix’s Defenders saga and ABC’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
For The Suicide Squad, the article points to questions about Harley Quinn’s past and future, as well as Bloodsport’s imprisonment after shooting an unspecified Superman with a Kryptonite bullet. Gunn also addressed questions about the DCU timeline and said fans examining it should relax.
Key points
- The Suicide Squad is now the earliest-released film in the DCU canon.
- Gunn said Harley Quinn’s future remains uncertain.
- Gunn considers the film’s continuity easier to fit than Peacemaker season one.
- Creature Commandos season one and Superman were part of Gunn’s rebooted launch plan.