Creature Commandos to kick off the DCU: First trailer and new era of DC Studios

DC Comics fans can officially mark their calendars: James Gunn and Peter Safran’s revamped DC Universe (DCU) is launching this December. As confirmed by Max, Creature Commandos, the animated series that will serve as the starting point for this new DCU, will premiere on Thursday, Dec. 5. The seven-episode first season will drop weekly through Jan. 16, 2024, setting the stage for a new era of interconnected DC stories.

The debut trailer for Creature Commandos offers a glimpse into Gunn’s signature style, blending humor, action, and eccentric characters. The series, described as following a covert team of incarcerated monsters enlisted for high-risk missions, promises a wild mix of personalities and dynamics. The Commandos lineup includes voice talents like Steve Agee (reprising his role as John Economos from Peacemaker), Maria Bakalova as Princess Ilana, and Sean Gunn pulling double duty as G.I. Robot and Weasel. The series brings together a unique roster of characters, including David Harbour as Frankenstein and Indira Varma as the Bride of Frankenstein, who is expected to take a central role in the team.

Fans were treated to their first look at the Creature Commandos trailer, and the initial reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. The art style and animation quality stand out, with a distinct, bold visual approach that feels modern yet pays homage to classic comic aesthetics. The action sequences appear dynamic, and the voice acting, especially from seasoned actors like Harbour and Varma, promises strong character performances. Gunn’s knack for character interactions and team dynamics, a hallmark of his work in Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, seems to be on full display here.

One of the key takeaways from the trailer is the exploration of character backstories, particularly focusing on the Bride of Frankenstein. Her origin story hints at the possibility of delving into the backgrounds of other team members, which would be an exciting addition for fans wanting deeper context on these lesser-known DC characters.

During San Diego Comic-Con earlier this year, Gunn and Safran unveiled the new DC Studios logo, signaling a fresh start for the franchise while drawing from its storied past. The new logo is a reimagining of DC’s classic “bullet” logo, which was prominently used from 1977 to 2005. This nostalgic callback has been embraced by fans who feel it perfectly captures the iconic legacy of DC Comics.

The DCU’s logo also plays into the short, dynamic intros that will appear ahead of every DC Studios project. The trailer for Creature Commandos reveals this new intro, beginning with a classic image of Superman from his debut comic before transitioning into the updated logo. While some fans have compared this intro to Marvel Studios’ now-iconic opening sequence, Gunn has hinted that this initial version will likely evolve over time to include more heroes and deeper elements of the DCU.

Though Creature Commandos may not be the most anticipated title in the upcoming slate, it serves an essential role as a soft launch for the DCU. The series is designed to establish continuity between the DCU’s animated and live-action properties, with characters like Rick Flag Sr. (voiced by Frank Grillo) making the jump between media. Grillo will also appear as Flag in future projects, including Peacemaker Season 2, cementing the interconnected nature of Gunn and Safran’s DCU vision.

This new approach to continuity marks a significant shift from previous DC film and TV universes. Gunn and Safran have emphasized that certain events from Peacemaker and The Suicide Squad will carry over into the DCU, albeit with some “loose cannon” adjustments. Characters will retain their original designs and actors, maintaining consistency across both animation and live-action.

While Creature Commandos sets the stage for the DCU, fans are eagerly awaiting other major projects, notably Gunn’s Superman: Legacy, which is scheduled to hit theaters on July 11, 2025. In the meantime, Peacemaker Season 2 and the live-action Waller series remain in development, with Waller expected to tie together the consequences of Amanda Waller’s actions in Peacemaker and her ongoing schemes in the DCU.

As for Creature Commandos, its unique mix of humor, action, and monstrous characters is poised to offer a fun, offbeat entry point into Gunn and Safran’s DCU. It also serves as a bold statement that the DCU will embrace a wide variety of tones and styles, giving fans plenty to look forward to as this new universe begins to unfold.

Creature Commandos premieres December 5 on Max. Buckle up for the start of a new DC era.