1 Year Later, DC Fans Think They’ve Figured Out How the DCU’s Most Mysterious Project Fits Into the Franchise

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James Gunn, the head of the DC Universe, is known for quickly addressing rumors online, even when they aren’t positive. While he can’t respond to every piece of speculation, recent weeks have been filled with theories after the finale of Peacemaker Season 2 hinted at the Salvation Run comic storyline – a plot where a group of villains are stranded and forced to fight for survival on a faraway planet.

Christopher Smith, also known as Peacemaker, was the first person sent to the DC Universe’s version of Salvation as part of Rick Flag Sr.’s plan for revenge. However, Lex Luthor is manipulating Flag, controlling him like a puppet, and intends to send others there as well. Fans are now curious about who else Luthor is targeting. Clayface is a likely candidate, as he’s scheduled to star in his own movie in 2026, but there are two more villains who could end up in the same situation.

Just over a year ago, industry publications reported that the writer of Captain America: Brave New World, Matthew Orton, was developing a movie script teaming up the villains Deathstroke and Bane. Initially, this pairing seemed odd, as the two characters don’t share much of a connection aside from both being enemies of Batman. However, with recent developments in the DC Universe, fans now think they understand what could unite these villains in a film.

Do you think this takes place on Salvation

— Jack (-_•) (@captaincupkicks) October 24, 2025

The Bane and Deathstroke Movie Could Take Place on Salvation

A major appeal of the Salvation Run storyline is seeing famous DC villains forced to work together, despite their usual hatred for each other. They have to put aside their differences to fight a common enemy: the Parademons. While the new DC Universe (DCU) probably won’t copy this team-up right away—James Gunn has said it’s too soon to focus on Darkseid and the New Gods—there are plenty of other villains in DC Comics who could create a similar situation, leading to surprising alliances.

Introducing Deathstroke and Bane in a standalone film set on Salvation would be a great way to move them beyond being defined by their connections to Batman. Giving them their own stories first – letting them establish themselves as threats – would be beneficial before potentially crossing paths with other heroes. For Deathstroke, a film could finally explore his rivalry with the Teen Titans, a part of his character that hasn’t been properly adapted outside of the Titans TV show.

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2025-10-25 17:10