James Gunn Just Debunked a Major DCU Fan Theory About Salvation

by

Wow, the finale of Peacemaker Season 2 really threw a curveball into the DC Universe! They introduced this place called Salvation – basically, it’s an alien planet ARGUS is now using as a super-villain prison. The last scene was wild – Peacemaker himself becomes the first prisoner stuck there, and you can hear these creepy creatures howling in the background. Everyone immediately started thinking those creatures were parademons, and that this was all leading up to Darkseid showing up – which makes sense, because in the comics, Darkseid’s right-hand man, DeSaad, actually uses Salvation to train those parademons. It was a really cool theory, but apparently James Gunn and the team aren’t planning on bringing Darkseid into the mix just yet.

In an interview with New Rockstars, James Gunn was asked if the introduction of Darkseid in Salvation meant he was planned for a larger role in the DC Universe. Gunn explained that using Darkseid as the main villain right now isn’t necessarily the right approach, citing Zack Snyder’s previous portrayal and the impact of Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as reasons why.

What James Gunn’s Comments Mean for the DCU’s Salvation

While the idea of Darkseid appearing in the new DC Universe seemed likely based on the comics, it’s probably a good thing James Gunn isn’t introducing him right away. The DCU is just starting and trying to establish its own unique identity as a shared universe. Gunn wants to avoid immediately drawing comparisons to the previous DC movies or Marvel’s successful Avengers storyline. The goal is for the DCU to be different and forge its own path, rather than simply copying what others have done. Darkseid might eventually appear, but it won’t be for quite some time—Gunn wants to give audiences some distance from Zack Snyder’s Justice League and the Infinity Saga first.

The upcoming DC Universe (DCU) won’t directly recreate the Salvation Run comic book storyline – meaning we won’t see a supervillain civil war with Lex Luthor and the Joker as opposing leaders. However, James Gunn, the DCU’s co-CEO, has expressed interest in the idea of Salvation as a prison for metahumans. It sounds like he plans to use some of its concepts as inspiration for a new, original story. While he didn’t reveal many details, Salvation will be central to the Man of Tomorrow film, which focuses on the growing tension between the U.S. government and people with superpowers. One interesting plot point will likely involve Lex Luthor collaborating with Rick Flag Sr. And once Superman discovers the existence of Salvation, he’s sure to confront the organization running it, ARGUS.

Regarding the upcoming Superman film, director James Gunn has clarified that the major threat bringing Superman and Lex Luthor together won’t be Darkseid’s invading army. While some fans predicted a parademon invasion would force the heroes to team up, it seems a different villain will be the cause. This gives new weight to theories about Brainiac, as he’s one of the few DC Comics villains powerful enough to make Superman and Lex Luthor put aside their rivalry and work together. With Darkseid ruled out, Brainiac now seems like a very likely candidate for the film’s antagonist.

Now that Salvation isn’t immediately setting up Darkseid, it will be fascinating to watch how this storyline unfolds across future DC Universe movies and shows. James Gunn seems particularly interested in the prison aspect, which will likely be a major source of conflict and drama. Exploring the complex morality of Salvation – and whether Rick Flag Sr. is overstepping his authority – could be really compelling. Superman’s belief in second chances might clash with the idea of a prison that offers no hope of reform. While the overall direction of the “Gods and Monsters” saga is still unclear, this ethical question provides a strong basis for several upcoming projects.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/movies/list/5-great-justice-league-members-well-never-see-in-the-dcu/embed/#

Read More

2025-10-21 23:14