James Gunn Confirms Darkseid’s Imminent DCU Debut

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James Gunn, the head of DC Studios, recently revealed that the villain Darkseid will soon appear in the new DC Universe (DCU). Some fans may already know Darkseid from the previous DC movie universe. He’s a massive, powerful character – DC’s equivalent of Marvel’s Thanos and a major threat to the Justice League. Interestingly, Darkseid was already connected to a project related to Gunn through the upcoming animated series, Mister Miracle.

Last year, DC Studios announced a new TV show focusing on Scott Free, a super-powered escape artist known as Mister Miracle. The story will involve a galactic war between his home world and that of his wife, Big Barda, with the evil Darkseid pulling the strings. For a while, it wasn’t clear if this show was officially part of the new DC Universe being created by James Gunn, or if it would introduce Darkseid as a villain. Now, fans have their answer.

James Gunn, head of DC Studios, recently confirmed on X that the upcoming Mister Miracle series is officially part of the DC Universe (DCU) canon. This also establishes Darkseid as a character within the DCU. Gunn made the announcement while celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Mister Miracle comic book character, referring to the series as a “DCU animated show.”

Today marks the 55th anniversary of the first appearance of Mister Miracle! He debuted in ‘MISTER MIRACLE’ #1 in 1971, created by Marv Wolfman and Jack Kirby (with art by Kirby and Vince Colletta). Fans will soon be able to see an animated version of the character, inspired by the 12-issue comic series by Tom King and Mitch Gerads.

The villain Darkseid, a key antagonist in the Mister Miracle storyline, will now be officially part of the DC Universe with the upcoming series. While a release date hasn’t been announced, production is underway with casting already happening, so fans can anticipate the show – and Darkseid, the ruler of Apokolips – arriving in the near future.

What Does Darkseid’s DCU Debut Mean for the Franchise? 

Introducing Darkseid isn’t simply adding another DC villain to the universe. He’s widely considered the ultimate DC villain, especially when it comes to enemies of the Justice League.

As a huge DC fan, I’ve seen Darkseid, the New God, go toe-to-toe with the Justice League countless times in the comics. Some of the best stories, like the ‘Great Darkness Saga’ and ‘Final Crisis,’ really showcase how powerful he is. And it was awesome to finally see him brought to life, even if it was in the extended cut of Zack Snyder’s Justice League.

Bringing Darkseid into the DC Universe so soon might upset some fans. A major criticism of Zack Snyder’s previous DC movie plans was that they tried to build too much too quickly, and Darkseid’s involvement contributed to that feeling.

There’s likely to be a lot of debate about how Darkseid will be used in the new DC Universe, especially considering where he’s first appearing. The upcoming series draws heavily from the Mister Miracle comics, which establish that Darkseid already possesses the Anti-Life Equation. Traditionally, this equation – a secret that could end all life – is Darkseid’s ultimate objective. Starting the DCU with him already having it is a bold move and might surprise some fans.

Before people get upset, there’s a reason this might make sense. In the New 52 version of the DC universe – a fresh start for DC Comics – Darkseid appeared early on and was the reason the Justice League first formed as a team.

Darkseid could be a long-term villain in the DC Universe, subtly appearing in projects like Mister Miracle and other cosmic-themed stories before eventually launching a full-scale invasion of Earth that takes years to unfold, setting up a major conflict for the Justice League.

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2026-01-19 18:36