James Gunn Reveals That a Pivotal DC Character Is in Creature Commandos

James Gunn Reveals That a Pivotal DC Character Is in Creature Commandos

As a seasoned gamer and DC Universe enthusiast with a deep-rooted affection for superheroes and their intricate backstories, I must say that the upcoming series “Creature Commandos” has piqued my interest like never before. The fact that it serves as the launching pad for James Gunn and Peter Safran’s vision for this new DC Universe is an exciting prospect, to say the least.


Starting December 5th, the new DC Universe franchise takes off with “Creature Commandos” as its inaugural series. This debut marks an essential beginning for the strategy conceived by James Gunn and Peter Safran, as it introduces us to a fully-formed and active universe of superheroes from the DC franchise. The upcoming TV series and films are expected to unveil this world, with “Creature Commandos” featuring appearances from several significant DC characters who serve as emissaries to various segments of the DCU. In his press interviews for “Creature Commandos”, James Gunn hinted that the show will follow a similar pattern, by incorporating a key character from DC mythology.

Creature Commandos Cast Alan Tudyk as Will Magnus

During an interview with Steve Weintraub from Collider, James Gunn was asked which vocal performances from the Creature Commandos cast particularly impressed him. In a surprising disclosure, it was revealed that actor Alan Tudyk, known for playing radioactive team member Doctor Phosphorus, is also lending his voice to the character of DC scientist Will Magnus.

Man, I’m totally psyched about it! Peter Serafinowicz as Dr. Frankenstein is amazing, and Alan Tudyk as Will Magnus – his acting style was inspired by Mike Nichols, a guy he once shared the stage with. As Gunn put it, there are just so many cool elements in there that I can’t wait to see!

Mike Nichols, who is famously recognized for his EGOT achievements and being half of the comedy duo ‘Nichols and May,’ also known for directing iconic films such as ‘The Graduate,’ ‘Working Girl,’ ‘The Birdcage,’ and ‘Closer,’ is honored in a character that may not be instantly familiar to some die-hard DC comic book enthusiasts, through an in-depth tribute.

…So who is Will Magnus?

Will Magnus Invented DC’s Metal Men

James Gunn Reveals That a Pivotal DC Character Is in Creature Commandos

William Magnus is known as one of the leading figures in robotics and robotic engineering within DC universe lore, comparable to T.O. Morrow (creator of Red Tornado) and Professor Anthony Ivo (inventor of Amazo). His lab, “Magnus Labs,” is renowned. Notably, he created the “Metal Men,” a group of sophisticated AI robots, each with a unique personality and powers based on a specific metal (Gold, Iron, Lead, Mercury, Tin, and Platinum). In certain revisions of the storyline, these Metal Men were originally human beings whose consciousness was moved into robots, including Magnus himself.

In DC Comics’ “New 52” reboot, the Metal Men were developed under a government contract by Magnus for a specialized rescue squad, but they discovered his sinister plan to use them as assassins. Rebelling against their creator, they chose to become heroes instead. The team has been destroyed and reformed numerous times, with Magnus always responsible for their reconstruction.

Is Creature Commandos Introducing DC’s Metal Men?

James Gunn Reveals That a Pivotal DC Character Is in Creature Commandos

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t wait to see how Will Magnus fits into the DC’s Creature Commandos puzzle! From what I’ve gathered so far, it’s clear that his presence isn’t just a stroke of luck. There are definite hints pointing towards a connection – consider the fact that this team already has a robot member, G.I. Robot, voiced by Sean Gunn. This Nazi-fighting military android was built during WWII, and I can’t help but wonder if there might be some link between him and Will Magnus, given their shared interest in robotics.

The DC Universe could seamlessly incorporate Will Magnus and the Metal Men into the backstory and narrative of G.I. Robot, demonstrating yet again how the creators are making full use of every opportunity to expand their universe – even through less prominent characters and lesser-known histories. Notably, the Metal Men were once slated for their own DCEU film in the late 2010s, with Barry Sonnenfeld attached as director. Unfortunately, that movie never materialized; however, perhaps the introduction of Creature Commandos could rekindle those plans?

DC’s Creature Commandos will have its two-episode premiere by streaming on Max on December 5th.

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2024-11-26 23:09