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Creature Commandos Season 1 Wrap-Up: Future Directions for the DCU

Warning: Spoilers for Creature Commandos Season 1

With the completion of its inaugural season, Creature Commandos has set the stage for intriguing advancements in the future of the DC Universe (DCU). Over seven episodes, the series provided insights into the characters’ backstories while hinting at connections to various DC figures such as the Metal Men, Batman, and Clayface, who is slated for a feature film in 2026. As the first installment of The DCU’s Chapter 1 – Gods and Monsters, it paves the way for upcoming projects like Superman, Peacemaker Season 2, Lanterns, and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.

The season finale, “A Very Funny Monster,” delivered a poignant yet fulfilling conclusion while hinting at the broader trajectory the DCU may take. Although director James Gunn emphasized that each project operates independently in its storytelling, Creature Commandos subtly plants potential narratives that could evolve in future installments. Given its significance in launching this new cinematic universe—alongside canonized entries such as The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker—the animated series may not only influence the plot of Superman but also impact numerous forthcoming titles.

Formation of a New Team

Release Date: December 5, 2024

Cast: Indira Varma, Sean Gunn, Alan Tudyk, Zoe Chao, David Harbour, Frank Grillo, Peter Serafinowicz, Jake Tapper, Tony Cavalero, Viola Davis, Maria Bakalova, Anya Chalotra, Flula Borg, Michael Rooker, Robbie Daymond, Keith Ferguson, Piotr Michael, Derek Phillips, Maury Sterling, Paul Ben-Victor, Joe Zieja, Steve Agee, Stephanie Beatriz, Linda Cardellini, Keston John

Seasons: 1

In the finale, viewers learn that The Bride will lead a new ensemble of Commandos, comprising former members like Doctor Phosphorus and The Weasel, alongside a revamped version of G.I. Robot. Notably, King Shark also makes a return, having been part of Task Force X in The Suicide Squad. Additionally, the episode introduces new characters, including a vampire named Nosferata and a mummy known as Khalis, who initially appeared in cameo roles in episode four, “Chasing Squirrels.”

A second season of Creature Commandos has already been confirmed, promising to further explore the backgrounds of established characters and delve into the histories of newer members. Anticipation surrounds King Shark, particularly regarding any potential ties he may have to Aquaman, who will now be portrayed by a different actor following Jason Momoa’s shift to playing Lobo in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.

Furthermore, Khalis could have important connections to Hawkgirl, as Isabela Merced is set to play this character in Superman. Khalis, as a mummy high priest, plays into Hawkgirl’s narrative, which often involves ties to ancient Egypt, potentially allowing for fascinating flashbacks that link past and present storylines in Creature Commandos.

Changing Leadership Dynamics

With The Bride taking the helm of The Creature Commandos, Rick Flag, their original leader, finds himself sidelined. Flag’s decision to investigate Circe without authorization not only jeopardized missions but also contributed to tragedy, leading to the death of team member Nina Mazursky. Although Amanda Waller acknowledged Flag’s pursuit of the truth regarding Clayface, the narrative suggests he may now face repercussions for his actions, especially after The Bride’s revelations regarding Princess Ilana Rostovic.

Fans are aware that Frank Grillo will reprise his role as Rick Flag in the upcoming Superman film, although he may appear with black hair due to prior filming obligations. The absence of the Creature Commandos in Superman emphasizes Flag’s diminished leadership role and raises questions about his future, particularly his involvement with Peacemaker. The end credit scene from The Suicide Squad indicated potential trouble for those who had betrayed Waller, including Flag, leaving uncertainty about how he might navigate these new dynamics.

Emergence of Global Conflicts

The introduction of fictional nations within the DCU has begun to sketch a vivid geopolitical landscape. For example, The Suicide Squad was set in Corto Maltese, while Creature Commandos took place in Pokolistan, a nation that also serves as a key background for characters like Eric Frankenstein and The Bride. Additionally, Gotham criminal Rupert Thorn’s dealings indicate a intertwining of fictional territories with themes of espionage and global conflict, as demonstrated in the Superman trailer featuring an invasion of Jarhanpur by Boravia.

The ramifications of the Bride’s actions in assassinating Princess Ilana Rostovic could have profound implications for the DCU’s political landscape. The scenario draws parallels to historical events that sparked major conflicts, such as the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The looming threat of Boravia’s aggression towards Jarhanpur suggests that Rostovic’s death may merely serve as a catalyst for broader turmoil, placing Superman in a critical role as a potential savior in these escalating tensions.

Setting the Stage for Future Projects

The finale of Creature Commandos also provides intriguing setups for future characters and storylines. There are confirmations of an upcoming Clayface film, prompting questions about whether the television iteration of Clayface will be consistent with the upcoming cinematic version. With eight distinct variations of Clayface in DC Comics, the one represented in Creature Commandos remains unspecified, yet its portrayal could shape the film’s narrative direction, which is rumored to be a horror-themed origin story.

The character of Will Magnus, the creator of the Metal Men, has also been reintroduced, reinforcing longstanding interest in adapting a Metal Men movie, a project that has been in development for over a decade. As Magnus appeared in Creature Commandos alongside a glimpse of Gold’s blueprint, it seems plausible that plans for a Metal Men film are still underway within the DCU. Alan Tudyk, who voices Magnus, has previously collaborated with acclaimed directors Musker and Clements, adding an extra touch of anticipation to the project.

Batman, already poised for his own film titled The Brave and the Bold, has also been hinted at in Creature Commandos. The series suggests an established Batman, as alluded to in Doctor Phosphorus’s backstory. With references to notable villains in both Creature Commandos and Peacemaker, the evolving depiction of Batman within the DCU will allow exploration of storylines that delve deeper into his legacy rather than retreading his origins.

All episodes of Creature Commandos are currently available for streaming on Max.

Source
movieweb.com