
The evolution of the DC Universe continues with an engaging twist in villain narratives. Following the premiere of James Gunn’s iteration with Creature Commandos at the close of 2022, the franchise is set to follow up with another notable entry in 2025. This iteration is particularly compelling, as it reimagines an iconic villain’s backstory, making it more poignant than traditional comic interpretations.
DC’s strategy to introduce a diverse range of villains early in the DCU is essential to its overarching narrative. Historically, the effectiveness of superhero stories has heavily relied on the strength of their antagonists. While previous DC films have featured heroic figures, the absence of well-crafted villains has often hindered their potential. This has sometimes resulted in even beloved characters like Christopher Reeve’s Superman struggling for resonance amid weak adversaries. The current direction aims to address this gap by spotlighting complex villains shaped by their respective tragic circumstances, particularly focusing on a vital character from Batman’s lore whose updated backstory is yet to be revealed for future films.
A New Chapter for Poison Ivy’s Origin Story in 2025
The Return of a Long-Running Animated Series

The much-anticipated return of Harley Quinn for its fifth season sees the series dive deeper into the dynamics between Harley and Poison Ivy. Following their move to Metropolis, the premier episode sets the stage for Ivy’s growth, showcasing her leadership in the Metropolis Green Initiative. However, this journey is complicated by the resurfacing of Jason Woodrue, a figure from her past.
Building on the established Post-Crisis origins of Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn season 5 introduces significant alterations to her backstory. Originally depicted in the comics, Ivy’s transformation into the iconic villain occurred after her complex relationship with Woodrue, who instigated her metamorphosis through manipulation and experimentation. The series cleverly retains the essence of her origins while infusing new layers to her narrative.
Harley Quinn Season 5 Makes Poison Ivy’s Origins Even More Tragic
Innovative Twists to the Legend

The fifth season of Harley Quinn uses Poison Ivy’s Post-Crisis background as its foundation but integrates pivotal changes that heighten the emotional depth of her story. Notably, her conflict with Jason Woodrue escalates following her proud revelation of a groundbreaking creation: Frank, a sentient plant character. Ivy’s desire to safeguard Frank from exploitation reflects her struggle against Woodrue’s ulterior motives, illustrating an elevated sense of agency and connection.
This season introduces a darker twist as Ivy injects herself with the substance that transforms her into Poison Ivy, ultimately saving herself from a deadly confrontation with Woodrue. This narrative shift not only highlights her desperation but also emphasizes the exploitation theme as she protects a being that symbolizes her compassion.
Setting the Stage for More Villains in Season 5
Inclusion of a Major Superman Villain
The opening episode reveals an intriguing development as moving the show to Metropolis introduces Brainiac, a formidable Superman adversary as the main villain of this season. However, the groundwork is also laid for Poison Ivy to confront her significant adversary in Woodrue. As Ivy ingeniously deceit Woodrue into a trap reminiscent of her past, her actions inadvertently create another burgeoning threat.
Upcoming 2025 DC Movies & TV Shows |
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Project |
Release Date |
Harley Quinn season 5 |
January 16, 2025 |
Superman |
July 11, 2025 |
Peacemaker season 2 |
August 2025 |
Ultimately, Poison Ivy’s confrontation with Woodrue culminates in a twist, where Ivy orchestrates a fate similar to the one he dealt her in the past. As he morphs into Floronic Man—an iconic character with deep ties to Ivy’s history—DC fans can anticipate his significant role as a new menace that Ivy and Harley must face in the unfolding narrative of season 5.
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