James Gunn’s First DC Movie Features a Shocking Moment That Justifies Its Place in the DC Universe

The integration of The Suicide Squad within both the DCEU and the newly launched DC Universe (DCU) has sparked considerable debate among fans and critics alike. The pivotal opening scene of *The Suicide Squad* offers an intriguing insight into how these two interconnected universes can coexist. James Gunn, who now spearheads the DCU with projects like *Creature Commandos* and an upcoming *Superman* reboot, is leading a transformation that seeks to revitalize DC’s cinematic landscape while effectively rebooting many aspects of its previously established narrative.

This transition has not been seamless, as *Creature Commandos* quickly began referencing lore from *The Suicide Squad*. Gunn has recently clarified that the lines separating the franchises are not rigid; certain elements from the DCEU will be adopted as canon in the DCU if they are acknowledged in the storyline. As a result, *The Suicide Squad* has become a focal point of this integration, especially as familiar characters return and prior events are revisited.

How The Suicide Squad’s Opening Massacre Eases the Transition to the DC Universe

The Characters Who Died Likely Won’t Be Missed in the DCU

Significant parallels exist between *The Suicide Squad* and *Creature Commandos*, as both feature a diverse ensemble of anti-heroes compelled to execute Amanda Waller’s orders. Notably, characters like Weasel have connections to both properties. The notorious opening massacre in *The Suicide Squad*, which effectively wiped out the first wave of the strike team on Corto Maltese, serves a dual purpose: it sets the tone for the film while providing a narrative reset for the new DCU.

Corto Maltese Massacre Casualties
Character	Status
Rick Flag	Survived (escaped)
Harley Quinn	Survived (captured)
Savant	Killed
The Detachable Kid	Killed
Mongolian	Killed
Javelin	Killed
Blackguard	Killed
Weasel	Survived (escaped)

The elimination of numerous characters in *The Suicide Squad* simplifies the process of integrating this film into the DCU by effectively sidelining these less impactful figures. This selective canonization approach allows the DCU to focus on characters like Weasel and Harley Quinn, who retain relevance as the narrative evolves. The initial carnage can be viewed as a deliberate strategy to streamline future storytelling in the expanded universe, rendering the characters who perished relatively inconsequential.

Integrating The Suicide Squad’s Early Deaths into DC Universe Canon

Captain Boomerang May Pose a Narrative Challenge

The characters lost to the Corto Maltese conflict include some of the DC Universe’s more obscure figures. The demise of minor players, such as The Detachable Kid, is unlikely to hinder the progression of the DCU narrative, making referencing *The Suicide Squad* relatively uncomplicated. Even Polka-Dot Man, whose fate was sealed by Starro, represents a character whose absence will not significantly affect the storyline moving forward.

However, challenges do remain regarding the continuation of *The Suicide Squad* narrative within the DCU. The returns of notable actors, like Margot Robbie and Idris Elba as Harley Quinn and Bloodsport, are uncertain. Additionally, Captain Boomerang’s loss complicates his potential role as a key antagonist in the *Flash* storyline. Nonetheless, as suggested by Gunn’s approach, the DCU could easily opt to recast certain roles or employ retconning techniques, thus maintaining narrative fluidity. The initial massacre effectively minimizes potential inconsistencies, paving the way for a more cohesive future for DC’s cinematic endeavors.

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