For comic book fans across Great Britain tracking the ongoing transformation of the DC Universe, navigating what counts as official continuity has frequently proven challenging. DC Studios co-head James Gunn has finally resolved months of fan speculation by confirming that his 2021 feature film The Suicide Squad stands officially as canon within the rebooted cinematic universe.
Why Everyone Is Talking About Them
As the studio prepares for upcoming releases including the 2027 feature Man of Tomorrow, audiences have closely monitored which elements from past cinematic iterations would carry forward. Speaking during a special The Suicide Squad: Is It Canon? Podcast released via Spotify and major streaming platforms, Gunn addressed the structural timeline questions head-on alongside co-hosts Jennifer Holland and Steve Agee.
What Happened
Gunn confirmed that the 2021 film acts retroactively as the very first canon feature within the new DC Universe framework. However, incorporating the project required minor adjustments to the fictional timeline. Because the flagship film Man of Tomorrow is set around 2025 and establishes that Clark Kent has operated in public for three years, the timeline for the Corto Maltese mission must shift slightly to late 2023 or 2024. Gunn also noted that David Ayer's 2016 film Suicide Squad remains outside the official continuity, explaining that acknowledging its wider connections to the defunct cinematic universe would create insurmountable narrative complications.
What They Said
While the broader film is officially part of the timeline, the future of its breakout anti-hero remains an open question. Gunn highlighted that integrating Harley Quinn presents unique narrative hurdles because her established dynamic involves the Joker, a character who has not yet been introduced in the current cinematic landscape.
Harley's relationship to the Joker is specific, right? Well, we definitely haven't established the Joker yet in the DCU at all.
Regarding actress Margot Robbie, who has achieved global prominence following major box office successes including Barbie, Gunn expressed admiration while acknowledging her busy schedule.
I don't know if she wants to play Harley again. She may be over that.
Gunn added that if Robbie wishes to reprise the role, he will bend over backwards to integrate her seamlessly into the narrative.
The Reaction
Comic book enthusiasts and media outlets have welcomed the definitive clarity, though timeline analysts continue debating the logistical adjustments required for character introductions such as Bloodsport. Discussions have also centered on potential future expansions, including previously discussed television concepts exploring characters like Polka-Dot Man and Amanda Waller.
What Happens Next
Studio leadership is actively progressing with casting for the franchise's new iteration of Batman, which will feature a character age-matched with David Corenswet's Superman. Meanwhile, fans await further announcements regarding whether Robbie will return to the role or if the studio will recast the part for upcoming projects.
FAQ
Is the 2021 film The Suicide Squad part of the new DC Universe?
Yes, James Gunn confirmed that the film is officially canon and serves as the first feature film within the current cinematic continuity.
Is David Ayer's 2016 Suicide Squad movie considered canon?
No, Gunn stated that incorporating the 2016 film would create major continuity problems with the new cinematic direction.
Will Margot Robbie return as Harley Quinn?
Her return remains unconfirmed. Gunn stated that while he would accommodate her if she chooses to return, he is prepared to cast another actor if she decides to move on from the character.
How does the studio plan to address timeline inconsistencies?
The studio is slightly shifting the fictional timeframe of the Corto Maltese mission to 2023 or 2024 to align with the active operating timeline established in current projects.
