DC Studios has hit New York Comic Con with a bang with their Creature Commandos panel as well as some much-needed updates on Superman, Lanterns, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and Peacemaker season 2. Find our DC Studios at NYCC recap below.
This article will serve as a recap of all the important points covered in the DC Studios NYCC panel, which was attended by co-head James Gunn, Dean Lorey, and Creature Commandos’ cast members Frank Grillo, David Harbour, Zoe Chao, Maria Bakalova, Sean Gunn and Steve Agee. The panel was moderated by Josh Horowitz of Happy Sad Confused.
‘Creature Commandos’ At NYCC
The main focus of the DC Studios showcase and arguably the main event of the whole convention, the Creature Commandos panel, gave us a lot of insight into the series.
Whilst most of the discussion was centred around behind-the-scenes experiences and the cast’s opinions on their respective characters, several other details were also learnt. Most notably, the casting of five new actors in the DCU as guest roles in Creature Commandos. These actors were all Gunn collaborators and two (Gregg Henry and Ben Davis) have confirmed roles (Nina Mazursky’s father and Rupert Thorne respectively), whilst the other three roles are yet to be revealed (Michael Rooker, Linda Cardellini and Peter Serafinowicz).
In the panel, it was revealed that the first episode of the series would show the team-up aspect of the show with the remaining episodes featuring character origins for each character per ep. Episode four was specifically discussed in detail and was described as a highly emotional episode and one of the saddest things Gunn had written in his career. Gregg Henry was also confirmed to be featured in episode four leading us to believe the episode will feature the backstory of Nina Mazursky (Zoe Chao) and that will be the specific emotional aspect.
Episode 2 however, will feature a sex scene between Princess Ilana Rostovic (Maria Bakalova) and Rick Flag Sr (Frank Grillo). Gunn joked about the audio recording process for this scene, having kept footage of Grillo and Bakalova kissing their hands and making noises. It was also revealed that Bakalova was the first person cast in the entire DC Universe.
‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 At NYCC
While Peacemaker didn’t feature a large focus at NYCC, we did receive some new details. Frank Grillo spoke on his role in the series, commenting on the lack of white hair on his character in both Peacemaker season 2 and Superman. He explained that he was unable to dye his hair due to working on the hit Paramount+ series Tulsa King.
Gunn also clarifies that the recent John Cena Instagram post of a Peacemaker helmet was not a new helmet but an old one. He also revealed that we will see new helmets in the second season of the series. He also stated that the series is still under production, where he himself is currently shooting the series and going back to shoot on Monday, October 21st.
While Gunn was praising season 2 director Greg Mottola (who was in attendance at the convention as part of the audience), he praised his episodes (2 and 3) as some of the best Peacemaker episodes ever. He also mentions that John Cena has improved drastically in season 2, despite proclaiming his performance in season 1 as great.
‘Superman’ At NYCC
Not many updates are given for Superman at NYCC this year, with James Gunn only stating that the film is deep in the edit and that it’s “really close to being good”. He does however praise David Corenswet saying “David Corenswet is going to blow people the fuck away,” before describing his acting prowess. In addition, he says audiences will love Rachel Brosnahan’s portrayal of Lois Lane and Edi Gathegi’s of Mr Terrific.
Towards the end of this line of questioning, the moderator, Josh Horowitz, asks about the trailer for the film. Before Gunn, obviously anxious to not talk about the subject, jokes about not having it on him and about leaving his phone off stage so people can’t swarm him for behind-the-scenes looks. He finishes by saying it is coming soon, but not too soon.
‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’ At NYCC
Horowitz soon asks Gunn about Supergirl and how it is coming along. He initiates a discussion by saying Ana Nogueira and Craig Gillespie have been doing a fantastic job on the film. He confirms that production begins in England in January 2025 and that screentests for Ruthye, one of the main characters in Tom King’s original Woman of Tomorrow comic, are currently underway with Gunn having already seen the tests, where they are testing actresses alongside Milly Alcock.
Gunn briefly details the pitching process that occurred for the film, with Ana Nogueira pitching the story. Gunn also describes the movie as blessed from the beginning, being very much based on the original comic.
‘Lanterns’ At NYCC
As the conversation shifts towards HBO’s Lanterns, Gunn immediately states that he had been wanting to work with Aaron Pierre (the actor cast as John Stewart) for a long time. He reveals that he had almost been cast as Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, before Will Poulter eventually took the role.
He also implies but does not state, that what won Pierre the role was his reading with Kyle Chandler (DCU’s Hal Jordan). He can be quoted saying “Oh my god, I dont care what they’re saying, I just love everything they’re saying together,” in regards to the testing process.
Gunn next explains that the series was a result of the initial planning stage back when the studio writing team was first formed, with Tom King helping develop the overall idea of the series, and with Mundy and Lindelof boarding afterwards. Last, he doubles down on the groundedness of the series, explaining his excitement for the audience to see the series.
And that’s a wrap on all the major updates from DC Studios at this year’s New York Comic Con. DC Studios is masterminded by James Gunn and Peter Safran. Creature Commandos begins streaming on Max on December 5th, Superman is in theatres July 11, 2025, and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is scheduled for a June 26, 2026 release.
