James Gunn's Discontent with DCEU Characters in His DCU
James Gunn has expressed his frustration over the inclusion of certain characters from his own projects within the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). While Gunn is currently overseeing a new, separate universe known as the DCU, which includes titles like The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, these films were originally created as standalone entities. Despite this, some characters have found their way into both the DCEU and DCU, causing confusion.
One such character is Emilia Harcourt, portrayed by Jennifer Holland, who is married to Gunn. She appears in both Black Adam and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Additionally, Steve Agee’s character, John Economos, makes an appearance in the mid-credits scene of Shazam! Fury of the Gods, linking these films to the broader DC cinematic universe.
In an interview with Den of Geek, Gunn clarified that neither Black Adam nor Shazam! Fury of the Gods are considered canon within the DCU. This statement comes despite the fact that both films feature characters he had planned for his own universe. Gunn was particularly vocal about his dissatisfaction, stating, “They’re not canon! I hate it!”
While Gunn did not explicitly criticize the films themselves, he clearly disapproves of how they incorporated characters he had intended for the DCU. His comments highlight the tension between different creative visions within the DC franchise.
The Confusing Role of Emilia Harcourt and John Economos
The presence of Emilia Harcourt and John Economos in Shazam! Fury of the Gods raises several questions. Originally, the post-credits scene was meant to feature members of the Justice Society from Black Adam recruiting Billy Batson/Shazam. However, Dwayne Johnson, who plays Black Adam, blocked the use of those characters, forcing Peter Safran—now co-president of DC Studios—to involve Jennifer Holland and Steve Agee instead.
Gunn, who was in charge of DC Studios at the time, had the power to remove the scene, as seen with the reshoots for The Flash that included George Clooney. Yet, he did not take action, leaving the scene intact.
Despite the appearances of characters like Amanda Waller, Emilia Harcourt, and John Economos, the canonical status of Black Adam and Shazam! Fury of the Gods remains unclear. Both films seem to exist outside of the main DCU narrative.
Contradictions and Conflicts in the DC Multiverse
The ending of Black Adam features Henry Cavill’s Superman, a role later taken over by David Corenswet. This shift further complicates the film’s place within the DCU. Meanwhile, Zachary Levi’s controversial statements regarding vaccines and his support for Donald Trump in the 2024 election suggest that if Shazam returns to the DCU, it may do so with a different actor.
Interestingly, despite being arch-rivals, Black Adam and Shazam! Fury of the Gods largely ignore each other. The only direct connection between the two films is the presence of Emilia Harcourt, who now exists as two different versions in the DC multiverse.
This situation highlights the challenges of maintaining a cohesive narrative across multiple films and universes. As Gunn continues to develop the DCU, the integration of characters from the DCEU remains a point of contention, reflecting the complex nature of modern superhero storytelling.
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