Kristina Roberts
James Gunn, the director and co-head of DC Studios, has shared some important details about how death will be handled in the new DC Universe (DCU). He made it clear that when a character dies in the DCU, they will stay dead unless there is a very strong reason for their return. This means that bringing characters back to life won’t be done just for fun or because fans want it—it will only happen if the story truly needs it.
Gunn recently answered some questions from fans on social media, where he explained his thoughts on death and resurrection in the DCU. One fan joked that in comics, no one ever stays dead forever, referring to a character named Princess Ilana Rostovic from the show Creature Commandos. The fan wondered if she might come back in the second season. Gunn replied firmly, saying, “In the DCU, if you die, you’re dead.” This shows that he wants death to have real consequences in the DCU, making it feel more serious and meaningful.
Another fan asked about the Lazarus Pit, a famous element in DC Comics that can bring dead characters back to life. The fan mentioned that while they liked the idea of no easy resurrections, they were curious if this rule would prevent the use of well-known DC concepts like the Lazarus Pit. Gunn responded by saying that he isn’t completely against resurrection, but it has to make sense in the story. He explained, “I wouldn’t mind using the Lazarus Pit (and/or resurrection) in a story. But it would have to be a part of the story itself.” This means that if a character is brought back to life, it won’t just be for shock value—it will have a real purpose in the plot.
The DCU is slowly taking shape with new movies and shows. The first season of Creature Commandos is already out, and the highly anticipated Superman movie, starring David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, is set to release in July. Later in August, the second season of Peacemaker will also arrive. As more projects come out, fans are getting a better idea of how this new universe will work. Gunn’s comments about death and resurrection help set the tone for the DCU, making it clear that storytelling will be the top priority.
Gunn’s approach is different from how some other superhero movies handle death. In many comic book stories, characters die and come back so often that death doesn’t feel like a big deal anymore. But Gunn wants to change that. By making death permanent unless there’s a very good reason, he hopes to make the DCU feel more real and emotional. This doesn’t mean that characters will never return—if the story allows it, tools like the Lazarus Pit could still be used. But it won’t happen without a strong explanation.
Fans have mixed feelings about this rule. Some love the idea because it makes the stakes higher—when a character dies, it will actually matter. Others worry that it might limit some classic DC stories where resurrection plays a big role. However, Gunn’s responses suggest that he isn’t completely shutting the door on bringing characters back. He just wants to make sure that if it happens, it feels earned and important to the plot.
This isn’t the first time Gunn has talked about his vision for the DCU. He has always emphasized that good storytelling comes first. Whether it’s through movies like Superman or TV shows like Peacemaker, he wants every decision to serve the story. His rules about death and resurrection are just one part of that bigger plan. By keeping death meaningful, he hopes to create a universe where every moment feels impactful.
As the DCU continues to grow, fans can expect more surprises and bold choices. Gunn’s leadership suggests that this new era of DC films and shows will focus on deep, well-written stories rather than just flashy action or fan service. His comments on death and the Lazarus Pit give a glimpse into how seriously he takes the world-building of the DCU. Whether a character stays dead or gets a second chance at life, one thing is clear—it will always be for a good reason.
The upcoming Superman movie will be the first big test of Gunn’s approach. Since Superman is one of the most famous superheroes of all time, how his story is handled will set the tone for the rest of the DCU. If the movie succeeds, it could prove that Gunn’s vision is the right direction for DC’s future. Fans will have to wait and see how everything unfolds, but one thing is certain—death in the DCU won’t be taken lightly.
In the end, James Gunn’s goal is to make the DCU feel fresh and exciting while still respecting the comics that came before. By setting clear rules about death and resurrection, he’s making sure that every story has weight and meaning. Whether it’s through emotional goodbyes or shocking returns, the DCU under Gunn’s guidance promises to keep fans engaged and invested in its characters. The journey is just beginning, and with these storytelling principles in place, the future of the DCU looks brighter than ever.
