We recently learned that Creature Commandos will premiere on Max this December. The 7-episode animated series serves as our introduction to the new DCU, with at least one character - Frank Grillo's Rick Flag Sr. - already confirmed for a live-action appearance in Peacemaker season 2.
Nexus Point News was on hand at this week's Annecy International Animation Film Festival and has revealed some details shared with attendees.
DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn appeared in a video at the start of the panel, confirming characters in animated and live-action projects will jump between both formats as part of a "unified DCU." The Hollywood Reporter has also shared some quotes, with the filmmaker explaining:
"What this means in practical terms is that our characters can move in and out of animation or jump into a game or onto the big screen, but they will remain consistent throughout: same character, same history, same actor."
Future live-action appearances were reportedly considered when the Creature Commandos' leads were designed for this series. Gunn also reiterated previous comments that any voice actors who are cast for animated DCU projects are done so with potential live-action appearances in mind.
It was also confirmed that, while CG was used to set up various shots, the final version of Creature Commandos we see will be realised with 2D hand-drawn animation.
In terms of story details, the site learned that Belle Reve, Frankenstein Manor, Frankenstein's Lab, and Poko Castle are among the locations we'll visit. Gunn also offered a few insights into where in the DCU timeline the story takes place and why this unique team assembles in the first place.
"The new series picks up directly after our Peacemaker season one finale, which leaves Waller with her hands tied operationally, meaning that she’s no longer able to get away with putting human lives on the line to carry out her clandestine morally questionable missions. Instead, she recruits a ragtag band of misfits, not unlike the Suicide Squad and Peacemaker."
He'd add that Creature Commandos' leads, "are actual literal monsters, and I can’t wait for you to meet them. Creating this series has been one of the absolute joys of my life."
As for the importance of animation to DC Studios moving forward, the Superman helmer said:
"It’s a cornerstone of the legacy we’ve been entrusted to carry at DC Studios and plays an integral role in the vision for our future storytelling. Since taking the reins, our true north has been to bring DC film, TV, animation and gaming into alignment under a single banner and bring a sense of unity and consistency into the DCU as a whole. This frees us to create a range of products that are diverse and compelling, and deliver great stand-alone entertainment experiences on every medium, while also being part of a larger story that we’re telling within our unified DCU."
Stay tuned for updates on Creature Commandos as we have them.