While the show was announced some three years ago, James Gunn admits thatThe Suicide Squad’s next spinoff,Waller, is taking longer than expected. Having debuted as the iconic DC character in 2016’sSuicide Squad, Viola Davis has carried the role ofA.R.G.U.S. director Amanda Wallerthrough Gunn’s standalone sequel, Dwayne Johnson’sBlack Adam, and the first seasons ofPeacemakerandCreature Commandos.
Following her appearance in the former TV show, it was announced that aWallerspinoff show was in the works at HBO Max, with Christal Henry writing and showrunning alongsideDoom Patrol’s Jeremy Carver. In the years since, though, the show has moved at a slower pace, particularly following Gunn and Peter Safran’s hiring as the new DC Studios bosses and launchingthe DC Universe reboot.
During an interview withThe Hollywood Reporteron the red carpet forPeacemakerseason 2, Gunn was asked about progress on theWallerspinoff series. The DC Studios head acknowledged it as being a project that “hasn’t moved so fast” compared to other DC Universe titles, but assured it’s still in the works and expressed his excitement about its arrival. Check out Gunn’s candid update in the quote and video below:
We’re working on it but, you know, some things have moved really fastly, and some things not so fast, and that’s been a thing that hasn’t moved so fast. But I can’t wait to see Viola get her Waller outfits on, with her s—ty floral dresses, and do something special.
What Gunn’s Update Means For Waller
This isn’t the first time Gunn has dissuaded concerns aboutWaller’s development. Just prior toSuperman’s successful release, he offered an update on social media, not only debunking rumors that the show was being reworked into an adaptation of DC’s antihero agency Checkmate, but also that the show was still in the works.
As evidenced by his latest update, Gunn and Safran’s dedication to only move forward with a DCU project if everything’s completely ready remains intact. Considering Davis' character is one of the few to be making the leap from the DC Extended Universe to the DCU, it’s likely part of the delayed process is stemming from Henry and Carver’s efforts to make the universe setting work.
Despite the delays, it should come as some comfort that Gunn remains excited about both theWallerseries and the character’s overall future. In the wake ofPeacemakerseason 1’s ending, in which she was ousted from A.R.G.U.S. after her daughter revealed to the public details of Task Force X, there are numerous questions the spinoff still has to answer.
Our Take On Gunn’s Waller Update
Since taking over DC Studios, Gunn has certainly made a dedicated effort to getting the DCU started on the right foot.Supermanproved to beone of the best adaptations of the character yet, whileCreature Commandosoffered a fun and gruesome expansion of the universe similar to that ofThe Suicide Squad.
As such, while part of me is disappointed at the lack of apparent progress for the show, Gunn’s assurance thatWalleris still on track gives me hope for how it will turn out. He’s already scrapped a previously greenlit project due to quality concerns, so the fact he isn’t giving up on Davis' show gives some weight to his feeling it a worthy endeavor.
Waller (DCU)
Cast
Waller follows Amanda Waller, the covert government operative known for assembling and leading the infamous Suicide Squad. Set within the DC Universe, the series delves into her manipulative tactics, complex moral decisions, and interactions with both allies and adversaries as she navigates the treacherous world of espionage and superhuman intrigue. Viola Davis reprises her role, bringing depth to this enigmatic character.
