AceShowbiz - James Gunn, the acclaimed director known for his work on the "Guardians of the Galaxy" trilogy, "The Suicide Squad" and "Peacemaker", is gearing up to revolutionize the DC Universe (DCU) by embracing mature storytelling. Gunn, now serving as co-CEO of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, has announced plans to include R-rated projects in the new DCU, a move that has already generated excitement among fans.

In a recent interview with Collider, Gunn addressed the studio's approach to film ratings, emphasizing that the focus will be on authentic storytelling, irrespective of the rating. "We're not about that. We're not about 'See how it does.' We've got one opportunity to take these characters and really press forward and do what we believe," Gunn said. "If a story is going to be R-rated, we're totally okay with that. If it's going to be PG, PG-13, or G, I don't care - whatever is worthy of the story, that's what we're going to do."

This philosophy aligns with DC's rich history of mature and compelling comics. With the studio's willingness to produce R-rated films, many beloved mature reader comics might finally see big-screen adaptations, fulfilling long-held fan desires. Prominent upcoming projects like "Swamp Thing" and "The Authority" are strong candidates for R ratings, adding to the anticipation.

The DCU is not new to mature content. Gunn's own "The Suicide Squad" and its spin-off series "Peacemaker" have already set precedents with their mature ratings. The upcoming series "Creature Commandos", premiering on Max on December 5, will continue this trend, officially launching the new DCU with an R rating. Fans are also looking forward to the second season of "Peacemaker" in 2025 and the "Waller" series, both expected to maintain their mature content.

Additionally, there is potential for other projects like "Swamp Thing" and the "Lanterns" series to feature mature storytelling. The latter, compared to "True Detective" in terms of tone, may employ similar filmmaking techniques, hinting at an R-rating.

"People love that character. People love that format for that thing. You know, 'Peacemaker' is unrated, basically. So, we have all sorts. I like the idea of doing all sorts of different things," Gunn remarked, illustrating his commitment to diverse and bold storytelling in the DCU.

As the new DCU takes shape under Gunn's visionary leadership, fans can expect a spectrum of stories catering to various tastes and preferences. With the promise of more R-rated films and series, the DCU aims to build a universe that resonates deeply with audiences, pushing the boundaries of superhero cinema.

James Gunn's DCU begins with "Creature Commandos" on Max starting on Thursday, December 5.