AceShowbiz - The DC Universe’s animated series Creature Commandos is teasing the possible return of a terrifying villain who once “scared the s**t” out of director James Gunn. The first season of this show, which holds a strong 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, marks the inaugural release within the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters initiative. It was launched prior to the debut of the new Superman project and the second season of Peacemaker.

The storyline centers on Amanda Waller, portrayed by Viola Davis, who assembles a specialized task force of monstrous characters from Belle Reve Penitentiary. This team includes the Bride (Indira Varma), Doctor Phosphorus (Alan Tudyk), Nina Mazursky (Zoë Chao), G.I. Robot (Sean Gunn), and Weasel (Sean Gunn), all under the leadership of the human Rick Flag Sr., played by Frank Grillo.

Recently, on Instagram, Dean Lorey, the showrunner and writer for Creature Commandos, shared an image of the script’s title page for the first episode of season two, intriguingly named “Starry Night.” This title has sparked speculation among fans and critics alike that the infamous alien villain Starro the Conqueror could be making a comeback. Starro’s last appearance was in James Gunn’s DCEU film The Suicide Squad, where the giant, psychic, parasitic starfish alien caused chaos.

Starro is notable for its imposing size and psychic abilities, which allow it to control minds and spread fear. During the promotional tour for The Suicide Squad in 2021, Gunn openly admitted that Starro “always scared the s**t out of me,” highlighting why he chose such a formidable creature as an antagonist. Gunn’s vision was to create a villain that was both terrifying and over-the-top, yet grounded enough to fit naturally into the gritty urban environments portrayed in the film, such as the streets of Cologne and Panama.

Despite Starro’s defeat and death in The Suicide Squad, the character’s potential return is not entirely ruled out. The film belongs to the DCEU continuity, which is separate from the newer DCU, though there is crossover in characters and storylines, particularly in the ongoing narratives of Creature Commandos and Peacemaker. Additionally, in the comics, Starro has a history of regeneration and evolution, even after apparent death. This precedent could be used by the show’s creators to bring the villain back without conflicting with previously established events.

The presence of Starro in Creature Commandos season two would expand the scope of the DCU’s storytelling, connecting the animated series more closely to the broader universe. It also demonstrates the commitment of the DC Universe to exploring ambitious and sometimes terrifying characters beyond the usual hero-centric narratives.

Season one’s critical acclaim, reflected by its 95% Rotten Tomatoes score, underscores the quality and innovation the series brings to the DCU. By weaving together horror elements with classic superhero motifs, Creature Commandos has carved out a distinctive place in the growing DC animated lineup. The hinted return of Starro adds an exciting layer of anticipation for fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter.

As the DC Universe continues to develop its Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, the integration of legacy characters like Starro with new creations and reinterpretations promises a rich, evolving mythology. Fans can expect that upcoming episodes will further explore the darker, supernatural corners of the DCU, with high stakes and complex characters at the forefront.

In summary, the teased return of Starro the Conqueror in the season two premiere of Creature Commandos is a strong indicator of the series’ ambition to blend horror, action, and superhero drama. This move also demonstrates continuity with the DCEU while pushing the boundaries of the new DCU’s storytelling potential. With Dean Lorey at the helm, audiences can anticipate a thrilling continuation of the series that delves deeper into the monstrous and supernatural aspects of the DC Universe.