Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Thunderbolts*
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the DC Universe (DCU) may be on the brink of a parallel superhero conundrum. Currently in theaters, Thunderbolts* introduces a fresh team called the New Avengers, which is already stirring up contention within the MCU. Interestingly, a similar situation could arise within the DCU following the upcoming release of James Gunn’s Superman.
In the climactic moments of Thunderbolts*, it is revealed that the titular team will evolve into the New Avengers, shedding light on the movie’s title choice. This name has started to generate friction with Captain America and his team, hinting at a potential conflict. This could mirror developments in the DCU involving Superman’s “Justice Gang”as it embarks on its own journey in the cinematic landscape.
Maxwell Lord’s Justice Gang: The Future of the DCU
Anticipated Appearance in Peacemaker Season 2
Superman will introduce the “Justice Gang,”featuring David Corenswet as the new Man of Steel. This ensemble, created under the guidance of Maxwell Lord (played by Sean Gunn), includes characters like Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi). Although their lineup may seem compact, there’s a clear intention for Lord to expand this corporate-backed superhero team further.
Following Superman’s narrative, the first trailer for Peacemaker’s second season teases an interaction where Maxwell Lord, Gardner, and Hawkgirl interview Christopher Smith, known as Peacemaker (John Cena). Although they choose not to recruit him, it’s evident they are on a mission to broaden their roster. This evolution could warrant a name change for the team as well. “Justice Gang”sounds more like an initial working title, particularly with DC’s rich comic history.
Potential Evolution: Justice Gang to Justice League International
Where Does the Justice League Fit In?
It’s worth noting that before becoming an antagonist to Wonder Woman and the Justice League, Maxwell Lord was instrumental in the formation of Justice League International, a subdivision of the primary Justice League. This inspiration suggests that the DCU’s “Justice Gang”may evolve into a “League,”rather than remain a “Gang”as the team expands. However, there’s speculation about whether the team might take on the traditional Justice League identity outright, especially considering the main heroes of the DCU have yet to assemble.
On the flip side, it’s plausible that the Justice League could emerge alongside the Justice Gang, including iconic figures like Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, and The Flash. If this scenario unfolds, a savvy businessman like Maxwell Lord might take legal action if a new group of heroes adopts a name incorporating “Justice,”particularly if his organization precedes theirs in the narrative timeline.
Theory: Rival “Justice”Teams in the DCU
Potential Conflicts from the Justice League’s Debut
It seems we may indeed witness competitive “Justice”teams in the new DCU—an amusing prospect that echoes the shenanigans seen in the Thunderbolts’ post-credits scene. In that scene, which occurs 14 months after the film’s events, the former Thunderbolts are operating from the Watchtower/Avengers Tower as the New Avengers. This context highlights the burgeoning rift as Yelena and Bucky mention that Sam Wilson’s Captain America isn’t thrilled about the “New Avengers”moniker.
Sam Wilson has assembled his own Avengers, and in a humorous twist, Bucky suggests that the “Avengers”name is even trademarked by Captain America. This comedic tension between two superhero teams promises to add an intriguing layer to the upcoming Avengers films. If a similar scenario unfolds with rival “Justice”teams in the DCU, it could lead to equally humorous and engaging conflicts. For now, fans are left to ponder the ultimate fate of the “Justice Gang”in the wake of Superman and Peacemaker season 2.
Superman is scheduled to premiere in theaters on July 11th. Meanwhile, Thunderbolts*/The New Avengers is currently showing in cinemas.