The DC Universe (DCU) is entering its experimental era, and Creature Commandos is its opening act. Set to debut in December 5 on Max, this animated series offers an unconventional twist: a team of monsters working covertly for the government. It’s equal parts Suicide Squad and Hellboy, with a healthy dose of James Gunn’s signature blend of heart and irreverence.
This seven-episode series, kicking off the DCU’s Gods and Monsters chapter, is already making waves for its audacious premise and stellar creative team and lineup of voice talent. With James Gunn, the new co-CEO of DC Studios, penning every episode, and an ensemble cast featuring David Harbour, Frank Grillo, and Viola Davis, the series is set to blend supernatural thrills with razor-sharp humor. It’s a bold statement of intent for the revamped DCU, promising a fresh take on heroics by embracing the weird, the wild, and the monstrous. Whether you’re a comic purist or a newcomer drawn in by the premise, Creature Commandos is shaping up to be a must-watch that redefines what we expect from superhero storytelling
Creature Commandos is rooted in DC’s 1980s comic book lore, which imagined a world where classic monsters like Frankenstein’s monster and werewolves were deployed as military assets. While the comic leaned into campy action, Gunn’s adaptation appears to take this premise and inject it with modern wit, sharp dialogue, and a sense of gravitas that reflects his successes with The Suicide Squad and Guardians of the Galaxy.
The animated series focuses on a covert team of misfit creatures assembled by Amanda Waller (played by Viola Davis, reprising her role from the DCEU). The team handles the kinds of messy, supernatural problems that require, well, unconventional problem-solvers. Gunn, who penned all seven episodes, describes the show as a vital piece of his larger DCU puzzle.
Not quite Avengers Assemble! Source: DC Studios/Max
Monsters With Star Power: The Cast and Characters
This is not your typical superhero lineup—it’s a monster mash with some serious star wattage.
Rick Flag Sr. (voiced by Frank Grillo)
The father of Rick Flag Jr. from The Suicide Squad, this military man leads the team with a no-nonsense attitude.
Nina Mazursky (voiced by Indira Varma)
A brilliant scientist turned amphibious creature, Mazursky’s tragic backstory brings emotional depth to the team.
Dr. Phosphorus (voiced by Sean Gunn)
A radioactive skeleton with a snarky attitude, he’s the team’s wildcard, perfectly fitting Gunn’s penchant for quirky, morally ambiguous characters.
Frankenstein (voiced by David Harbour)
This classic monster brings muscle and surprising intelligence to the squad. Harbour’s casting feels like a home run, given his knack for mixing charm with gruff intensity.
The Bride of Frankenstein (voiced by Zoe Chao)
As the only member Frankenstein answers to, her dynamic with the rest of the team will likely be as electrifying as her origin.
Amanda Waller (voiced by Viola Davis)
The lynchpin of the DCU, Waller’s manipulative brilliance orchestrates the chaos.
Weasel (voiced by Sean Gunn)
Returning from The Suicide Squad, this grotesque, oddly endearing creature adds an extra layer of Gunn-style absurdity.
The cast list alone has fans buzzing, especially with talents like Harbour and Grillo stepping into animated roles that may later transition to live-action.
A proper band of misfits, Source: DC Studios/Max
The Team Behind the Madness
James Gunn doesn’t just dabble in ensemble storytelling—he excels at it. As the writer of all seven episodes, Gunn’s fingerprints are all over this series. The show’s production team includes Peacemaker alums like Dean Lorey as showrunner and Rick Morales as supervising producer. With Warner Bros. Animation co-producing, the series is guaranteed top-tier animation and a visual style that complements its bold storytelling.
Few creators can balance humor, heart, and horror like Gunn. If his past work is any indication, expect witty banter, surprising emotional depth, and action sequences that leave you breathless. Gunn has made it clear that Creature Commandos is a critical piece of the DCU’s foundation. Its connections to other projects, like the upcoming Superman: Legacy, make it a must-watch for fans eager to see how this new era unfolds.
Why Monsters Are Having a Moment
From Wednesday to The Last Voyage of the Demeter, pop culture’s obsession with monsters is at an all-time high. Creature Commandos taps into this trend but does so with a unique twist: these monsters aren’t just scary—they’re relatable. In a world that often feels monstrous itself, there’s something comforting about seeing literal monsters grapple with human issues like loyalty, loss, and redemption.
In many ways, Creature Commandos feels like a spiritual successor to The Suicide Squad and Guardians of the Galaxy. Both franchises proved that audiences will root for the weirdos, the outcasts, and the morally ambiguous if they’re written with care. This series leans into that ethos, promising a fresh take on heroism that celebrates imperfection.
Squad goals, Source: DC Studios/Max
A Monstrous Delight Awaits
Creature Commandos isn’t just a show—it’s a statement. It’s James Gunn telling us that the DCU can be anything: funny, dark, heartfelt, and gloriously weird. With its top-tier cast, engaging premise, and connections to the larger DCU, this series is poised to become a fan favorite.
So, mark your calendars and prepare for a monstrous adventure. If the DCU is going to rise from the ashes, it might as well do it with a radioactive skeleton and Frankenstein leading the charge.
