James Gunn Addresses Fan Complaint After DC Movie Drops on Netflix
A DC movie just landed on Netflix. James Gunn quickly addressed a fan’s streaming complaint, placing the move in context as the DCU rolls out with Creature Commandos, then Superman and Peacemaker season 2.
If you opened Netflix and spotted Blue Beetle sitting there and immediately wondered what that means for DCU continuity or where you are supposed to watch these things now, you are not alone. James Gunn actually weighed in on exactly that.
So why is Blue Beetle on Netflix?
Quick refresher: Netflix just added the 2023 Blue Beetle movie. That one was originally made under the now-retired DCEU banner, but Gunn has already said Xolo Maridueña is sticking around as Jaime Reyes in the new DCU. There is even an animated DCU Blue Beetle series in development to keep the character going.
Someone on Threads asked Gunn the obvious question: if DC wants to avoid confusing people, why not keep all the DCEU/DCU stuff on one streamer?
"Creature Commandos and Peacemaker are on the same streaming service, HBOMax. And Blue Beetle is there too. But now people who only have Netflix can watch it as well."
Translation: Blue Beetle has not left Max; it is just also licensed to Netflix. This kind of non-exclusive window is a very studio thing to do, even if it makes the streaming map look like a bowl of spaghetti.
Where the DCU is headed
Gunn and Peter Safran officially kicked off their DCU in December 2024 with the animated Creature Commandos at DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures. 2025 brings a new Superman and Peacemaker Season 2, and 2026 is currently holding Lanterns, Supergirl, and Clayface on the calendar.
- Dec 2024: Creature Commandos (animated) launches the DCU
- 2025: Superman and Peacemaker Season 2
- 2026: Lanterns, Supergirl, Clayface
Blue Beetle basics (and why it matters now)
Blue Beetle pulled in generally positive reviews but underperformed at the box office with $130.8 million worldwide. The movie stars Xolo Maridueña as Jaime Reyes, alongside Adriana Barraza (Nana), Damián Alcázar (Alberto Reyes), Elpidia Carrillo (Rocio Reyes), Bruna Marquezine (Jenny Kord), Raoul Max Trujillo (OMAC), Susan Sarandon (Victoria Kord), George Lopez (Rudy Reyes), Belissa Escobedo (Milagro Reyes), and Harvey Guillén (Dr. Sanchez).
Story-wise, Jaime ends up bonded to an ancient hunk of alien biotech called the Scarab. It chooses him as its host, wraps him in a highly adaptable battle suit, and gives him a grab bag of unpredictable powers that basically reroute his entire life into superhero territory.
The upshot
If you have Max, Blue Beetle is still there. If you only have Netflix, you can finally catch up without juggling subscriptions. And if you are trying to track DCU continuity, Gunn is keeping this version of Jaime in play, with an animated series on the way and a wider slate rolling out over the next couple of years. Slightly messy? Yes. But at least this one has a clear answer.