James Gunn Just Confirmed G.I. Robot’s Live-Action Debut

James Gunn loves a crossover, and he is not shy about it. The DCU reboot was always pitched as one big connected sandbox where the same characters (and actors) bounce between movies, TV, animation, and even video games. We have already seen that play out with Creature Commandos, which introduced Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr. in animation before he showed up in live-action in Superman and then again in Peacemaker season 2. Now it sounds like another Creature Commandos alum is lining up for the same jump.

G.I. Robot: yes, he is coming to live-action

While chatting with Entertainment Weekly about the most recent Peacemaker episode, Gunn was asked the obvious question if you have seen it: are we getting G.I. Robot in live-action?

'The answer to that question, which, this is going to be all anybody talks about from this interview, is yes, but not necessarily when you think you’re going to see him. So not necessarily in Peacemaker season 2.'

Translation: it is happening, but do not assume it is tied to the episode you just watched.

Quick refresher: who is G.I. Robot?

Deep-cut DC weirdness incoming (in the best way). G.I. Robot is a military android built to fight Nazis in World War II, and the character… really enjoys that particular mission. In Creature Commandos, he is voiced by Sean Gunn, and there is every reason to think Sean would keep the voice if/when the character shows up in live-action.

How they plan to make him work on screen

Before Superman hit theaters, Gunn teased that the movie used brand-new tech that would be directly applicable to bringing G.I. Robot to life. He would not spill exactly how it works, but the gist was: they tried something cutting-edge on Superman, it did what they needed, and now they know exactly how to execute G.I. Robot in the flesh (steel?). Inside baseball, but interesting if you are into the craft side.

Creature Commandos is not going anywhere

Max already renewed the animated series for a second season. Gunn and DC Studios co-chair Peter Safran marked the pickup with a big thank-you to Max, praising the streamer for overdelivering from the first season of Peacemaker to The Penguin and what they called a record-breaking launch for Creature Commandos. They also shouted out the Max execs by name (Casey, Sarah, Pia, Sono) and said they are proud to call Max home.

What we know right now

• The DCU is fully connected across movies, TV, animation, and games, with actors carrying roles between formats.
• We have already seen this with Frank Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr.: animated in Creature Commandos, then live-action in Superman and Peacemaker season 2.
• Gunn says G.I. Robot will appear in live-action, but not necessarily in Peacemaker season 2.
• G.I. Robot is a WWII-era Nazi-smashing android; Sean Gunn voices him in animation and is likely to do so in live-action.
• Gunn teased that new tech used on Superman gives them a clear path to bringing G.I. Robot into live-action.
• Creature Commandos has been renewed for season 2 at Max; Gunn and Safran publicly thanked the Max team and touted the show’s strong launch.

So where will G.I. Robot pop up?

Gunn is playing coy, which probably means the reveal happens somewhere you would not expect. A cameo in a movie? Another series? A post-credits gag that turns into something bigger? Place your bets. And for what it is worth, Gunn also recently said they have a really, really good story for The Brave and the Bold, so the pipeline is moving.