DC Universe’s Initial Release Resolves 4-Year-Old Superman Mystery Based on Key DC Theory

The recent developments linking the DCU’s Creature Commandos with the DCEU’s The Suicide Squad present intriguing prospects for the character of David Corenswet’s Superman. The premiere of Creature Commandos creates a definitive connection between these cinematic universes, featuring recurring characters such as Amanda Waller, Rick Flag Sr., and Task Force M. They embark on a mission to defend Pokolistan from Circe, prompted by Waller’s ban on assembling a human team following the chaotic events of both The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker. Meanwhile, the future of the surviving Task Force X members remains uncertain.

Bloodsport’s Near-Fatal Encounter with Superman

Unraveling the Mystery of Bloodsport

Idris Elba's Bloodsport in Belle Reve — Custom image by Nicolas Ayala

In The Suicide Squad, Amanda Waller introduces Robert Dubois, also known as Bloodsport, to John Economos, revealing that Bloodsport “sent Superman to the ICU with a Kryptonite bullet.”This revelation raises questions about the version of Superman that faced Bloodsport in this encounter. As James Gunn’s film serves as a soft reboot of David Ayer’s original Suicide Squad, it remains unclear whether it was Henry Cavill’s Superman who was nearly killed. However, with Creature Commandos now establishing a canon link between the DCEU and DCU, it becomes increasingly plausible that Bloodsport’s target was indeed Corenswet’s Superman.

Upon reflection, it makes more narrative sense that Bloodsport’s assassination attempt was aimed at David Corenswet’s Superman rather than Henry Cavill’s. The DCEU followed Cavill’s Superman from his origins to critical moments, including his death at Doomsday’s hands, resurrection, and eventual involvement with the Justice League. If Cavill’s Superman had been nearly assassinated, this would likely have been addressed within the DCEU framework, particularly given Superman’s potential collaboration with Waller, the boss of his would-be assassin.

Bloodsport’s Attempt Falls Within the DCU’s Timeline

Corenswet’s Superman: Early Encounters with Villains

Bloodsport's confrontation with Superman

For the DCU’s version of Bloodsport, the act of attempting to assassinate Superman might have been just another tactical mission among many. Although Amanda Waller’s comments in The Suicide Squad suggest Bloodsport’s action was significant, there remains ambiguity about whether this crime was the reason for his imprisonment at Belle Reve. It’s possible that Bloodsport was apprehended long after the incident involving Superman, while Superman himself was occupied combating major threats, such as Lex Luthor or the Engineer.

Verifying Bloodsport’s Feat in the Context of The Suicide Squad’s Canon

Superman’s Narrative Could Influence Canon Connections

As Creature Commandos seamlessly integrates The Suicide Squad into the DCU canon, it repositions the earlier film as a foundational component of the narrative leading into upcoming projects such as Creature Commandos, Peacemaker season 2, and a new Waller series. If Bloodsport’s backstory holds true within the DCU, this film will be the first to allude to Corenswet’s Superman. However, if Gunn’s narrative choices conflict with Bloodsport’s potential assassination attempt on Superman, it could mark the first significant inconsistency between The Suicide Squad and the broader DCU.

Before the formulation of the DCU, James Gunn hinted at another spinoff from The Suicide Squad, possibly revolving around Bloodsport or Ratcatcher II. Furthermore, the DCU has to reconcile the Justice League’s involvement in Peacemaker, as its context confirms that the Justice League has not yet come to fruition. This necessitates a retcon of Harley Quinn’s origin if Margot Robbie is to reprise her role in future DCU projects. If the DCU opts to also retcon Bloodsport’s assassination on Superman, this could complicate the established canon further.

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