Summary
The DC Cinematic Universe (DCU) is officially taking shape under the guidance of James Gunn and Peter Safran, and fans are beginning to see glimpses of what lies ahead. In Episode 4 ofCreature Commandos, the series may have dropped a significant clue about one of the first major villains of James Gunn’s cinematic universe. The episode features the capture of Circe, a powerful sorceress, who reveals a shocking vision of Princess Ilana leading a catastrophic assault on the United States. The revelation goes further, showing Princess Ilana forging an alliance with none other than Gorilla Grodd.
This tantalizing development has sparked speculation aboutGrodd’s future in the DCU. WhileCreature Commandosis a relatively niche project, the inclusion of such an iconic villain could be the foundation of a larger narrative. Could Gorilla Grodd be positioned as the DCU’s first big bad, a character who will loom large over multiple films and series? If so, it’s a bold and intriguing choice that demonstrates Gunn’s willingness to dive deep into the DC comics’ roster.

Grodd Is Formidable For Most Justice League Heroes
Gorilla Grodd, a telepathic genius with incredible strength, has long been one of the most complex and formidable villains in DC lore. His potential as a unifying antagonist could set the stage for some of the most exciting conflicts in the burgeoning DCU.
Gorilla Grodd is not your average villain. Introduced in the pages ofThe Flashcomics, (and set up as aformidable adversary in CW’sFlash, Grodd is a hyper-intelligent ape with advanced telepathic abilities, making him a dual threat both mentally and physically. While many Justice League heroes have faced off against Grodd, his unique combination of powers often puts him several steps ahead of his enemies.

Release Date
Jul 15, 2025
Grodd’s telepathy allows him to control the minds of others, manipulate memories, and create illusions, making him a nightmare opponent for even the most seasoned superheroes. His physical strength, on par with characters like Wonder Woman and Aquaman, adds an extra layer of danger. Whatmakes Grodd truly terrifying, however, is his strategic mind. He is not merely a brute; he’s a tactician who often exploits his enemies’ weaknesses to devastating effect.
If Grodd indeed becomes a central villain in the DCU, he poses acredible threat to the Justice League, whenever and however that is populated in Gunn’s cinematic universe. A fully realized Grodd, with his intellect and power on full display, could force the team to adapt in ways that challenge their unity and individual abilities. The idea of Grodd leading an assault on the United States, as hinted at inCreature Commandos, underscores his ambition and capacity for large-scale destruction. It’s a level of threat that demands the combined efforts of the DCU’s most powerful heroes.

Princess Ilana and Grodd: A Dangerous Alliance
The alliance between Princess Ilana and Gorilla Grodd could serve as a cornerstone for the DCU’s unfolding narrative. Ilana, a character who appears to benewly introduced inCreature Commandos, is depicted as a conqueror with global ambitions. Pairing her with Grodd creates a dynamic duo that combines raw power, political intrigue, and strategic brilliance.
Pairing her with Grodd creates a dynamic duo that combines raw power, political intrigue, and strategic brilliance.
Circe’s vision of Ilana and Grodd’s assault hints at a larger story that may stretch across multiple DCU projects. Ilana’s role as a leader with a vision for global domination aligns well with Grodd’s own history of attempting to subjugate humanity. Together, they could represent a thematic clash between human freedom and authoritarian control. This could serve as a unifying thread for the DCU, tying together the individual stories of its heroes as they come together to confront a common enemy.
Moreover, introducing Grodd throughCreature Commandosallows the DCU to lay the groundwork for his character in alower-stakes environmentbefore elevating him to a primary antagonist role. This incremental build-up mirrors the successful villain arcs seen in other cinematic universes, where early teases and minor appearances set the stage for larger, more impactful confrontations.
Foreshadowing the Future of the DCU
The inclusion of Gorilla Grodd inCreature Commandosis a bold move that signals a commitment to deep storytelling and character development in the DCU. Grodd’s potential as a central villain offers a wealth of narrative opportunities, from exploring his origins and motivations to testing the limits of the Justice League. Especially when considering that it seems unlikely he’ll be making an appearance inSupermanas the movie seems toalready be packed full of villains.
As the DCU continues to unfold, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely for further clues about Grodd’s role. Will he become the ultimate big bad, uniting heroes and villains alike in a sprawling saga? Or will he serve as a stepping stone to even greater threats? Either way, the choice of Gorilla Grodd as a potential major antagonist is an exciting prospect that underscores the creative ambitions of the DCU’s new leadership.
Of course, while Episode 4 introduced a look at the character, Episode 5 ofCreature Commandoscast doubt on Circe’s vision and whether or not it was planted. It’s possible that too, could be the work of Grodd using his telepathic powers to muddy the waters and perhaps even turning Flagg’s team against Ilana, who is actually an ally. If Gorilla Grodd truly is the first big bad of this new era, fans are in for a treat, as one of DC’s most compelling villains takes center stage in a universe full of possibilities.