The Peacemaker Season 2 finale, titled "Full Nelson," sparked considerable debate among fans, with some appreciating the emotional depth between Chris (John Cena) and the 11th Street Kids, while others expressed disappointment with the revelation of the planet Salvation. This reveal, which James Gunn suggested would propel the DCU narrative forward, triggered a wave of theories, particularly linking Salvation to the comic book's "Salvation run" and its potential connection to Apokolips, Darkseid's homeworld. Such speculation hinted at Darkseid's imminent appearance in Gunn's cinematic universe.

However, James Gunn has directly addressed these widespread theories, confirming in recent interviews that Darkseid is not currently part of his plans for the DCU. While this news may disappoint some fans who view Darkseid as a quintessential, powerful villain, it marks a deliberate and refreshing direction for the DCU's narrative development. Introducing Darkseid so soon after his prominent portrayal in Zack Snyder's Justice League and potentially mimicking Marvel's strategy of building towards a singular ultimate antagonist, could result in repetitive storytelling, which contrasts with Gunn's vision for a fresh and vibrant universe.

Gunn further elucidated his strategy as DCU studio head, maintaining an open line of communication with pundits and theorists. When questioned about Darkseid's compelling nature as a character, Gunn was remarkably candid, stating that "to give you probably more of an answer than you expected — using Darkseid as the big bad right now is not necessarily the thing." This decisive statement, while not entirely ruling out a future role for one of the DC cosmos's most destructive forces, effectively quashes immediate Darkseid rumors, paving the way for greater possibilities regarding the true consequences of Salvation within the evolving DCU.

A core reason against an early Darkseid introduction lies in the fact that audiences have not only recently encountered the character but also witnessed the successful execution of his archetype in other major superhero franchises. Gunn himself acknowledged that "Zach [Snyder] did [Darkseid] so cool in his way," highlighting the impactful depiction of the ruler of Apokolips in Zack Snyder's Justice League. Snyder's version, with its intimidating aura, the flashback battle scenes with Greek gods, his silent confrontation with Superman (Henry Cavill) and the other Justice League members, and his ominous declaration about invading Earth using "the old ways," established him as an unparalleled threat. Re-adapting Darkseid now would inevitably invite comparisons and present a significant challenge in portraying him uniquely for David Corenswet's Superman, potentially giving the impression that Gunn is merely continuing Snyder's narrative.

Moreover, Gunn drew parallels between Darkseid and Thanos (Josh Brolin), noting their "obviously similar" character archetypes. Both characters share similarly genocidal aims in their respective universes; Darkseid seeks the Anti-Life Equation, while Thanos aimed to decimate half of all life on a cosmic scale. An early Darkseid arc would thus involve heroes attempting to stop a powerful being from universe-wide elimination, a premise fundamentally similar to what audiences have recently experienced, despite potential differences in the exact methods or percentages of destruction.

Gunn's DCU is not confined by the necessity of a singular "Darkseid-style" villain. Given the extensive roster of antagonists available in the DC universe, Gunn does not feel compelled to pursue the "big bad" narrative arc that notably characterized Marvel's Infinity Saga. While Marvel's phased build-up was undeniably exciting and unprecedented, it often meant that many individual antagonists, such as Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), Hela (Cate Blanchett), and Ronan the Accuser (Lee Pace), felt less significant, serving primarily as stepping stones to the ultimate antagonist. By focusing on more thematic villains that resonate with the DCU's evolving narrative, each antagonist, exemplified by Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor returning in Peacemaker following his arrest in Superman, can hold substantial weight and contribute to a more nuanced portrayal. This approach allows characters to exert lasting influence beyond a single confrontation, fostering more intriguing and complex narratives.

Delaying Darkseid's introduction is viewed as a strategic move that will ultimately enhance the impact and distinctiveness of his eventual appearance. Any current attempt would likely feel like a repetition of very recent cinematic experiences, making it even harder to surpass predecessors. Even when Darkseid eventually enters Gunn's universe, he doesn't need to be the sole force that renders all other villains insignificant in comparison. Gunn's comments provide further assurance that the DCU's future is in capable hands, as his clear understanding of these aspects of superhero storytelling suggests that, whatever the consequences of Salvation may be, they will be both thrilling and uniquely crafted.