The Creature Commandos, and his potential debut offers the chance to reinvent the telepathic ape in a way that could sur even The Flash TV show’s impressive take on the character.
Since his debut in 1959, Grodd has been a recurring antagonist with grandiose ambitions, ranging from dominating Central City to conquering the world. The Flash TV show introduced Grodd as a sympathetic yet terrifying villain, brought to life with surprising emotional depth despite the constraints of a television budget. Now, the DCU promises to take Grodd to new heights. While it was briefly suspected that here was a reference to Grodd in the Superman (2025) trailer, this has been debunked. However, the foe was established in-universe through a different project in DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.
The DC Universe Has Teased Gorilla Grodd In 2024
Gorilla Grodd Appeared In The DCU's Creature Commandos
Gorilla Grodd made a fleeting appearance in Circe reveals an apocalyptic vision to Amanda Waller, depicting a future where the world's superheroes have been defeated. Among the villains who stand victorious is Gorilla Grodd, a menacing presence aligned with the Pokolistan army. The scene suggests that Grodd’s psionic and physical prowess will be key to Ilana Rostovich’s eventual invasion.
This brief but powerful appearance in Creature Commandos signifies much more than a mere Easter egg. Grodd’s inclusion hints at a broader narrative where the villain plays a critical role in shaping the DCU’s future conflicts. By aligning him with Ilana’s forces, Gunn and his team appear to be setting the stage for Grodd to emerge as a formidable threat in films or series, perhaps even transcending his traditional role as a Flash villain to become a global menace.
Why The DCU's Gorilla Grodd Tease Is So Promising
Grodd Is A Classic DC Villain
The DCU’s teases of Gorilla Grodd’s involvement are promising for several reasons. First, James Gunn’s history of successfully adapting eccentric characters - from Groot and Rocket Raccoon in Guardians of the Galaxy to King Shark in The Suicide Squad - proves he has the creative vision to bring a character like Grodd to life with depth and flair. Gunn’s ability to balance humor, heart, and menace ensures that Grodd can retain his sinister edge while gaining the emotional complexity that elevates great villains.
Second, the DCU’s larger budget allows for cutting-edge visual effects that could finally do justice to Grodd’s psionic abilities. While The Flash’s Grodd was impressive given the constraints of a CW production, the DCU’s resources can amplify his telepathic powers and hulking physique, making them more visually dynamic and powerful. Finally, the teases indicate a willingness to integrate Grodd into the broader DCU storylines. By positioning him as a key player in an apocalyptic vision, the DCU hints at a version of Grodd who could challenge not just the Flash but the entire Justice League.
How The DCU Gorilla Grodd Could Be Even Better Than The Flash's
The CW's The Flash Introduced A Version Of Gorilla Grodd
The CW’s The Flash set a high bar by exploring Gorilla Grodd’s tragic backstory and complex motivations. Born from cruel experiments, Grodd’s hatred for humanity was rooted in his mistreatment, making him a surprisingly sympathetic antagonist. The show also leveraged Grodd’s telepathic abilities to great effect, portraying him as both a physical and intellectual threat.
Creature Commandos Copies The Controversial Justice League Decision That Outraged DC Fans
Creature Commandos has made some major moves for the DCU despite being the first entry in the newly reborn franchise, and it could be controversial.
However, the DCU can take Grodd’s character even further. With a larger budget, the visual effects team can render Grodd in exquisite detail, showcasing his raw power and intricate expressions to capture the full range of his emotions. Additionally, the DCU’s ability to connect Grodd to wider storylines - such as a potential alliance with Ilana Rostovich - allows for more intricate and compelling narratives. Gunn’s talent for crafting morally ambiguous characters could also deepen Grodd’s motivations, exploring his struggles with his gorilla heritage, his desire for power, and perhaps even his capacity for redemption.
Moreover, the DCU’s version of Grodd could bring a more terrifying edge to the character. While The Flash emphasized Grodd’s tragic side, the DCU could highlight his darker, more ruthless tendencies. Imagine Grodd as a Machiavellian mastermind, manipulating heroes and villains alike to achieve his goals. Such an approach would make him a unique and formidable addition to the DCU’s pantheon of villains, as was teased by Creature Commandos.
Creature Commandos
- Release Date
- December 5, 2024
- Network
- Max
- Directors
- Matt Peters
Cast
The Bride (voice)
GI Robot / Weasel (voice)
WHERE TO WATCH
Creature Commandos follows the exploits of a secret team of incarcerated monsters recruited for perilous missions unsuitable for humans. Released in December 2024, the film explores themes of redemption and collaboration as the monstrous squad is tasked with handling threats that present dire challenges beyond human capability.
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