What's Inside?
- James Gunn reveals Amanda Waller series is moving slowly but confirms it remains a crucial part of the new DC Universe slate.
- Viola Davis will reprise her iconic Amanda Waller role, bringing depth and power to DCU’s most morally complex government strategist.
- Creative delays stem from prioritizing Peacemaker and script development, but Gunn assures fans the Amanda Waller project has not been shelved.
The DC Universe (DCU) is buzzing with new projects under James Gunn and Peter Safran’s leadership, but one series that has kept fans waiting is the much-anticipated Amanda Waller show. First announced in 2022 with Viola Davis returning as the formidable Task Force X leader, the project continues to be on the table—though it’s taking longer than expected to move forward.
Amanda Waller: James Gunn Admits Progress Has Been Slow
In a recent conversation with People, James Gunn confirmed that he and DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran are still developing the series. Gunn candidly admitted, “We’re working on it, so we’ll see what happens. Some things have moved faster than others. Waller’s not been the fastest. But I can’t wait to see Viola put on their Waller pants again.”
This acknowledgment echoes what Gunn and Safran had earlier shared with Deadline, where both noted the creative challenges of cracking the right tone for Amanda Waller. Safran remarked, “We’ve taken a couple of cracks at Waller, and we haven’t been able to land it.” Gunn added that the Hollywood strikes and the prioritization of Peacemaker Season 2 contributed to the delays.
The creative shuffle was also explained by Gunn on social media, where he assured fans that DC Studios would never push a project into production without a finished script. “Unlike most studios, we’ll never start production on a process if the script isn’t finished. Quality is the utmost priority,” he stressed.
Why Amanda Waller Remains Central to the DCU
Despite the hurdles, Amanda Waller remains a cornerstone of DC’s long-term storytelling. Introduced in David Ayer’s Suicide Squad (2016) and reprised in Gunn’s The Suicide Squad (2021), Davis has brought gravitas to the morally complex character. Waller is the embodiment of government power unchecked—a strategist who uses expendable antiheroes for high-stakes missions, often at the cost of their lives.
The spinoff promises a darker, more drama-driven exploration than Gunn’s satirical Peacemaker. The series is expected to showcase Waller’s political maneuvering and ruthlessness, offering fans a different kind of DCU narrative. With acclaimed talents like Watchmen writer Christal Henry and Doom Patrol creator Jeremy Carver attached to the script, expectations remain high.
James Gunn himself remains optimistic, reinforcing his excitement about Davis’ return: “I can’t wait to see Viola put on their Waller pants again.” His words suggest not just continuity but also a deep trust in Davis’ ability to anchor one of DC’s most morally ambiguous characters.
Looking ahead, Gunn’s DCU slate also includes Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and Lanterns, both of which are positioned as major pillars of the new continuity. Still, fans of Amanda Waller can take solace in knowing that the project isn’t shelved—it’s simply being given the breathing room needed to do justice to both the character and Davis’ powerhouse performance.
In the evolving DCU, patience seems to be the key. And if Gunn delivers on his vision, Amanda Waller may well emerge as one of its most compelling, unforgettable figures.
