The DCU‘s villain for Chapter One: Gods & Monsters may already be hiding in plain sight. James Gunn has quietly dropped clues—and surprisingly, it’s not Darkseid or Lex Luthor. Instead, all signs point to a powerful and ancient enemy: Vandal Savage. Through recent timeline hints and subtle narrative cues, Gunn seems to be setting the stage for a bold, mythic-level threat unlike anything seen in the DCEU.
Gunn’s Timeline Hint Reveals Clues About the DCU’s Villain
In a recent interview ahead of Superman (2025), Gunn revealed that metahumans have existed publicly for over 300 years in the DCU. At first glance, this may seem like a simple piece of worldbuilding. However, it could also serve as a carefully placed breadcrumb—hinting at a much deeper narrative unfolding behind the scenes.
Given such a long timeline of superpowered beings, it’s reasonable to assume the presence of a villain who predates modern civilization. In fact, that DCU’s villain could very well be Vandal Savage, an immortal mastermind with centuries of influence and a deep-rooted impact on human history.
Why Vandal Savage Could Be the Perfect Long-Term Antagonist
Vandal Savage’s origin is both ancient and iconic. A mysterious meteorite struck him in prehistoric times, granting him immortality and enhanced intellect. Since then, he has assumed many roles—pharaoh, conqueror, pirate, strategist—relentlessly shaping human history to serve his ambitions.
In DC Comics, Savage has gone toe-to-toe with the Justice League, Justice Society, and nearly every major superhero. Yet, live-action adaptations have never fully embraced his potential. His brief appearance in the CW’s Arrowverse lacked the gravitas he deserves, making him ideal for a DCU reboot.
If James Gunn intends to reveal Vandal Savage as the main DCU’s villain in Chapter One: Gods & Monsters, it could mark a defining moment for the new DCU. This bold choice wouldn’t just shake up expectations—it would also deliver several key advantages.
To begin with, it helps set the DCU apart from earlier DCEU arcs, which frequently focused on well-known villains like Lex Luthor and Darkseid. Rather than revisiting these overused threats, Gunn actively introduces new energy into the narrative, keeping the storytelling fresh and unpredictable. Even more significantly, by bringing in a mythic-level antagonist who has long been overlooked in live-action, he unlocks opportunities for rich, layered storytelling that spans centuries.
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