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James Gunn Says Waller Project Is Alive — but Progress Is Uneven
As James Gunn and Peter Safran steadily assemble the new DCU slate, one project fans have been waiting for—an Amanda Waller drama led by Viola Davis—remains very much in development. Speaking recently with People, Gunn reiterated that he and Safran are "working on" a Waller series, while acknowledging that some DCU initiatives have advanced faster than others. "Waller’s not been the fastest," Gunn admitted, adding with characteristic warmth that he "can’t wait to see Viola put on their Waller pants again."
Why Amanda Waller Matters: Power, Ambiguity and Task Force X
Amanda Waller is one of the DC universe’s most magnetic figures: a political operator who runs black-ops programs and commands Task Force X (the Suicide Squad). Viola Davis introduced this incarnation of Waller in 2016’s Suicide Squad and reprised the role in David Ayer’s follow-ups and Gunn’s 2021 The Suicide Squad. Unlike many caped crusaders, Waller’s appeal is rooted in moral ambiguity—she’s ruthless, strategic, and often operates above the ethical lines that govern conventional heroes. That complexity is precisely why a series built around her could become a standout drama in the broader DCU lineup.
From Cameos to Center Stage
Davis even popped up in HBO Max’s Peacemaker, linking Waller to the tonal variety of Gunn’s universe—a universe that can swing from zany antihero comedy to somber espionage drama. Gunn and Safran initially planned to fast-track Waller, but production realities—along with the writers' and actors' strikes and the speed at which other projects, like Peacemaker Season 2, came together—shifted priorities.
Creative Team, Format and Development Hurdles
Waller was first announced in 2022 with Watchmen writer Christal Henry attached, and later Doom Patrol creator Jeremy Carver joined to co-write. The combination promises a writerly, character-driven take—expected to lean into drama rather than the comedic bent Gunn showed with Peacemaker. But Gunn and Safran have been candid: multiple tries to land the right tone and structure have come up short so far. Industry insiders point to the challenge of expanding a morally complex supporting character into a central, serialized narrative that keeps audiences engaged for multiple episodes.
How the Waller Series Compares to Other Antihero Dramas
In tone and ambition, a Waller series would be closer to Marvel’s darker streaming entries like Daredevil or Netflix’s Jessica Jones than to a lighter spin-off. Its closest DC cousin in spirit might be the recent reclamations of antihero narratives such as Lucifer or HBO’s more adult takes on comic characters—shows that foreground psychology, politics, and long-form world-building over spectacle. But Waller’s government-military purview also hints at procedural elements—espionage, covert ops, and political maneuvering—making the potential show hybridize spy thriller, legal drama, and character study.
Fan Reaction and Expectations
Fans have long praised Viola Davis’s commanding Waller, and social media often imagines her at the center of an expansive, high-stakes series. The potential pitfalls are well-known: leaning too hard into sympathetic backstory could dilute Waller’s menace, while making her irredeemably dark risks alienating viewers looking for nuance. The sweet spot appears to be a show that preserves her iron will while exploring the costs of power—exactly the territory seasoned writers like Henry and Carver are well-suited to explore.
Industry Context: Why Waller Has Slowed Down
The entertainment landscape has changed: streamers are cautious about large-scale spinoffs, the DCU reboot requires tight creative coordination, and labor strikes in recent years disrupted writers’ room schedules. Gunn and Safran also had to prioritize projects that could be produced quickly and build momentum for the new DCU—Peacemaker became a clear priority. Meanwhile, Max is moving forward with other spinoffs such as Lanterns, aiming to launch in early 2026, which illustrates DC Studios’ modular strategy: nurture multiple cornerstones, then interlock them.
"Amanda Waller is the kind of character who can carry a serialized political-espionage drama, but she demands writers willing to sustain moral tension without shortcuts," says film critic Anna Kovacs. "If done right, a Waller series could be the DCU’s most adult, thoughtful entry—one that complicates what heroism even means in this universe."
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia and Creative Threads
Some lesser-known notes: Viola Davis is deeply invested in Waller’s integrity and reportedly contributed to shaping the character’s voice across appearances. Gunn’s offhand reference to "Waller pants" became a viral shorthand among fans, signaling both excitement and affection for Davis’s performance. Christal Henry’s Watchmen pedigree and Jeremy Carver’s Doom Patrol experience suggest the writers aim to blend political satire, surreal edges, and human stakes—qualities that could reframe Waller for a mature, serialized audience.
Conclusion: A Slow Burn That Could Redefine DC Drama
James Gunn’s confirmation that the Amanda Waller series remains in development should reassure fans—but it’s also a reminder that complex character-driven shows often require more time to find shape. The series presents a major opportunity: to carve a dramatic, adult corner within the DCU that examines power, accountability, and the moral compromises of national security. With Viola Davis in the lead and a strong creative team edging toward the right tone, Waller’s slow gestation may ultimately produce something bolder and more resonant than a quick spin-off ever could.
What to Watch Next
Keep an eye on official updates from DC Studios and Max. In the meantime, revisiting Davis’s turns in Suicide Squad, The Suicide Squad (2021), and her scenes in Peacemaker provides useful context for how a Waller-led drama could evolve—part political thriller, part character study, and entirely compelling if it finds its precise narrative voice.
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