Waller Series Update: DC Studios Prioritizes Script Quality for Viola Davis’s Return
New York, NY – August 13, 2025 – Fans eager for the return of Viola Davis as the formidable Amanda Waller in her standalone DC Universe series may need to exercise a bit more patience. DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn, 59, confirmed at the highly anticipated Peacemaker Season 2 premiere in New York City that the project is still very much in development, but its journey to the screen has been a deliberate one, overshadowed by a steadfast commitment to script excellence.
Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Gunn, alongside fellow DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran, reiterated their dedication to the series starring the acclaimed actress, 60, who first brought the steely government agent to life in 2016’s Suicide Squad and later reprised the role in 2021’s The Suicide Squad and the inaugural season of Peacemaker. “We’re working on it, so we’ll see what happens,” Gunn stated, acknowledging the varied paces of DCU projects. “Some things have moved faster than others. Waller’s not been the fastest.”
Commitment to Quality: A Deliberate Pace for the DCU
This measured approach, however, stems from a clear vision for the burgeoning DC Universe. Gunn previously addressed the development timeline in a since-deleted X post, emphasizing the studio’s philosophy: “Unlike most studios, we’ll never start production on a process if the script isn’t finished. Quality is the utmost priority.” This principle highlights a significant shift in the DC production pipeline, aiming to avoid the pitfalls of rushed development cycles.
Peter Safran echoed these sentiments earlier this year in a February interview with The Hollywood Reporter, admitting the series has encountered creative hurdles. “We’ve taken a couple of cracks at it but still haven’t been able to land,” Safran revealed, candidly describing Waller’s development as “a bumpy road.” This transparency underscores the intricate challenge of crafting narratives that seamlessly integrate into the ambitious, interconnected DCU narrative.
Peacemaker Season 2 Sees Faster Progress
In contrast to Waller’s meticulous script-sculpting phase, the second season of Peacemaker, starring John Cena, found a more accelerated path to production. Gunn explained at the premiere event that continuing Peacemaker’s story from the previous DCEU required only “a couple of minor permutations” to align with the new DCU continuity. Season 2 promises a deeper dive into the anti-hero’s psyche, shifting from merely “coming to terms” with his past demons to actively confronting them “head-on.”
Anticipation Builds for Davis’s Return
Despite the delays for Waller, Gunn’s enthusiasm for Davis’s return is palpable. “But I can’t wait to see Viola put on their Waller pants again,” he enthused, a sentiment undoubtedly shared by fans who have lauded Davis’s commanding portrayal of the character. Amanda Waller, known for her ruthless pragmatism and unwavering resolve in managing meta-human threats, is a critical figure in the DC lore, often operating in the morally grey areas that define the universe. Her series is expected to delve deeper into her intricate world and the shadowy government operations she oversees.
The Future of the DCU: A Grand Design
As DC Studios continues to lay the groundwork for its expansive cinematic and television universe, the commitment to the Waller series stands as a testament to their long-term vision. Beyond Waller, Gunn’s upcoming DCU slate includes Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, set to star Milly Alcock, and Lanterns, featuring Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler, promising a rich tapestry of interconnected stories for years to come. The Waller series, though taking its time, remains a cornerstone of this grand design, promising a meticulously crafted narrative befitting its iconic lead.
