The DCU is beginning to take shape, but it seems likely that one character may be doomed from the start. After the dissolution of the DCEU, James Gunn is spearheading efforts to revitalize and renew the DC Universe of stories with a new cast of characters and a more unified set of projects. Already, it appears that several of the shows and movies currently in the works are setting the tone for the DCU, but there is also a handful of projects surviving the DCEU and persisting into the DCU, such as Peacemaker.
While canonically, this could be a little confusing for audiences, the vast majority of the DCU is starting from scratch. But, that being said, the inclusion of a few key characters, and the fact that one DCEU hero was essentially ᴀssured they would continue to appear in the DCU, it seems more likely than ever that their story could take some dark turns if the comics are anything to go by. And since the comics provide foundations for these characters and stories, it seems fairly likely that the storyline may well be adapted for the DCU, leading to the death of one key figure who is set to return.
Maxwell Lord Is Responsible For 1 Major Hero Death In DC Comics
Maxwell Lord Is A Dasterdly Villain In DC Comics
In the comic book storyline, Countdown to Infinite Crisis, Ted Kord investigates a situation that involves Maxwell Lord, a wealthy businessman who has ties to the Justice League International. However, Lord is not a good guy. Lord has a lot of secret information about the members of the core Justice League, and when Ted Kord, the second Blue Beetle in the comics, tries to warn the Justice League about the issues, they ignore, and forcefully reject Ted’s message. Ultimately, Ted goes to confront Maxwell Lord without backup, and it’s at this point that the hero is murdered by the monstrous Lord.
This death is shocking and brutal, and while it didn’t inspire the Justice League to make any significant changes, it did pave the way for the next Blue Beetle to take up the mantle. Interestingly, Blue Beetle is one of the few films that is set to carry over into the DCU, and the original film dropped some serious clues about Ted Kord’s survival. While Jamie Reyes may be the new Blue Beetle, his connection to Kord is important to explore, but it could lead to a similar outcome as what is seen in the comics.
Maxwell Lord Being Introduced So Early Would Justify A Bigger Role In The DCU
The DCU’s Lineup Is Expanding Already
Maxwell Lord is a fairly notable villain. There are plenty of other villains that are much worse, but Lord is a solid contender. But in the DCEU, the character wasn’t introduced until Wonder Woman 1984, when he was played by Pedro Pascal. Now, Pascal is a huge actor, but he has a lot of other commitments, especially considering his role as Mister Fantastic in the MCU. Meanwhile, Gunn has hired his brother, Sean Gunn, to play the part of Maxwell Lord in the DCU, and, evidently, his version of the character is being set up in the series from the very beginning which might hint at them having a larger, longer lasting role.
This is further emphasized by the fact that Gunn is expected to have some sort of role in Superman, and again in Peacemaker season 2. Both projects are expected to be pivotal in the DCU, and with Lord working with the Justice League International team, it appears he is well known inside the DCU. If this is the case, then the character likely has an arc that he will go on throughout his various movie appearances, and considering his darker history in the comics, it would make sense to include elements of his cruelty and brutality.
Killing Ted Kord Could Further Blue Beetle’s DCU Story & Help His Move To The New DC Universe
Blue Beetle Needs To Find A Way In To The DCU From The DCEU
Since Blue Beetle was technically a part of the DCEU, the challenge becomes how this character and their story should be integrated into the DCU. For Peacemaker season 2, the show is treating the majority of the first season as canon, with the rule of thumb being until something is mentioned or referenced, it is not canon. Then, once it is referenced or mentioned, it becomes canonical and sets up the foundation of the series. Bringing Blue Beetle’s Jamie Reyes into the DCU requires a strong story, and one that can realistically tie him to the other heroes and villains.
As brutal as it may be, having Jamie try to find and learn from Ted Kord, an earlier Blue Beetle in the DCEU, it would be an intense emotional journey to see Jamie lose that leader figure in his life. Including a narrative where Kord is trying desperately to warn his allies, only to be killed by Maxwell Lord, would open the door for his story to continue in the DCU. Beyond that, the sacrifice of Jamie’s mentor and friend, Ted Kord, could make for an excellent foundational story to inspire the young hero and motivate him to take down criminals like Maxwell Lord.
I Think Maxwell Lord Killing Ted Kord Suits The DCU’s Story Approach So Far
The DCU Has A Balanced Approach To Storytelling
The DCEU was undeniably the darker, more gritty, and more intense version of these films. However, James Gunn is remarkably talented at balancing humor with adult themes like violence, and so on. On top of this, Gunn has a great understanding of the characters, and he is willing to invest the time to researching their comic stories, and finding out what makes them tick. And as bright and airy as films like Superman look, there are still darker themes and ideas, with which the DCU has room to play around. However, to remind audiences of Blue Beetle, and to set the character off on the right note in the DCU, it makes sense to have a bigger connection to the DCU like Maxwell Lord.
Gunn has a great understanding of the characters, and he is willing to invest the time to researching their comic stories.
If Lord is responsible for killing Jamie’s mentor and friend, or if Jamie is seeking out Kord only to find that Lord has managed to capture him, it would give his character the perfect in to the wider DCU. It also remains in line with the tones of other films like Superman that are currently in the lineup, with serious themes, trouble, chaos, and a variety of heroes appearing in a story, all of which could be incorporated into a Blue Beetle story in the DCU. It certainly won’t be the easiest way forward for Reyes in Blue Beetle, but it would be a great way to drop them into the action.
Upcoming DC Movie Releases
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Superman
- Release Date
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July 11, 2025
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Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
- Release Date
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June 26, 2026
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The Batman Part II
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October 1, 2027
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