Warning! This article contains spoilers for Superman.

The DC Universe has teased a three-villain team-up that would improve on anything Marvel has done in recent years. The first cinematic installment of the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters has been released, allowing many more characters to be introduced to the franchise. Superman‘s ending solidified this, with villains and heroes alike now part of the sprawling world.

Superman contained many Easter eggs to DC characters that weren’t involved, too, even including a road sign to Gotham City. This only proves how wide-reaching the DCU will eventually be in terms of its hero and villain rosters. However, after only the first movie and TV show, Creature Commandos, the DCU has teased an adequate amount of the latter.

There were several villains in Superman, yet it is how one of these may link to one from Creature Commandos that is incredibly exciting. Via this link, the DC Universe has already teased the possibility of a villain team-up between three major characters in the franchise. Given Marvel Studios’ lackluster villain teams, the DCU could blow its compeтιтor out of the water.

The MCU’s Supervillain Team Offerings Have Been Limited At Best

Marvel Hasn’t Had A Stand-Out Supervillain Team

Firstly, it is worth exploring how Marvel has slacked on the supervillain team front. Ironically, it cannot be said that the MCU has not included many villain teams, as it certainly has. Two of the franchise’s Phase One movies included as much, with Iron Man including the Ten Rings and Captain America: The First Avenger including HYDRA.

Both of these have persevered into Phases 3 and 4, yet they cannot be described as typical supervillain teams. Of that ilk, only the Black Order from Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame can be counted, in the sense that several individual villains come together to fight The Avengers rather than big, wide-reaching organizations.

However, the Black Order was somewhat underutilized, with Thanos naturally taking center stage above his children. Also, the other villains of the Black Order were not antagonists of any individual MCU heroes. A team like the Sinister Six, for instance, is all linked to Spider-Man, making the emotional weight of their battles much stronger. The Black Order lacked this.

Speaking of the Sinister Six, Spider-Man: No Way Home provided almost as much. This is arguably the best instance of the MCU including a supervillain team, yet even then, it was limited. Only five villains were used, and the likes of Sandman and The Lizard were sidelined somewhat. Thus far, there has yet to be a truly great MCU villain team.

Superman Makes A DCU Villain Trio Already Seem Very Possible For The Franchise

The DCU Already Has More Villain Team Potential After Only Two Projects

Jumping over to the other side of the superhero cinema pond, the DC Universe has already made a compelling villain team seem possible after only two installments. Although Superman has long been considered the official start of the DCU, Creature Commandos was released in December 2024 as a prologue of sorts.

This show introduced a lot of wider DCU characters, one of whom is linked to a major Justice League hero. The character in question is a Wonder Woman villain known as Circe, a sorceress who seeks to rule Themyscira.

Creature Commandos gave Circe somewhat of a heroic arc, yet her villainy was still outlined. As of Creature Commandos’ ending, Circe was imprisoned in Belle Reve by Amanda Waller. Interestingly, Superman‘s main villain, Lex Luthor, was also sent to Belle Reve after his malicious machinations were foiled.

Herein lies the set-up for the DCU’s first villain team. Lex Luthor and Circe are certainly villains, both with Amanda Waller as their overseer. Waller has been known to engage in villainous arcs in the comics, and even in James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, as a means to an end for the “greater good.”

With all three characters in the same place, the DC Universe could have its first villain team. While the franchise would need to provide a compelling reason for Waller to be involved, this would already improve on any villain group the MCU has done. Even without Waller, Lex and Circe could make for the beginnings of a team like the Legion of Doom.

Two Upcoming DCU Shows Both Have The Perfect Excuse To Bring These Characters Together

Concerning how this villain team could continue being teased, two upcoming DCU shows have the opportunity to do this. Firstly, Peacemaker season 2’s story will be released on HBO Max in August 2025, which has ties to Amanda Waller. Waller’s daughter, Leota Adebayo, is a main character, meaning Waller appeared in Peacemaker season 1 as a result.

This could mean Waller appears in Peacemaker season 2. The show is already expected to tie into the wider DCU thanks to characters like Hawkgirl and Guy Gardner, who debuted in Superman, having roles. All of this could allow Peacemaker to set up a future story involving Waller and the two powerful prisoners at her disposal.

Beyond that, James Gunn’s initial plan for the DCU involved a TV show simply тιтled Waller​​​​​​. While it is unclear if this show is still going ahead, it has not been canceled either. Waller could explain why the тιтular character would ally herself with Lex Luthor and Circe or show the latter two manipulating her.

Either way, the DCU has the perfect opportunity for a major supervillain team-up.