Kicking off the next big superhero cinematic universe with an out-of-left-field animated series may be decreed a bold strategy by some, but DC Studios also hired James Gunn as one of its co-CEO’s, so the risk factor with just about any creative decision can safely break even, or even end up in the green.
Indeed, popping the world’s DCU cherry with Creature Commandos, an animated miniseries starring such characters as Rick Flag Sr., Eric Frankenstein, and Doctor Phosphorus, might not have been on anyone’s bingo card prior to the announcement of the Gods and Monsters slate back in January, but given that that’s the world we live in, the world now waits with bated breath to see how Gunn crafts this intriguing appetizer.
We know the characters, we know who’s going to play them, and we it’s safe to assume that we know it’s going to be a very different show than we may be used to. Maria Bakalova – the voice behind the show’s original character Princess Ilana Rostovic – was all too happy to confirm that latter point. In an interview with ComicBook, the Bodies Bodies Bodies star revealed that her mysterious new character is unlike anything she’s ever played before, which also seems to be the extent of what she’s allowed to reveal.
“I’m looking forward to start the process because it’s a completely different character than I’ve played before, even in feature films, just the type of a character that is written. It’s challenging, I think, but I’m dying to dive into it with James because I know he’s going to lead me to the best direction possible.”
Considering Bakalova’s portfolio includes a telepathic Russian dog and the bride-to-be of Mike Pence, her declaration of her character as “completely different” probably shouldn’t be taken lightly, and we can’t wait to see what she and the rest of the show’s colorful voice cast end up gifting us.
Creatures Commandos will release on HBO Max on a yet undetermined date, but considering it’s been confirmed to drop before Superman: Legacy, which releases on July 11, 2025, we can certainly expect it before then.