Darkseid is not the big bad of the DCU. According to James Gunn, there is no single big bad really

[Billy]

In another interview, James Gunn shattered spirits by confirming he isn't trying to replicate the MCU. Apparently, Darkseid is not going to be the ultimate big bad of the MCU after all. Actually, Gunn doesn't think that the franchise needs an ultimate big bad, but I think he is wrong. One of the reasons why the MCU's infinity saga did so well is because everyone knew that every character, and scene across all the films and TV shows were in service of the one ultimate purpose of defeating Thanos.
I do understand the continuity nigtmare that comes with having a single big bad, but it also serves more benefits. If the DCU is to continue as a single unit, it has to have a common enemy for all the heroes to unite around. It doesn't have to be Darkseid but someone needs to be.

 

[CiderHype]

I see what Gunn’s trying to do, but I’m not sure it’ll land. The “no ultimate villain” approach might give him flexibility, but it also makes it harder to get that sense of stakes across the whole universe. DC heroes feel at their best when they have something massive to fight against together. Without that, it could end up feeling like a bunch of cool moments that don’t really add up to anything.

 

[ChrisSawin]

I’ve enjoyed the majority of Gunn’s work and will give him the benefit of the doubt, but I disagree. Superhero films, particularly MCU films, need villains that don’t feel so disposable. Being dealt with in one film and not living up to fan expectations is always so disappointing. It’s weird that people think Doom will be any different.

It sounds like Gunn has a different plan in mind and it’ll be interesting to see where it all goes.

 

[Billy]

I see what Gunn’s trying to do, but I’m not sure it’ll land. The “no ultimate villain” approach might give him flexibility, but it also makes it harder to get that sense of stakes across the whole universe. DC heroes feel at their best when they have something massive to fight against together. Without that, it could end up feeling like a bunch of cool moments that don’t really add up to anything.

I totally agree with you on that. I don't understand why he won't embrace the fan base and move with them to the next stage kinda like the early days of the MCU? You need a big story with huge stakes and that is where a big bad comes in. Every good story needs one

 

[Billy]

I’ve enjoyed the majority of Gunn’s work and will give him the benefit of the doubt, but I disagree. Superhero films, particularly MCU films, need villains that don’t feel so disposable. Being dealt with in one film and not living up to fan expectations is always so disappointing. It’s weird that people think Doom will be any different.

It sounds like Gunn has a different plan in mind and it’ll be interesting to see where it all goes.

Well, I'd say Thanos would disagree with you there!