Casting choices in superhero movies can make or break an entire cinematic universe, and some unfulfilled DC casting would have changed everything. While DC’s cinematic history has had its share of iconic performances, several near-misses could have reshaped the DCU’s future. Whether due to scheduling conflicts, creative differences, or studio decisions, some major Hollywood names were considered for key roles but never donned the cape or cowl.
The superhero genre is filled with actors who were nearly cast but ultimately pᴀssed over. These missed opportunities sometimes lead to better results, such as Heath Ledger’s Joker, which was initially met with skepticism but became legendary. However, other times, an actor’s absence can leave audiences wondering what could have been. Casting decisions influence not just a film’s reception but also an actor’s career and even the direction of an entire franchise. `
10
Nicholas Hoult As Superman
Superman (2025)
Before David Corenswet was cast in James Gunn’s Superman (2025), Nicholas Hoult was a forerunner for the Man of Steel. While Hoult ultimately landed the part of Lex Luthor instead, imagining him as the Man of Steel presents an intriguing possibility. Hoult, known for his roles in X-Men: First Class and The Great, has a balance of charm and intensity that could have made for a fresh take on Superman.
Hoult’s casting might have given audiences a more intellectual and brooding take on Clark Kent, differing from the hopeful vision Gunn seems to be crafting. Furthermore, Hoult’s physical transformation for roles like Renfield and the X-Men movies shows he could have handled the physicality required for Superman. His approach might have been a mix of Christopher Reeve’s warmth and Henry Cavill’s commanding presence. While viewers will never see this version, Hoult’s performance as Lex Luthor could still be a game-changer.
9
Justin Timberlake As Hal Jordan
Green Lantern (2011)
At one point, pop superstar Justin Timberlake was in the running to play Hal Jordan in 2011’s Green Lantern (via The Things). The role ultimately went to Ryan Reynolds, but Timberlake’s involvement could have completely changed the film’s tone and reception. Timberlake, known for his charismatic performances in The Social Network and Friends with Benefits, might have leaned into the character’s cocky yet charming personality. His comedic timing and natural likability could have brought an energy that differentiated the film from its eventual outcome.
Additionally, Timberlake’s casting might have drawn a different audience, capitalizing on his global fan base. While Reynolds’ Green Lantern was widely panned, Timberlake’s interpretation may have led to an alternate timeline where the film succeeded, altering the trajectory of the DCU. However, with Green Lantern struggling at the box office, it’s uncertain if even Timberlake’s star power could have saved it.
8
Ryan Gosling As The Joker
Suicide Squad
Ryan Gosling was once considered for the role of the Joker in Suicide Squad before Jared Leto ultimately took it. Gosling, known for his nuanced and often brooding performances in Drive and Blade Runner 2049, could have provided a drastically different version of the Clown Prince of Crime. Unlike Leto’s divisive take, which accentuated a gangster-style Joker, Gosling may have delivered a more calculated and eerie performance, blending menace with quiet intensity.
Given his history of portraying emotionally complex characters, his Joker might have been more in line with Heath Ledger’s haunting portrayal in The Dark Knight. Gosling’s involvement could have changed Suicide Squad’s reception entirely, perhaps even leading to a more grounded and compelling villain. While he ultimately pᴀssed on the role due to concerns over multi-film contracts, his Joker remains one of the biggest “what-ifs” in DC’s cinematic history.
7
Keanu Reeves As Doctor Manhattan
Watchmen (2009)
Before Watchmen was released in 2009, Keanu Reeves was strongly considered for the role of Doctor Manhattan. Ultimately, the part went to Billy Crudup, who delivered a haunting and detached performance. However, imagining Reeves as the omnipotent blue being opens up interesting possibilities. Keanu Reeves’ stoic acting style, seen in The Matrix and John Wick, might have lent itself well to Manhattan’s detached perspective on humanity.
Reeves’ voice, famous for its calm yet impactful delivery, could have added an ethereal quality to the character’s philosophical musings. Additionally, Reeves’ casting might have given Watchmen a bigger mainstream appeal, drawing in more audiences who were unfamiliar with the graphic novel. While Watchmen was critically divisive, Reeves’ involvement could have brought a different energy to Zack Snyder’s vision, possibly shifting the perception of the film’s execution and legacy.
6
Marlon Wayans As Robin
Batman Returns & Batman Forever
Tim Burton originally planned to introduce Robin in Batman Returns with Marlon Wayans for the role. However, as the film evolved, it became clear that the movie was too crowded. Burton decided to focus more on Catwoman and the Penguin, cutting Robin from the script. Wayans was still paid for the role and even had a contract to return in Batman Forever, but when Joel Schumacher took over the franchise, he recast the part with Chris O’Donnell.
Had Wayans played Robin, the Batman series might have taken a very different turn, potentially offering a more diverse and unique take on the character. His version could have influenced later adaptations, including Batman & Robin, which might have been more effective had Wayans continued as Dick Grayson. This missed casting opportunity opens the possibility of what a Burton-directed Robin could have looked like.
5
Gal Gadot As Faora
Man Of Steel
Before she became Wonder Woman, Gal Gadot was almost cast as Faora in Man of Steel. The Israeli actress was in the running for the role of General Zod’s ruthless second-in-command, but ultimately, the part went to Antje Traue. Gadot later revealed that she had to turn down the opportunity due to her pregnancy at the time. While Traue delivered a memorable performance, it’s interesting to consider how Gadot’s take on the villain could have shaped her career.
Playing Faora might have prevented her from being cast as Wonder Woman, drastically altering the course of the DC Extended Universe. Instead of becoming a feminist icon and headlining her own franchise, she might have been remembered as a one-off antagonist. Ultimately, fate had other plans, and her portrayal of Diana Prince became one of the DCEU’s biggest successes.
4
Robin Williams As The Riddler
Batman Forever
Robin Williams was one of the most high-profile actors considered for the role of the Riddler in Batman Forever. A known comic book fan, Williams had previously been approached for the role of the Joker in Batman (1989) but was allegedly used as leverage to secure Jack Nicholson. When Batman Forever came around, Williams was once again in talks, but the role ultimately went to Jim Carrey.
While Carrey brought an over-the-top, manic energy to the role, Williams could have offered a more cerebral and sinister take on the character. His ability to balance humor and menace could have resulted in a Riddler more akin to the modern interpretations seen in The Batman (2022) and Arkham video games. Many still speculate on what could have been, with fan art and concept designs imagining Robin Williams’ take on Gotham’s enigmatic Riddler.
3
Billy Dee Williams As Two-Face
Batman Forever
Billy Dee Williams played Harvey Dent in Tim Burton’s Batman (1989), setting the stage for a potential transformation into Two-Face in a sequel. However, when Burton left the franchise and Joel Schumacher took over, the studio recast the role with Tommy Lee Jones in Batman Forever. Williams had originally signed on with the understanding that he would play Two-Face in a future film, making his omission a major missed opportunity.
Williams’ take could have provided a more nuanced and charismatic version of the villain, different from Jones’ exaggerated portrayal. Fans finally got a taste of what could have been when Williams voiced Two-Face in The LEGO Batman Movie, showcasing the performance he never got to deliver in live-action. Had Williams continued in the role, it might have kept Burton’s darker vision alive longer, altering the trajectory of the franchise.
2
Nicole Kidman As Hippolyta
Wonder Woman
Before Connie Nielsen played Queen Hippolyta in Wonder Woman, Nicole Kidman was initially considered for the role (via Screen Crush). However, scheduling conflicts led to her stepping away, and she eventually joined the DCEU as Queen Atlanna in Aquaman. While Nielsen brought a regal presence to Hippolyta, Kidman’s casting might have changed the film’s tone.
Kidman’s star power and commanding screen presence could have made her a more central figure in the franchise, perhaps leading to deeper explorations of Themyscira’s mythology. It’s possible that Kidman’s involvement could have expanded her role into Justice League, giving the character greater prominence. Instead, she made her mark in Aquaman, proving she was still a strong choice for a DC royal, just in a different kingdom beneath the sea.
1
Tom Hardy As Rick Flag
Suicide Squad
While Joel Kinnaman ultimately took on the role, Tom Hardy was originally cast as Flag in Suicide Squad. Hardy had to exit the film due to scheduling conflicts with The Revenant, which ultimately won Leonardo DiCaprio his first Oscar. While Kinnaman did a solid job as Flag, Hardy’s presence would have significantly altered the film’s dynamic.
As an actor known for his intense physicality and commanding performances, Hardy could have brought a more brooding and unpredictable energy to the role. His version of Flag might have stood out more in the ensemble, potentially changing the way the character was received. Hardy’s involvement might have also strengthened the film’s overall critical reception, given his reputation for elevating genre films. Instead, he found his place as Eddie Brock in Sony’s Venom, leaving DCU audiences to wonder what could have been.
Sources: The Things & Screen Crush
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