The DCU is opening up a brand-new chapter in the DC movie legacy, which means it’s also the perfect time to actually cast some fan-favorite actors in iconic DC villain roles. DC is one of the biggest names in comic book films, and for decades, the company led the way when it comes to superhero movies. However, with the rise of the MCU, DC took a backseat for the last 17 years.

However, after the struggles to get the DCEU off the ground, there is renewed hope for James Gunn’s DCU. But it requires getting the casting right, and including strong figures from the DC mythos that can help to build out the universe of villains. And with a fresh reboot for the iconic stories, it’s time to dive into some fancasts and take a look at if these characters can fit in with the new theme of Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.

10

Bill Skarsgård As The Joker

First up, the Joker is a must for any story that includes Batman. While it’s not necessary to have this character as the first rival The Dark Knight goes up against, Gotham without the Joker feels so much less. But with the range of Joker actors appearing in Elseworlds projects, the DCU needs to be careful in choosing a strong actor to take the role to the next level, which is why Bill Skarsgard is perfect for the part.

Skarsgård has already proved his ability to play a terrifying clown, but beyond that, his versatility and depth as a character performer is outstanding. Skarsgård elevates whatever project he is cast in, and he knows how to elicit a range of responses from the audience. The DCU needs this kind of talent, and Skarsgård could be a strong contender to tackle the role.

9

Morena Baccarin As Talia al Ghul

Morena Baccarin is a sci-fi icon. And in more recent years, she celebrated a major role in the Fox X-Men movies that was finally translated into the MCU, where she appeared as Wade Wilson’s love interest, Vanessa Carlysle. Baccarin is a strong female lead who can steal the spotlight. And with her ability to play darker, more mysterious and dangerous figures, she has the talent required to bring a character like Talia al Ghul to the big screen.

In addition, Baccarin is already intimately familiar with the role, because she has been cast as the character twice before. However, both times, it has been as a voice role in animated DC projects. But with the dawn of the DCU, it’s time to get Baccarin back in the role, and do it justice in live-action.

8

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau As Deathstroke

Ever since Nikolaj Coster-Waldau played Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones, fans of the actor have been dying to see him tackle major roles in big franchises. He is charming, dangerous, dark, and intense in all the best ways. And of course, that could lend itself very well to the actor tackling the role of a major DC villain who has yet to be done right in a live-action film.

While the plans for Joe Manganiello saw him officially join the DCEU in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, the character ended up going nowhere. But now the DCU has the chance to bring this figure back, and hand over the reins to Coster-Waldau who can bring something new and spectacular to the role. Yes, it will inevitably be different, but Coster-Waldau appears to have the versatility needed to play a DCU version of this character.

7

Dan Stevens As Eobard Thawne

Eobard Thawne is one of the most iconic Flash villains from the comics. And he was made even more famous after his appearances in The CW’s The Flash TV show. However, this character has yet to get a solid adaptation in film. The smug, self-aggrandizing villain from the future requires a very specific type of person to play the part.

Dan Stevens is a popular actor who has had a variety of roles in popular TV shows, with one of the most notable being his lead role in Legion. Stevens is great at playing this type of character who stands out in a crowd and feels a certain level of benevolence. This could make him the perfect choice to play the part of Eobard Thawne.

6

Dave Bautista As Darkseid

It’s no secret that James Gunn is very keen to get his old friends from the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise into the DCU. And among these loyal and dear friends, Dave Bautista is perhaps the most loyal and vocal advocate of Gunn. With that in mind, Bautista needs a role that is worthy of his talent, and fits with his personality, which leads me to think Darkseid is a perfect pick.

Bautista is accustomed to playing strong, intense, and imposing figures, which is aided by his background in wrestling. And despite his recent weight loss, he could still shine in a part like Darkseid, considering the fact that it’s likely to be a largely CGI role that could use his face and likeness, but not rely on him maintaining a large muscleman physique.

5

Jude Law As Brainiac

Brainiac has been adapted a few times for TV and animation, but the character has yet to get a good adaptation as a Superman villain. In the comics, Brainiac is a menace, and his power is truly overwhelming. However, his intellect is his greatest weapon, and one that needs to be presented correctly to showcase how powerful he can be.

Fortunately, one actor has the gravitas and intensity to play this part perfectly: Jude Law. Law has played a variety of incredibly intelligent men, including Albus Dumbledore and John Watson, but in addition to being clever, he knows how to be threatening and exude power. Law has also had experience playing villains, which makes him particularly qualified to play a part like Brainiac, and certainly one that could shine opposite David Corenswet’s Superman.

4

Luke Evans As Sinestro

Another intense villain who manages to strike intense fear into the hearts of his rivals is Sinestro. Sinestro is one of the leaders of the Yellow Lantern Corps, and a dreaded nemesis of the Green Lanterns. Considering the Lanterns show is due to arrive in the DCU by 2026, it makes sense to start looking for the actor who can bring this villain to life throughout several DCU projects.

One consideration that appears to be a fan favorite is Luke Evans, who also played Gaston in the live-action Beauty and the Beast opposite Dan Stevens’ Beast. However, with Evans’ extensive experience playing villains, which also saw him play Dracula in Dracula Untold, he is uniquely qualified to play this dark, intense, and monstrous villain. And if Sinestro somehow crosses paths with Eobard Thawne down the line, it could be fun to see these actors reunited.

3

Deborah Ann Woll As Poison Ivy

Deborah Ann Woll’s prominent part as Karen Page in Daredevil and the MCU reboot, Daredevil: Born Again, has helped to launch her career. However, despite her playing a supporting character in these shows, her presence dominates the scenes where she appears, and captivates the audience. Given the opportunity to take these unique gifts to the DCU, Woll could be the perfect person to play Poison Ivy.

Poison Ivy has the ability to intoxicate and allure others, leading to her being able to control their minds and poison them. In addition, the last great version of the character in live-action was played decades ago by Uma Thurman, and Woll feels like the right successor to take over the role in the DCU.

2

Javier Bardem As Mongul

While Kang the Conqueror proved a short-lived MCU villain, the DCU has a similar character who goes by the name of Mongul. Mongul is a conqueror, comparable to the powerful tyrant, Genghis Khan. Mongul rules over an alien race, but when he is exiled from his home, he goes on to take over other civilizations until he becomes the undisputed tyrannical leader of Warworld.

To bring this imposing and intense Superman villain to life, it will require someone who can believably be more imposing and powerful than David Corenswet. And the perfect person to fill that role is Javier Bardem. Bardem has a skill for playing large menacing villains, and striking fear into the hearts of others.

1

Mark Pellegrino As Metallo

Mark Pellegrino is one of the most outstanding actors to play villains in the business. After seeing his portrayal as Lucifer in Supernatural, and roles from earlier in his career like playing Paul in Dexter, Pellegrino just has the ability to switch into this monstrous aura. And once again, this puts him into a position where he could play an incredible DCU villain that goes up against the best of the best, Superman.

If Pellegrino were to be cast in the DCU, a character like Metallo would play to his strengths, as a menacing, monstrous, and intense villain who wields enormous power over their enemy. Metallo is part machine, and his body is fueled by Kryptonite, making him literally a source of weakness for Superman to be near. It’s a little more CGI-based than Pellegrino is used to, but seeing the character develop and take on Superman would absolutely be thrilling as the DCU begins to introduce a larger cast of villains.