I’m Convinced These 7 DC Heroes’ Movie Debuts Are More Possible Than Ever Now Thanks To The DC Universe

The DCU is shaking up the world of DC comic book movies, and it’s already setting the stage for a variety of new heroes to join the fray. When the DCEU began in 2013, it didn’t always feel like the universe it was building had a clear plan. But now, with James Gunn helming the newly formed DC Studios, there is a clear vision for the future, all under the banner of Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. And with that тιтle and the first releases, a clear image of what the DCU can be is beginning to take shape.

For one, the тιтle, Gods and Monsters hints at this being a moment that establishes the vast world and variety of characters that exist inside DC stories. More than a few human superheroes, DC leans into including fantastical monstrosities and aliens from beyond our solar system. And it’s this kind of odd, quirky, weirdness that opens the door to a range of possibilities for who could appear next in the DCU.

7

Etrigan The Demon

Comic book art: Etrigan the Demon looks grim with glowing eyes.

Leaning into the theme of Gods and Monsters, Etrigan the Demon feels like a great addition to the DCU. Already, Creature Commandos highlighted a range of characters who appear monstrous, ranging from Frankenstein’s Bride to a Nazi-killing robot. Why not also throw in a literal demon creature whose powers feel like a cross between Superman and Doctor Strange.

Etrigan is an imposing figure, and because he physically looks so distinct from humans, he does not fit in with primarily human stories. But the DCU is moving in a much more quirky, varied direction, with creatures that have very little humanity, either physically or otherwise. Etrigan has yet to get a live-action adaptation, but the DCU has the power and potential to finally do the character justice.

6

Zatanna

Zatanna Bring the House Down #2 cover feature art

Within any superhero world, it makes sense to include both male and female heroes. Of course, the DCEU had Wonder Woman, but beyond that, it felt pretty largely male-dominated. Gunn is much more attentive to ensuring there is a balance, and that female heroes are properly represented. And one character who would be perfect for the magical and mystical world of the DCU is Zatanna.

Zatanna is one of the most underrated heroes from DC Comics, and one that has gotten nowhere near enough recognition considering how interesting the character actually is. Zatanna is magical, and her powers allow her to pull off a wide range of incredible stunts. However, she is so much more than a humble trickster, with her genuine powers being able to transform anything into anything else, or perform almost any trick as long as she speaks her commands backwards. Zatanna’s magical nature feels like a perfect fit for the DCU.

5

Martian Manhunter

Martian Manhunter looking somber in the post-credits scene of Zack Snyder's Justice League

Martian Manhunter has appeared in a variety of TV shows, and animated shows and films. However, the characters has yet to have their story properly explored on the big screen. In fact, in some live-action iterations, this character is nowhere to be seen, despite being a core member of the Justice League in the comics. MM deserves a chance to show off his impressive powers, and establish a connection between the aliens inhabiting Mars, and the humans.

Martian Manhunter possesses several powers in common with Superman, but he also has much more ethereal powers ᴀssociated with the mind and manipulating his form. This clearly presents a challenge, and could cost a pretty penny during production, but for the sake of including one of the greatest members of the Justice League of all time, it seems as though the DCU should just swallow the price and bring the character into the films.

4

Nightwing

Brenton Thwaites As Nightwing looking serious in тιтans

In other corners of the DCU, the heroes that we know and love like Batman and Superman appear to have more experience than they usually have in their debut films. This is because the world James Gunn is creating is one where heroes have been around for a while, and these figures are now coming to grips with their actions and how they affect people. Speaking of, Nightwing was formerly a sidekick to Batman, before he struck out on his own to commit to his own vigilante justice journey.

In The Brave and the Bold, Batman is set to be a more experienced hero, who works alongside his son, Damien Wayne, who takes on the mantle of Robin. This likely means that the previous Robin retired from duty, and has moved on to new things. This is the perfect setup to introduce Nightwing in a major film, rather than on a TV series where the character has been seen adapted several times over.

3

Booster Gold

A close-up of Booster Gold smirking in a DC Comic

When it comes to the futuristic crime fighter, Booster Gold, this character is all about charm, and sponsorships, and influence. Rather than saving the day because its the right thing to do, Booster is more economically driven. And as for who could actually play this role in the DCU, Chris Pratt, a former collaborator of Gunn’s who plays Star-Lord in the MCU, feels like the perfect fit. Pratt is goofy, funny, charming, and great at portraying characters like this.

Gunn has also mentioned wanting to hire friends from the Guardians of the Galaxy films, and he has confirmed having met with some to discuss roles in the DCU. Booster Gold also feels like a great fit for the DCU because, with an established world full of superheroes, it makes sense to have some that operate with different motivations. Booster may not be the most popular among the heroes, but he is a clever and fun character that I believe belongs on the big screen.

2

Constantine

Keanu Reeves starred in Constantine back in 2005. Since then, despite th film dropping an end-credits scene that suggests the story will continue, the sequel has been stuck in development hell. More recently, it was confirmed that the project is once again going ahead, but details are few and far between. Whether this film exists inside the DCU proper or in DC Elseworlds, it deserves a spot in the lineup. But I think it makes perfect sense to put it into the core DCU.

Considering the theme of Gods and Monsters, Constantine’s story is a perfect addition. Constantine deals with the supernatural, with demons and literal gods. His work leads him to meet a lot of monsters, and proves an invaluable resource to other heroes. However, the DCU needs to bring the character in in the right way, to ensure they maintain their core sensibilities, while also becoming a useful ally for the larger crime-fighting superheroes.

1

Wally West

Keiynan Lonsdale's Wally West arrives in a storage room in The Flash Season 4

The Flash, both the TV show and the DCEU film, explored the character of Barry Allen in depth. Barry is by all accounts, one of the most impressive speedsters to ever live, but he is not the only speedster. In fact, he isn’t even the only one to use the name Flash. If the DCU wants to make a clean break from the previous versions of the character played by Grant Gustin and Ezra Miller, it could opt to shift the focus to the next generation of speedster superheroes, Wally West.

Wally West is ambitious, headstrong, and always willing to do the right thing. In many ways, this means he is remarkably similar to Barry. But it also opens the door to having a Barry variant return in the DCU, played by Gustin at some point. Otherwise, it also fits in better with the idea that this version of the DCU is a little further down the timeline. With Batman relying on his son as Robin, Superman facing criticism for all his heroics, and the world in turmoil, it appears as though the DCU is ready to let new younger heroes take over sooner rather than later.