And within the confines of that series, Nina Mazursky proves to be one of the most compelling characters of the show. Despite not having the same violent streak as her peers, Nina is an emotional core in the stories, and when her background is explored, Nina becomes foundational to the story.

I wasn’t expecting to like this weird fish-lady half as much as I did, but seeing her work with The Bride, seeing her explore moral dilemmas, and how she connected with others was a genuine treat, and a beautiful addition to the DCU’s debut series.

6

Guy Gardner

Now, Nathan Fillion is a tremendous actor, and in his career, he has created several iconic characters, from Captain Malcolm Reynolds in Firefly, to John Nolan in The Rookie. But when I heard that Fillion was going to tackle the part of part-time Green Lantern, full-time jerk, Guy Gardner, I had my reservations.

But, being fair to Fillion, he nailed it. As a part of the Justice Gang, Guy Gardner proves to be genuinely grating, while also possessing extraordinary power. He’s arrogant, proud, and capable of incredible things, and Fillion gives the character spectacular definition that I can’t wait to see expanded in projects like Peacemaker season 2 and Lanterns.

5

Peacemaker

I understand that Peacemaker was technically introduced in The Suicide Squad as part of the DCEU, and his cameo in Superman serves as his first official moment in the DCU. But, regardless of how John Cena’s Christopher Smith is brought into these stories, it’s impossible to argue that he isn’t perfectly cast.

Similar to Fillion as Gardner, Cena is a well-known sweet guy, and incredibly intelligent, but Peacemaker is a distinctly different character who struggles to become a respected hero. Cena is incredible as Peacemaker, and he perfectly balances the quirky idiosyncrasies of the character and his underlying desire to become something more.

Peacemaker will have his story explored further in Peacemaker season 2, which is officially canon to the DCU, and this show will also serve to properly integrate the character. Whatever the status of the canon around this character, Cena is perfect for the role, and the same creative team working behind the scenes guarantees that this version will continue to be as strong as his earlier stories.

4

Amanda Waller

Another character who started out in the DCEU, Amanda Waller, is played by the spectacular Viola Davis. While the DCU serves to reboot the stories that came before, James Gunn has recognized that there are some characters that were perfect in the DCEU, and brought them across to continue in the DCU.

Arguably the most iconic character to get this special treatment is Amanda Waller. While she isn’t a superhero, her role as a dark and ominous presence who pulls the strings for groups of heroes and anti-heroes makes her an incredible addition to the DCU.

Viola Davis excels as this character, and despite only having a minor role in Creature Commandos, it’s clear that she will continue in much the same vein as her earlier appearances. With that, it will be incredibly exciting to see the character take the lead in the upcoming Waller series.

3

Mister Terrific

Now, Mister Terrific is not exactly the biggest and best hero to come out of the comics. A highly skilled athlete, with incredible intelligence that makes them an all-round elite hero. The character was previously adapted in the Arrowverse, and that version was well-liked, but Superman saw this character transcend to become one of the highlights of the film.

Edi Gathegi manages to absolutely nail the part, with the character appearing to be largely disinterested in much of anything, but when trouble comes calling, he wipes the floor with his enemies and immediately proves how vital he will be for the future of the DCU.

Mister Terrific’s role in the Justice Gang ensures he will have plenty of other chances to pop up in the DCU, and I am incredibly excited to see where Gathegi and Gunn take the character next. Especially if there is more of his incredible tech, and fight scenes like the one in Superman.

2

Lex Luthor

Now, Lex Luthor is one of the most prolific villains in film and TV, having been played dozens of times. There are several notable actors who tackled the role, and with that, there are plenty of people who have strong attachments to the various versions that have already been seen in animated projects and live-action.

However, Lex has also been played in such strikingly different ways, with some actors leaning into comedy, some physicality, some ruthlessness, and others, greed and insatiable curiosity. All of these elements go into making the character of Lex Luthor work, but it takes a rare actor to be able to convey each of these in their turn, and make it all feel like one consistent character.

Thankfully, Gunn cast Nicholas Hoult, a young man who has proven in his career to be a spectacular and multi-faceted performer. In Superman, Hoult plays a Lex that not only embodies each of the earlier-mentioned attributes, but he fully embraces the core of this flawed character, and makes that feel real and raw. Hoult is undeniably perfect for this role.

1

Superman

But, of course, while Lex stands tall as a giant of business, whose greed and ambition know no bounds, there is one man who stands in his way: Superman. David Corenswet not only has the looks, the size, the physicality, and the versatility to play Clark Kent, but he proved in one film, that he can encapsulate hope and inspire audiences around the globe.

Plenty of people put Christopher Reeve on a pedestal as the best Superman of all time, thanks to his ability to play these exact aspects of the character, but Corenswet has finally broken through that glᴀss ceiling to bring the character back to that simple foundation. Superman inspires, and he is kind, and he loves, and he sees the best in others.

Corenswet was a perfect choice to play the DCU’s version of the hero, and while arguments are abundant about who is the best Superman, Corenswet stands out for his charming, fun-loving, hopeful, and bright take on this iconic hero. The DCU is in good hands, with an array of brilliant castings, and plenty more to come as the world expands and the roster grows.