For years, the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has attempted to compete with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), making blockbuster films with DC's best characters. We've seen some iconic characters like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and we've seen some characters some thought we'd never see on the screen, like Cyborg or Queen Mera.
With a roster of thousands of heroes and a good fanbase for just about every hero, there are plenty of opportunities to include heroes for solo films, cameos, or starring roles in crossover movies. Looking at some of the most iconic that haven't made their debut in the DCEU, let's look at some heroes we want to see in the movies and who should play them.
Nightwing/Dick Grayson - Dylan O'Brien
For decades, Dick Grayson was Batman's most trusted sidekick and among the first child superheroes to ever hit comics. Dick set the standard for sidekicks, proving his loyalty and strength despite being a child, and his ability to become a hero in his own right. As Nightwing, he is a very respected member of the superhero community and is a proven leader, being a founder of the Teen Titans and then taking over for Roy Harper as leader of the Outsiders.
Dick is cool, charismatic, and very outgoing, pretty much the complete opposite of Batman. He is also very acrobatic and uses a unique form of fighting to hold his own against the bad guys. A perfect candidate for the suave and cool Dick is the suave and cool Dylan O'Brien. O'Brien has plenty of experience acting in action movies and has the looks to really nail the role.
Supergirl - Dove Cameron
Supergirl is Superman's younger (technically older) teenage cousin, with all of the powers of a Kryptonian but with more spunk. She's a lot more light-hearted, stubborn, and impatient but she is nevertheless a great hero in her own right. Bringing her to the DCEU could change the pace, similar to how the comedic Shazam! got praise from going away from DC's signature dark and gritty mood.
When it comes to spunk, confidence, and portraying a hard-headed hero, Dove Cameron is up to the tasks. At only 24-years old, the actress has taken home an Emmy and starred in several movies, which makes her the perfect candidate to take on the Girl of Steel.
Robin/Damian Wayne - Aidan Gallagher
Many have taken the mantle of Robin, but only one is actually son of the Bat. Damian Wayne is Batman's latest to take on the Robin persona and has achieved a lot, despite not even being a teenager. Arguably the best combination of all the Robins, Damian spent the beginning of his life training vigorously to be a dangerous assassin. Add in the natural talent from being the son of Batman, we have a pretty fearless and overpowered little brat.
To properly portray Damian, the young actor would have to speak sarcasm, exude arrogance, and most importantly kick some butt while making it look flawless. With experience playing another unpredictable and bratty comic book character on The Umbrella Academy, Aidan Gallagher was pretty much born to play this role.
Martian Manhunter - Sterling K. Brown
Adding Martian Manhunter to the DCEU will be a definite game-changer, as he is not only an original Justice League member but also one of the most powerful heroes all comics. From shapeshifting to telepathy to strength that goes toe to toe with Superman, he would be a fun character to watch on the big screen.
To find the right actor for J'onn J'onnz, the actor would have to have a soothing voice and must maintain a powerful presence to compete with the rest of the stars. Sterling K. Brown doesn't just have experience starring but he also has experience working in Academy Award-winning films, and he has the smooth voice that goes with the character. Martian Manhunter is rumored to appear in the Justice League's Snyder Cut but until that's confirmed or otherwise, we're sticking with this fan casting.
Green Arrow - Charlie Hunnam
We saw the Green Arrow for eight years thanks to the CW and the amazing portrayal of Stephen Amell, but he has yet to make his big screen. Like the Martian Manhunter, he can be a gamechanger due to his status as founder of the JLA and his accomplishments as a hero. He's a more laidback and easygoing version of Batman, and a great addition to the JLA as a comedic relief with some witty banter that can lighten the mood in a dark and gritty DCEU.
Charlie Hunnam was born to be the Green Arrow. Not only has he played a bow and arrow wielding hero as King Arthur, but he also closely resembles Oliver Queen and he has the care-free yet assertive persona needed for the character.
Hawkman & Hawkgirl - Theo James & Alicia Vikander
With Black Adam coming soon, it has been rumored that we would get our first look at Hawkman and Hawkgirl. There have been several retellings of their origins but one of the most common ones is that they are two lovers cursed with reincarnation due to a ship landing in their ancient Egyptian city. They were made famous due to their appearances in the Justice League cartoon, so it's only a matter of time before they get the live-action treatment.
Although it's more than likely that the roles have been cast, we think Theo James and Alicia Vikander are perfect for the roles. Carter is impulsive and stubborn and Kendra is more calm and collected, reflections of both these actors.
Zatanna - Lucy Hale
She may not be the most popular hero, but she is definitely one of the most powerful. As a master of the mystic arts, Zatanna has served as a valued member of the Justice League and has been the go-to for any magic-related issues the team faces. She's done some questionable things in the past but she is usually the voice of reason and the mediator among her hero coworkers.
Zatanna is assertive, witty, and a little bit angsty, as one of the youngest of the JLA, she finds it hard to get along with other and often works on her own or with smaller factions of the team. Lucy Hale doesn't only have the looks to play Zatanna but also has the charm that comes with this hero.
Booster Gold - Justin Timberlake
Booster Gold isn't the typical hero, he's a former sports star from the future that stole tech and went back to the past to forge himself as a hero. He's arrogant, narcissistic, and he doesn't really get along with his co-workers due to his approach to crime-fighting.
Justin Timberlake captures the arrogance and comedic timing needed to nail the role and he of course has the charming good looks and winning smile that's almost as iconic as Booster's suit.
Doctor Fate - Daniel Craig
Doctor Fate is another powerful game-changing hero that could be a catalyst for DC to explore the multiverse and the mystical side to comics. Many have taken the mantle of Doctor Fate, but the most famous is Kent Nelson.
Kent has been one of the only characters that can balance his time between Doctor Fate so the actor that plays him has to almost portray two different characters. Daniel Craig has shown range in his time acting and has the chops to play the ominous and all-powerful Nabu and the sarcastic Kent Nelson.
Blue Beetle/ Ted Kord - Nicholas Hoult
One major thing the JLA is missing is the resident smart guy, the scientist that pieces things together, and Ted Kord aka Blue Beetle is just that. As a scientist, he discovered the power of the Blue Beetle and managed to harness it without losing himself in it like his successor, Jaime Reyes.
Ted is smart, awkward, and his optimism gives him a certain charm. He lost out his chance to play the Dark Knight and he's played the awkward scientist Hank Mccoy, so we know Nicholas Hoult can handle this role and even open the door for his own solo movie and bring in his successor.
