Casting The New DCU So James Gunn Doesn’t Have To

The new DCU (DC Universe), despite not yet existing, has dominated discussion among comic book movie fans ever since it was announced that James Gunn would helm the DCEU’s (DC Extended Universe) makeover. Aside from dropping the E in the title, Gunn has already cast his Superman and Lois, in David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, for the first film in the rebooted universe, Superman: Legacy, which is slated for a July 2025 release. He’s also cast an array of other heroes, with Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl leading the headlines.

With multiple hints having been about Creature Commandos, a MAX series set to release in 2024 that will mark the technical beginning of this new universe, too, James Gunn is a busy man. With so much on his plate, we figured we’d help him out in casting the rest of the DCU as it stands. If it were up to us, here’s what the new Justice League would look like!

Batman – Jensen Ackles

This seems like an obvious pick, and it is, but that isn’t a bad thing. Not only has Ackles already spoken positively about playing the part, but he fits perfectly into the father-son, Brave and the Bold structure that Gunn and company seem to be shooting for. His age (45) seems to be the only point of contention among fans, but Ackles could easily pass for ten years younger. Not to mention he’s already voiced Batman in a number of animated films, and just so happens to perfectly look the part. Ackles is an ideal Batman and Bruce Wayne.

Wonder Woman – May Calamawy

Since her appearance as the Scarlet Scarab in Moon Knight, fans have slowly begun to point to May Calamawy as a potential pick for Wonder Woman. Her performance in Moon Knight was Wonder Woman-esque; action-packed and effortlessly heroic. She’s also been cast in Gladiator 2, so with her career on the rise, now may be the perfect time for her to tackle a larger than life character like Wonder Woman. She’d own it.

Flash – George Mackay

Coming hot off the heels of the Flash’s first solo film, it may seem too soon to start thinking about a new version of the character, but if that film’s post-credits scene is any indication, we may as well start now. Enter George Mackay: his biggest note is his lead role in 1917, in which he was incredible, but with 49 total acting credits and a number of underground favorites to his name, it’s safe to say that the man has experience and range.

He’s about the same age as David Corenswet, 31, but could no doubt play a younger version of the character, in the same vein as Ackles. He looks enough like Barry, could carry the emotions, and follows the pattern of having been a consistent name that fans have pinned for the character. He’d be a win for a character that could really use one on the big screen.

Aquaman – Rudy Pankow

This casting assumes a different interpretation of Aquaman to that of Jason Momoa; likely less golden-age action-hero like, but that’s okay. At only 24 years old, Rudy Pankow would bring a youthful, likely more light-hearted touch to the character, and fall in line with some of the older iterations seen in Aquaman’s comic book roots. Also, among all these casts, he is perhaps the most akin to the comic book-counterpart in regards to looks. The beachy look and features that have defined his character in Outer Banks would translate perfectly into Aquaman, too. Everyone loves Jason Momoa, and what he did for the character’s reputation cannot be understated, but if he must move on, Pankow would be a superb successor.

Green Lanterns – Nicholas Hoult & Trevante Rhodes

In revealing their new DCU slate, Gunn and Peter Safran unveiled plans for another MAX show a little later down the line featuring two of DC’s most storied heroes, Hal Jordan and John Stewart, in a dual-detective thriller compared to the likes of True Detective, titled Lanterns. It’s unclear as to whether or not Fillion’s Gardner will be present, but either way, Jordan and Stewart will be there, and they haven’t been cast.

Starting with Trevante Rhodes as John Stewart, it’s too easy. Fans have been all over this one for a while. Aside from looking like Stewart, he’s handled hefty performances in both Bird Box and Moonlight, two large-scale hits that continue to circulate in film discussions today. He’s also acted in Westworld, and put in an acclaimed performance as Mike Tyson in Hulu’s Mike. He’d carry the character with the proper bravado and stature. As far as we’re concerned, Rhodes is easily the best choice.

Now for Hal Jordan. He may have taken a hefty hit when Green Lantern scalded DC fans in 2011, but the character’s longtime popularity has stood the test of time, and fans are hungry for another appearance. Nicholas Hoult has auditioned for both Batman (given to Robert Pattinson) and more recently Superman (given to Corenswet). Even in not landing those roles, his chops can’t be denied, and it seems that he’s got a real interest in superhero roles (and has starred in a few X-Men films already), so why not Hal? He’d pair well with Trevante Rhodes, and bearing a fair resemblance to the character as is, it seems like a perfect place for Hoult to enter the DCU and be given his shot as a superhero.

Martian Manhunter – Chiwetel Ejiofor

Rounding off the Justice League as an ideal Martian Manhunter is Chiwetel Ejiofor. He’s a bit older than the rest of this potential cast (aside from Ackles), already has superhero experience with his role as Mordo in the Doctor Strange films, and has the ability to carry the calculated nature of that performance over to a seasoned superhero like Martian Manhunter. His subtle mannerisms and studious reputation make him a perfect fit for the role, and the last piece of our Justice League puzzle.

Who’s in Your Hypothetical Justice League?

Imagining this crew side-by-side, splash-page style, is an exciting prospect. We can only hope James Gunn is a part of Geek Vibes Nation and gives this a read. Either way, Gunn has earned the trust of comic book fans, and will likely deliver regardless, just as he has with every project that he’s helmed in the genre before.

Do you agree with our choices? What would you do differently? Let us know in the comments below!