8 DC Extended Universe Actors Who Deserve A Second Chance In James Gunn's DCU

The DC Extended Universe is nearing its end, and DC Studios' DCU reboot is looming. However, there are some actors from that era of storytelling we definitely think deserve a second chance in that new world.

By JoshWilding - Jun 08, 2023 12:06 PM EST

Filed Under: DC Studios

The DCEU has been something of a failed experiment for Warner Bros., with the studio's attempt to create a shared world capable of rivalling the MCU delivered financial disappointments and critical disasters.

There were some gems along the way and the DCEU's saving grace was many of the actors who brought these characters to life on screen. As we head into a new era of storytelling with DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU, the duo have already decided to recast many key roles and allowed others to stick around (Viola Davis' Amanda Waller, John Cena's Peacemaker, and Sean Gunn's Weasel, for example).

While it so far appears as if Gunn is simply picking and choosing from those he worked with on The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, there are a handful of actors we think deserve a second chance to shine in the DCU as new versions of the characters they've already played.

You can see the DCEU actors we believe should join the DCU by clicking the "Next" button below.

8. Jurnee Smollett-Bell (Black Canary)

Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey ended up being a surprisingly divisive movie, though that can largely be blamed on some big deviations from the source material.

We really can't fault the performances of its leads, however, and Jurnee Smollett-Bell definitely impressed as Black Canary. It was unfortunate that the character's powers were watered down, but as an introduction, it worked and left us wanting more.

The Birds of Prey team will likely remain on the shelf for the foreseeable future, though that doesn't mean Dinah Lance shouldn't finally share the big screen with Green Arrow. Exploring that dynamic in the DCU should be a priority for Gunn.

7. Will Smith (Deadshot)

Suicide Squad star Will Smith was supposed to return as Deadshot in The Suicide Squad. Scheduling issues supposedly put an end to that, hence why we got Bloodsport (who was Deadshot in all but name and appearance).

We'd say it's about time this character gets another, no pun intended, shot as Smith barely scratched the surface of who Floyd Lawton is in that 2016 movie. We saw enough to know there's more that can be done, however, and whether he's pitted against Peacemaker or Batman, we're keen to see him back in action.

Smith is still repairing his tarnished image after what happened at the Oscars last year, so this would be a smart career move for him too.

6. Jason Momoa (Aquaman)

Aquaman-Arthur-Curry-Character-Textless-Poster-copy

Much has been said about Jason Momoa potentially ditching Arthur Curry to play the DCU's Lobo. On the one hand, that's something we'd very much like to see, though we do think it would do Aquaman a disservice.

Yes, Momoa's take on the King of Atlantis isn't exactly comic-accurate. Even so, the actor has still managed to make Arthur a legit badass instead of a bad punchline, and in an overhauled version of the DCEU, he could find new avenues to explore (inspired by the one-handed Aquaman from the 90s, perhaps).

This decision may ultimately hinge on how well, or how poorly, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom performs this December.

5. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Black Manta)

aquaman-black-manta-yahya-abdul-mateen-ii-warner-copy

Talking of the Aquaman franchise, DC Studios would be wise to find a role for Yahya Abdul-Mateen II's Black Manta in the new DCU as well.

The villain will take centre stage in the aforementioned sequel, so there's always a chance his story ends in a way that prohibits this from happening. Then again, we're supposed to be in a new world, so why not factor this underrated comic book villain into future plans?

Never making him a member of Task Force X remains a missed opportunity, though we don't bank on another Suicide Squad movie happening even with Gunn calling the shots. Despite that, we'd like to see Black Manta perhaps become a recurring threat elsewhere, perhaps as the new ruler of Atlantis...

4. Ben Affleck (Batman)

ben-affleck-batman-solo-movie-compared-to-david-fincher-film-the-game-1-copy

Do we think this is going to happen? No. Would we like it to? Abso-freaking-lutely.

Ben Affleck was a fantastic Bruce Wayne in the DCEU who was stuck in movies that, quite honestly, failed to showcase his talents. Despite his role in The Flash being greatly reduced, we'd like to think he'll change his tune about working with Gunn and consider returning as Batman for The Brave and the Bold.

Committing to being the DCU's Dark Knight would be a big ask, but seeing as he's so much more positive about the role these days - and working under Gunn and Safran - we think the right ingredients are there for him to be Batman again. We have a feeling a new Trinity is on the way, though.

3. Margot Robbie (Harley Quinn)

Harley-Quinn-Action-Sequence-The-Suicide-Squad

Gunn has already strongly hinted at this being the case, but there's really no one else we'd rather see play Harley Quinn than Margot Robbie at this stage.

If recent rumours are to be believed, the Barbie star is about to join the MCU as Fantastic Four's Sue Storm/Invisible Woman. That's a phenomenal bit of casting if true, but DC Studios should look to do everything possible to make sure Robbie still has time to play this badass anti-hero.

The logical next step would be to explore Harley's role as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and her romantic relationship with Poison Ivy. It would be a bold example of storytelling and one that could justify giving the character her own solo outing after Birds of Prey bombed.

2. Sasha Calle (Supergirl)

Sasha Calle is receiving rave reviews for her work in The Flash despite the movie not exactly being the critical darling Warner Bros. execs promised fans.

When DC Studios revealed its "Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters" slate, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow was among the projects announced. There was no mention of Calle reprising the role, a surprise when Gunn has repeatedly told fans on social media that The Flash is his favourite movie of 2023.

With any luck, a return for the actress is in the works as she seems a perfect fit for this particular version of the Girl of Steel. If The Flash completely bombs when it's released next week, it may spell doom for her, but we do hope this isn't going to be another Latina superhero dumped by Warner Bros.

1. Dwayne Johnson (Black Adam)

We know what you're thinking. The way Dwayne Johnson handled Black Adam being a box office flop was an embarrassment, with the low point coming after details on financing and "plans" for a Hawkman spin-off were leaked to one of the trades (all in an effort to strongarm Warner Bros. into keeping him around).

The Rock's plans to build the entire DCEU around himself might have failed, but if he can prove himself a team player, then why not bring Black Adam into the fold?

The moment for a crossover involving Superman and Shazam has seemingly passed, though the new actors who play those characters (sorry, Zachary, but we're not keen on you getting a second chance) may need a good opponent. A supporting role in an unrelated franchise would be a solid starting point, anyway.

DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn Responds To Zack Snyder's Recent Comments About The DCU

Recommended For You:

8 Things No DC Fan Wants To Accept About The DC Extended Universe

DISCLAIMER: ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and... [MORE]

ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

Do you have what it takes to write for us?

Want to contribute?

36 Comments

Twenty23Three - 6/8/2023, 12:02 PM

Black Adam isn’t coming back as the Rock, his ego would never allow the character to be portrayed correctly

RedFury - 6/8/2023, 12:31 PM

@Twenty23Three - it's sadly so true. If he could just chill out and let a good director point him in the right direction, I think he'd make a decent Black Adam. There were some moments in the movie where I could see it working. But unfortunately like you said, I don't think that ego has an off switch.

dracula - 6/8/2023, 12:04 PM

Smollet : maybe
Smith : should have just let Idris play the role he is better
Momoa : new character
Mateen : yes
Affleck : no
Robbie : can take or leave
Calle : yes but kind of depends how old they cast superman
Candy ass Rock: hell no

Pathogen - 6/8/2023, 5:55 PM

@dracula - not bad.. I pretty much agree. Smith sucked as Deadshot. I didn't mind Battfleck. The rest is spot on, tho I have no idea bout Superchick

n1ghtw1ng2832 - 6/8/2023, 12:08 PM

And of course Wilding does it again people. Another pointless article. I would really like to know where he comes up with all these lists. Lol

FireandBlood - 6/8/2023, 12:08 PM

None of them. Reboot or don’t. [frick] these half measures.

ShimmyShimmyYA - 6/8/2023, 12:13 PM

@PlusUltra - I really don’t get the point of trying to do an “in-universe” reboot that’s a comic book thing that really only comic people recognize normal moviegoers don’t usually give a [frick] about that stuff

Just start anew if you wanna keep a couple people fine but tying it into a story is dumb

FireandBlood - 6/8/2023, 12:26 PM

@ShimmyShimmyYA - Those in-universe reboots have unfortunately become DC’s legacy. That’s the only time that universe ever really comes together, to start a new one. And now they’re bringing all those dumb, contrived ideas to the big screen. It’s ridiculous.

OptimusCrime - 6/8/2023, 12:09 PM

Useless article💁🏽‍♂️

MaxPaint - 6/8/2023, 1:04 PM

@OptimusCrime - Classic Wilding, always consistent with the horrible takes.

MCUKnight11 - 6/8/2023, 12:11 PM

Here's hoping they bring back Hodge and Lang as John Stewart and Deathstroke respectively.

massdeath - 6/8/2023, 12:12 PM

Harley Quinn is a dumb and needless character. There I said it.

Below is a list of all the actors that should return from the DCEU in Gunn’s DCU:

tBHzHomer - 6/8/2023, 12:16 PM

Aquaman is only a punchline to people who don't know anything abiut him. Mamoa was awesome in the role he was given, but I would prefer a more accurate take on the character. Mamoa needs to play Lobo.

None of these should return for the same role in anything other than elseworlds projects. Gunn needs to start completely fresh with everything.

DudeGuy - 6/8/2023, 12:24 PM

No to 8 7 5 & 1. None of them have done anything or given performances worthy of sticking around or that another actor couldn’t do just as well if not better. I rewatched the first Suicide Squad a couple of months back, while I don’t dislike Margot in the role she’s walking a tightrope as far as I’m concerned. there were some line deliveries that were pretty rough. Especially when she says “Hey Lady!” Like Jerry Lewis.
I like Mamoa, I like Affleck and I won’t know about Calle until next week.

IcePyke - 6/8/2023, 12:29 PM

Henry deserve a second chance!!!
And Sasha too!!

Dwayne are not!

slickrickdesigns - 6/8/2023, 12:29 PM

No thank you. Reboot em all.

TheShape9859 - 6/8/2023, 12:30 PM

No to all of them. Start 100% FRESH...from the ground up. No hold-overs

DudeGuy - 6/8/2023, 12:38 PM

@TheShape9859 - exactly

tb86 - 6/8/2023, 12:38 PM

I’m sorry, what is wrong with Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman?

CAPTAINPINKEYE - 6/8/2023, 12:42 PM

@tb86 - she can’t act.

tb86 - 6/8/2023, 2:54 PM

@CAPTAINPINKEYE - But Wonder Woman is considered one of the better if not the best DCEU movies.

CAPTAINPINKEYE - 6/8/2023, 3:53 PM

@tb86 - that’s like saying “ this bowl of shit tastes better than the other 7 bowls of shit.”

IMCOOLURNOT - 6/8/2023, 12:41 PM

Sorry but everyone needs to go. Clean slate is the way to go.

AnthonyVonGeek - 6/8/2023, 12:56 PM

This list….

Spoken - 6/8/2023, 1:13 PM

No one needs a second chance. Move on, restart, and go from there.

marvel72 - 6/8/2023, 1:45 PM

Cast Jason Momoa as Lobo, recast the rest.

mcmurray - 6/8/2023, 1:48 PM

Garbage article

Murderisbadong - 6/8/2023, 2:24 PM

The only person who deserves redemption is our lord and savior Jesus Snyder. Zack is the next martin scorsese, if you think otherwise. You have been brainwashed by the woke mind and have let them feed off your blood. Zack is the only one left in Hollywood who can make Oscar worthy movies and fight wokeness.

/S
this is bait don’t attack me. Recast everyone.

MotherGooseUPus - 6/8/2023, 3:10 PM

This list summed up:

Forthas - 6/8/2023, 3:10 PM

First there should be NO Gunn DCU and second the ONLY person that should be brought back to a DC film universe is Henry Cavill and he should be paired with Christina Bale's Batman.

ObserverIO - 6/8/2023, 3:45 PM

Calle, sure, but the rest?

Momoa should be Lobo.

McMurdo - 6/8/2023, 5:21 PM

Wilding would put Black Adam at 1 🤡

MrDandy - 6/14/2023, 1:25 AM

Enough. Hard reboot this universe. Some of them were good but we need a clean start.

Please log in to post comments.

Don't have an account?
Please Register.

Related Headlines

DC Studios

DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn Responds To Zack Snyder's Recent Comments About The DCU

MarkCassidy

1 day ago

Justice League

JUSTICE LEAGUE Director Zack Snyder Says He's "Pretty Excited" About James Gunn's DCU Plans

JoshWilding

4 days ago

DC Studios

8 Things No DC Fan Wants To Accept About The DC Extended Universe

JoshWilding

Apr 15, 2024 12:04 PM

Related Headlines

DC Studios

DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn Responds To Zack Snyder's Recent Comments About The DCU

MarkCassidy

1 day ago

Justice League

JUSTICE LEAGUE Director Zack Snyder Says He's "Pretty Excited" About James Gunn's DCU Plans

JoshWilding

4 days ago

DC Studios

8 Things No DC Fan Wants To Accept About The DC Extended Universe

JoshWilding

Apr 15, 2024 12:04 PM

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

The DCU's SUPERGIRL Movie Eyes Craig Gillespie To Direct; Here's When It Will Start Filming

MarkJulian

Apr 03, 2024 04:04 PM

The Brave and the Bold

THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD: Jake Gyllenhaal Says It "Would Be An Honor" To Play The DCU's Batman

JoshWilding

Mar 18, 2024 03:03 PM

Vol. 3

Deadpool & Wolverine

DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE Rumor Points To Larger Roles For Two Particular Characters - SPOILERS

MarkCassidy

7 hours ago

Horror

THE WATCHERS: Dakota Fanning Is Terrorized In New Trailer For Ishana Night Shyamalan's Horror Movie Debut

JoshWilding

7 hours ago

Latest Headlines

Netflix

TWILIGHT OF THE GODS: Zack Snyder's Animated Norse Mythology Series Narrows Down Its Release Window

MarkJulian

4 hours ago

Deadpool & Wolverine

DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE Rumor Points To Larger Roles For Two Particular Characters - SPOILERS

MarkCassidy

7 hours ago

Horror

THE WATCHERS: Dakota Fanning Is Terrorized In New Trailer For Ishana Night Shyamalan's Horror Movie Debut

JoshWilding

7 hours ago

Superman: Legacy

James Gunn's SUPERMAN Is Expected To Wrap Filming In July According To Castmember

MarkJulian

10 hours ago

Marvel Comics

UNCANNY X-MEN #700 Variant Cover Features Hundreds Of Mutants, Villains, Guest Stars, And More

JoshWilding

11 hours ago

Godzilla vs. Kong

GODZILLA X KONG Is Closing In On $500M Worldwide; Is Now The 2nd Highest Grossing Film Of The Year Behind DUNE

MarkJulian

11 hours ago

Hot Headlines

245 comments

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Official Trailer Features Ultimate Team-Up & Promises The Wildest MCU Movie Of All-Time!

RohanPatel

18 hours ago EST

156 comments

DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE Trailer Arrives Tomorrow! Check Out A New Teaser And Poster

MarkCassidy

1 day ago EST

118 comments

SUPERMAN Director James Gunn Shares New "S" Logo - But What Could It Mean?

MarkCassidy

1 day ago EST

90 comments

MADAME WEB Star Sydney Sweeney Seemingly Takes Shot At Hollywood Producer: "Sorry For Having Great T**s"

JoshWilding

19 hours ago EST

81 comments

More Sci-Fi & Fantasy ►

KNUCKLES Rotten Tomatoes Score Revealed Along With New Clip Featuring Sonic And Tails

More Cartoons & Animated ►

LaKeith Stanfield To Star In Film Based On EL PASO, ELSEWHERE Vampire Video Game

More Anime & Manga ►

THE WATCHERS New Trailer Sees Dakota Fanning Terrorised In Ishana Night Shyamalan's Directorial Debut

More Horror ►

Tom Cruise's MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 8 Adds SEVERANCE Actor Tramell Tillman

More Action Movies & TV ►

Cody Rhodes On Being Gifted His Father's Lost Rolex And Why He Gifted Seth Rollins A Watch At WRESTLEMANIA

More Pro Wrestling ►

Daisy Ridley Teases The Different STAR WARS Film That Will Hopefully Be A New Adventure

More Sci-Fi & Fantasy ►

More Cartoons & Animated ►

More Anime & Manga ►

More Horror ►

More Action Movies & TV ►

More Pro Wrestling ►

8 DC Extended Universe Actors Who Deserve A Second Chance In James Gunn's DCU

The DC Extended Universe is nearing its end, and DC Studios' DCU reboot is looming. However, there are some actors from that era of storytelling we definitely think deserve a second chance in that new world.

8. Jurnee Smollett-Bell (Black Canary)

7. Will Smith (Deadshot)

6. Jason Momoa (Aquaman)

5. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Black Manta)

4. Ben Affleck (Batman)

3. Margot Robbie (Harley Quinn)

2. Sasha Calle (Supergirl)

1. Dwayne Johnson (Black Adam)

DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn Responds To Zack Snyder's Recent Comments About The DCU

8 Things No DC Fan Wants To Accept About The DC Extended Universe

DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn Responds To Zack Snyder's Recent Comments About The DCU

JUSTICE LEAGUE Director Zack Snyder Says He's "Pretty Excited" About James Gunn's DCU Plans

8 Things No DC Fan Wants To Accept About The DC Extended Universe

DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn Responds To Zack Snyder's Recent Comments About The DCU

JUSTICE LEAGUE Director Zack Snyder Says He's "Pretty Excited" About James Gunn's DCU Plans

8 Things No DC Fan Wants To Accept About The DC Extended Universe

The DCU's SUPERGIRL Movie Eyes Craig Gillespie To Direct; Here's When It Will Start Filming

THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD: Jake Gyllenhaal Says It "Would Be An Honor" To Play The DCU's Batman

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3 Star Karen Gillan Was Surprised By Star-Lord Tease; Talks Possible DCU Role

Popular Headlines

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE: Every Major Marvel Cameo In The New Trailer - Possible SPOILERS

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE: 7 Biggest Easter Eggs, Reveals, And Spoilers In The New Trailer

DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn Responds To Zack Snyder's Recent Comments About The DCU

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Official Trailer Features Ultimate Team-Up & Promises The Wildest MCU Movie Of All-Time!

DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE Rumor Points To Larger Roles For Two Particular Characters - SPOILERS

TWILIGHT OF THE GODS: Zack Snyder's Animated Norse Mythology Series Narrows Down Its Release Window

DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE Rumor Points To Larger Roles For Two Particular Characters - SPOILERS

THE WATCHERS: Dakota Fanning Is Terrorized In New Trailer For Ishana Night Shyamalan's Horror Movie Debut

TWILIGHT OF THE GODS: Zack Snyder's Animated Norse Mythology Series Narrows Down Its Release Window

DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE Rumor Points To Larger Roles For Two Particular Characters - SPOILERS

THE WATCHERS: Dakota Fanning Is Terrorized In New Trailer For Ishana Night Shyamalan's Horror Movie Debut

James Gunn's SUPERMAN Is Expected To Wrap Filming In July According To Castmember

UNCANNY X-MEN #700 Variant Cover Features Hundreds Of Mutants, Villains, Guest Stars, And More

GODZILLA X KONG Is Closing In On $500M Worldwide; Is Now The 2nd Highest Grossing Film Of The Year Behind DUNE

Hot Headlines

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Official Trailer Features Ultimate Team-Up & Promises The Wildest MCU Movie Of All-Time!

DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE Trailer Arrives Tomorrow! Check Out A New Teaser And Poster

SUPERMAN Director James Gunn Shares New "S" Logo - But What Could It Mean?

MADAME WEB Star Sydney Sweeney Seemingly Takes Shot At Hollywood Producer: "Sorry For Having Great T**s"

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE: Every Major Marvel Cameo In The New Trailer - Possible SPOILERS

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Daisy Ridley Teases The Different STAR WARS Film That Will Hopefully Be A "New Adventure"

Zack Snyder's Animated Norse Mythology Series TWILIGHT OF THE GODS Will Be Released This Fall

DUNE: PART TWO Star Rebecca Ferguson On DUNE: MESSIAH - "I'd Love To See Timothée Turn Into A Worm"

As GODZILLA X KONG Closes In On $500M Worldwide, How Does It Compare To Previous MonsterVerse Films?

FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA TV Spot Teases Furiosa's Origin Story; One Action Scene "Took 78 Days To Shoot"

DUNE: PART TWO Will Need Another Week To Eclipse The $700M Global Box Office Mark

Cartoons & Animated Features

KNUCKLES Rotten Tomatoes Score Revealed Along With New Clip Featuring Sonic And Tails

Ella Purnell Says ARCANE Season 2 Will Be Incredibly Tragic As Netflix Preps The Series For Annecy Reveal

Netflix Reveals Premiere Window For Zack Snyder's TWILIGHT OF THE GODS

X-MEN '97: Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige Reportedly Considered Making Animated Series "Canon" To The MCU

TRANSFORMERS ONE Character Posters Highlight The Movie's Divisive Animation Style

SNOW WHITE Rumored Plot Details May Clear Up Seven Dwarfs/Seven Bandits Confusion

Gaming

LaKeith Stanfield To Star In Film Based On EL PASO, ELSEWHERE Vampire Video Game

Comedy Central Orders 10-Episode GOLDEN AXE Animated Series From Mike McMahan And Joe Chandler

FALLOUT Season 2 Will Feature One Of The Game's Most Iconic Monsters

FORTNITE Will Now Let You Block "Confrontational Emotes"

KNUCKLES: Paramount+ SONIC Spin-Off Hits Rotten Tomatoes With An Impressive 88%

Fan Project Estimates GTA 6 Map Size Could Be 2.5 Times Larger Than GTA 5

Anime & Manga

DRAGON BALL SUPER Interval Special Announced By Jump While Manga Remains On Indefinite Hiatus

New Teaser And Key Art For Live-Action TRILLION GAME Movie

Netflix's PARASYTE: THE GREY Is Now Streaming; Here's What The Critics Are Saying

MY HERO ACADEMIA Tops X-MEN '97, INVINCIBLE And More In Social Media Engagement

Netmarble Announces Release Date For New Game SOLO LEVELING: ARISE

KAIJU NO. 8 Reveals Opening And Ending Theme Animations

Horror

THE WATCHERS New Trailer Sees Dakota Fanning Terrorised In Ishana Night Shyamalan's Directorial Debut

EVIL DEAD RISE Director Lee Cronin Shares Gruesome New BTS Photos To Mark Movie's One-Year Anniversary

Happy 4/20! Check Out The Red Band Trailer For New Stoner Horror Movie TRIM SEASON

ABIGAIL Spoilers: Find Out What Happens - And Who Shows Up - In New Horror Comedy

TRAP: First Trailer For M. Night Shyamalan's Latest Spoils The Big Twist

IMMACULATE Star Sydney Sweeney Has Been Slammed By A Hollywood Producer: "She's Not Pretty, She Can't Act"

Action Movies & TV

Tom Cruise's MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 8 Adds SEVERANCE Actor Tramell Tillman

A24's CIVIL WAR Was The #1 Movie In America For The Second Week In A Row