AsJames GunnandPeter Safranbegin to shape their vision of what the DC Cinematic Universe will look like underrefreshing new leadership, they are laying to groundwork for brand-new stories to be told and fresh faces to tell them, both in the directing chair and on screen. WithHenry Cavill being the first domino to fallas it related to the original Justice League team, the protectors of the DC universe will need to be put into new hands, taking on the roles of these classic heroes. These are the actors that should be cast in a Justice League overseen by James Gunn.
Martian Manhunter - Daniel Kaluuya
Martian Manhunter is one of the seven founding members of the Justice League of America and should without a doubt be included in any new iteration of the group on the big screen. The character briefly appeared in the Zack Snyder Cut ofJustice League, but the cameo was unable to do this founding member justice on the big screen. Since bursting onto the screen in Jordan Peele’s directorial debut masterpieceGet Out,Daniel Kaluuyahas shown he possesses the poise and seriousness needed to pull off the hero from Mars.
Green Lantern - Damson Idris
A key when casting new Justice League members is to infuse the roster with younger and less recognized names.Damson Idrishas been the lead of FXsSnowfallsince its debut in 2017 and has risen in fame as quickly as the series itself. As of 2022, the only on-screen adaptation of the Green Lantern Corps has been in a brief prologue inJustice Leagueand the critically pannedRyan Reynolds lead feature. A character with a rich history and interesting power set, Damson Idris could help bring Green Lantern to life. Whether that be the Hal Jordan version or the long sought after John Stewart version.
Flash - Joe Keery
Thedrama that surroundedthe release of Ezra Miller’sFlashwas at a fever pitch in 2022, with multiple controversies engulfing the actor. A recast of the character was almost certainly in the cards before Gunn and Safran took over; now it is all but guaranteed. The Flash is an interesting combination of wit, charm, and humor. When thinking about actors who could pull off that today,Joe Keeryis top of the list. We see these qualities in Keery’s performance as Steve inStranger Things.Fans of both DC and Marvel have been clamoring for Keery to join one of the two franchises. Flash would be the perfect character for Keery to take on.
Aquaman - Regé-Jean Page
Jason Momoa has been a fan favorite as Aquaman in his time within the DCEU, but with a Justice League redo and the actors desire to potentially play another DC character in Lobo, it is time to replace the Atlantean with a fresh face.Regé-Jean Pagebecame a household name after starring in season one of the hit showBridgerton. While Aquaman is a far cry away from Regency-era England, Page has shown he can hang in the action genre with roles inThe Gray ManandDungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Page would also continue the trend of younger actors taking on the roles of the JLA.
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Wonder Woman - Pom Klementieff
Pom Klementiefffeels like an actor just waiting to break through as a full-fledged star. Having provided great supporting roles in films likeOld BoyandGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, as well as an appearance on the hit Netflix dramaBlack Mirror.Klementieff looks like she’s breaking through even more, as she stars alongside Tom Cruise in the upcomingMission Impossiblefilms. While Gal Gadot did a phenomenal job as Wonder Woman during her run, a refresh for the character would be necessary if the majority of the DCU is being rebooted. Pom could finally get the lead starring role and prove her ability to play the classic hero, Wonder Woman.
Batman - Robert Pattinson
We have seen our fair share of different Batmen in the last 25 years and another recasting of the character may do more harm than good for the caped crusader. With the success ofThe BatmanandRobert Pattinson’swonderfully grim takeon the character, it would make the most sense to leave him in the role. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, they say. With Matt Reeve’s universe closed off from the wider world of DC at the moment, transitioning Pattinson’s Batman into a new DCU would be seamless, if done carefully.
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Superman - George MacKay
WhileGeorge MacKaymay have at one time been on Warner Bros. radar toreplace Ezra Milleras The Flash, we have much loftier aspirations for the British actor. It would be easy for DC to choose any number of big name action stars to take on the mantle of Superman. One thing Gunn has made known is his desire for a younger man of steel to emerge in the DCU. While MacKay may not have the physical stature and charisma some want in a superhero actor, neither did Chris Pratt, and with Gunn’s help, Pratt grew into one of the most popular heroes in the MCU. The same can be done with MacKay, who based on his stunning performance in1917, we know has the acting chops to knock it out of the park as Clark Kent and Superman.
