James Gunn’s DCU is a new take on the story of the heroes and villains in the DC Comics. On one hand, Gunn pushes the idea of hope through movies like ‘Superman,’ but he has also clarified his vision for the upcoming projects. The ace filmmaker wants to build a superhero universe where the protagonists tread a very fine line between heroism and villainy. Of course, this creates room for a lot of grey characters.
While the likes of Superman and Lex Luthor are on the extreme ends of the spectrum, Hawkgirl and Guy Gardner are examples of the characters who tend to stray away from the conventional symbol of hope. Based on Gunn’s plans for the future of DCU, here are 5 heroes and 5 villains who we think will fit his narrative.
10. Hero: Batman
Here’s the thing: a DCU without Batman is simply unimaginable. He is the perfect alter ego of Superman. Batman is everything the Man of Steel is not and does not want to be. The Dark Knight is also a prime member of the Justice League and among its leaders. If Gunn decides to omit Batman from his DCU, it’s like omitting Iron Man from the Marvel Universe and leaving Captain America as the sole leader.
9. Villain: Mr. Freeze
Mr. Freeze is a tragic villain of the DC Universe. He teeters on the line between being a villain and an anti-hero most of the time. Mr. Freeze has to keep his body below a certain temperature so that he doesn’t evaporate instantly. He wears a special suit, and his powers are related to cold. Mr. Freeze’s poignant love story with his wife Nora, who ended up in a coma, is well known and generally praised. So, he should get his time of the day in the DCU.
8. Hero: The Flash
The Flash does not exactly fit the narrative of a borderline hero. However, the Flash is an important member of the Justice League and the DCU. The Speedster is someone that the Justice League can always depend on. The Flash needs to be included in the upcoming movies to give Gunn’s DCU serious firepower and emotional depth. Also, he has the comedic presence needed for some quirky energy amid grim situations.
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7. Villain: Bizarro
Bizzaro could be among the best additions to the new DCU. This is a side character who could end up switching sides. Yes, he has been misunderstood and exploited by bigger villains. So, Bizarro’s entry as a villain in the DCU can give it a complex edge and introduce depth to the storyline. The combination of innocence and trauma makes Bizzaro a truly important character who will move the audience.
6. Hero: Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman was a part of Zack Snyder’s DCU as the main firepower against the villains. She was there to help Superman shoulder his burden during the biggest fights of the series, especially when the other heroes failed. Wonder Woman is also the original founding member of the Justice League. Aside from that, she is a compelling grey character who thinks like Batman and may take some questionable decisions, shaking up the DCU.
5. Villain: Jason Todd
Jason Todd is a much-needed addition to the DC Universe. He is a celebrated character in the ‘Batman: Arkham Knight‘ game. Jason’s heartbreaking story is incredibly popular among fans. He starts as a Robin who is captured and murdered by the Joker. Later on, he starts killing the criminals and develops a deep hatred for Batman for not trying to save him. In the end, however, Jason Todd emerges as an anti-hero and an ally of Batman.
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4. Hero: Cyborg
As a hero and member of the Justice League, Cyborg is someone the DCU needs for his expertise with digital technology. For now, Mr. Terrific is handling the mantle of the ‘IT guy,’ but Cyborg will prove to be his perfect companion. His contribution to the Snyder-verse films is nothing to scoff at. With Cyborg, Gunn can create a truly unique and vast DC Universe that has a variety of impactful characters.
3. Villain: Bane
“You merely adopted the dark. I was born in it.” These words still echo from Christopher Nolan’s unforgettable ‘The Dark Knight’ trilogy. Although DC did not adapt the exact storyline for Bane in the Snyder-verse, he was still a complex character who broke Batman both mentally and physically. Bane is fueled by Venom, an experimental drug that gives him super strength. If James Gunn decided to add Bane to his universe, we can count on him snatching Batman’s peace spectacularly.
2. Hero: Martian Manhunter
Martian Manhunter was teased in the final moments of ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League.’ However, the audience never got to see the real powers and abilities of Manhunter. John Johns is a must-have character for James Gunn’s DC universe as a fresh character never seen before on the silver screen. Also, he is comparable to Superman in terms of superpowers and strength.
1. Villain: The Joker
Joker remains the most complex and truly evil character of the DC universe. We all know he is the biggest and most-feared nemesis of Batman. Although the Dark Knight is his primary target, the Joker has made things difficult for the other members of the DC universe multiple times. An interesting angle in the story would be pitting Joker against Superman and watching the crazy clown try to break down the symbol of hope.
