Summary
After roughly a decade, theDC Extended Universehas come to an end. From the ashes rises a new batch of superhero flicks with their own continuity. It’s not a completely clean slate, though. James Gunn, the creative head of the new universe, is retaining a handful of actors from the previous generation. These are Viola Davis as Amanda Waller and John Cena as Peacemaker. Yet, why stop there?
Several actors from theDCEUdeserve another shot. There are plenty of justifications for such redemption. Maybe they distinguished themselves in their respective movies. Perhaps those films didn’t use the performers to their full extent. As messy as the old universe was, not everything was dead on arrival. With a stronger foundation, they could achieve greatness in the eyes of fans. Hopefully, the new realm of DC will give them that chance.
The DCEU’s Wonder Woman Showed Beauty, Grace, and Amazon Warrior Abilities
DCEU Appearances:
Few fans were excited about a supporting star from theFast & Furiousfranchise coming in as Wonder Woman. Worse, she’d be debuting inBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, an already-crowded crossover. Thankfully, Gal Gadot proved the naysayers wrong. She was a great fit for the Amazon princess. Not only did she exude an exotic intrigue befitting the heroine’s mythic Greek origins, but she possessed an endearing earnestness and deep conviction in conveying her heroic ideals. She extended these aspects to the physical side, handling the action scenes with equal parts grace and power. In short, it was the perfect combination for Wonder Woman.
These qualifies carried her through solo flicks, ensembles, and cameos. Though the material often faltered, Gadot remained a pleasant surprise whenever she popped up. There’s no reason she can’t continue doing so. Perhaps she could return inParadise Lost,a show focusing on Wonder Woman’s native island and its noble warriors. Gadot’s approach would feel right at home (literally), and her interactions with fellow Amazons would let her explore the character beyond surface-level heroics.
The DCEU’s Supergirl From A Fractured Timeline
Who would have thought that a highlight ofThe Flashwould be Supergirl? Sasha Calle emerged as theFlashpointversion of Kara Zor-El. Imprisoned in a military bunker, she had a jaded outlook on the human race. That take shouldn’t have worked; the filmmakers had already tried and failed when applying it to Superman. Ironically, though, his cousin was a bright spot despite her brief screen time.
Calle displayed an indelible passion. Her performance carried a palpable pathos, matched only by piercing intensity. Because of that, she was an infinitely more engaging screen presence than the film’s abrasive star.Why not put that energy and charisma toward worthier work?Woman of Tomorrow,the comic that inspired the upcoming Supergirl movie, even calls for a more somber take on the heroine.
DCEU’s Weird & Awkward Polka-Dot-Man
This pick ought to be obvious since Gunn already used this character actor. David Dastmalchian left a creepily quirky impression as Polka Dot Man inThe Suicide Squad.His distant delivery betrayed a truly disturbed individual, and it blended hilariously with the rest of the gallows humor. Dastmalchian has no shortage of bizarre characters in his career.
That’s what would make him perfect for the next era of DC, especially if it meant bringing him back from the dead. Many of the proposed projects focus on the weirder side of the universe.The Authority,Creature Commandos, andBooster Goldare fine examples. They may even sportGunn’s demented brand of humor. As such, Dastmalchian’s off-kilter demeanor would suit any of them.
Shazam Proved That The DCEU Could Be Humorous
One of the best entries in the DCEU wasShazam. This success came down to both the heartfelt material and its stars. Zachary Levi had a goofy energy which made him incredibly convincing asa boy in a man’s body. His manic timing could sell even the corniest jokes. What’s more, is that he embodied this youthful vigor while conveying ample emotional maturity when the scene called for it. He may not have had the cheesy, idealistic persona of the classic Shazam, but he was appropriate as a modernized rendition.
The filmmakers have plenty of reasons to keep him around. They’d be hard-pressed to find someone better for the electric hero. Plus, his comedic chops could come in handy with the sillier scripts. In that sense, he’s similar to Dastmalchian. It’s not a stretch to imagine him working with James Gunn’s sensibilities.
A Brilliant Actor Played Steppenwolf, A Mediocre DCEU Villain
This choice was the ultimate case of wasted potential. Ciaran Hinds had the thankless task of playing Steppenwolf inJustice League. In both cuts, he’s the definition of a one-note villain. He constantly spouted the same sneering slop about Mother Boxes, pleasing his superiors, and making Earthlings bow before him. The terrible CGI didn’t help.He was basically a cartoonish bad guy for the heroes to punch. That was an utter travesty considering the actor playing him.
Hinds’s pedigree speaks for itself. He’s created numerous figures of authority and menace. His nuance carries a deadly intelligence, making him a formidable presence in any setting. Julius Caesar inRomeand John Franklin inThe Terrorare just two examples of his work. He could easily apply that calculating aura to any imposing character in the DC lineup. In fact, he’d be a great fit for Darkseid himself instead of the overlord’s incompetent uncle. Hinds has proven his talents many times over. Why not use those qualities instead of wasting them on a generic monster?
Superman’s Mom In The DCEU, Martha Kent, Was A Bright Star
As Martha Kent, Diane Lane was the unsung hero of the DCEU’s Superman flicks. As Martha Kent, Diane Lane injected some humanity into her scenes, especially in the heartfelt chemistry between her and Henry Cavill, seeing the weight of the world in her son’s eyes, rather than the strong shoulders of Superman who can bear them.
Her warmth and emotionality were fitting for this maternal figure. It’s easy to feel safe when she is around. She even transcended the somewhat stilted dialogue for some genuinely touching moments. She deserves a medal just for that. As a consolation, she should have her pick of characters in the new lineup. Any figure could benefit from her ability to elevate the material.
