With the DC Universe gearing up for a major reboot under James Gunn and Peter Safran, fans are buzzing about who might join the new roster of heroes and villains. While some actors have already cemented their place in DC history, others are still waiting for their shot — and they’re not shy about it.
From veteran actors ready to break from typecasting to emerging talents eager to showcase their range in new, boundary-pushing roles, these ten names are generating excitement among fans and industry pundits alike. By hero or by villain, it’s going to be a wild ride if the cards are right. Here we go:
1. Tom Hanks as A Batman Villain
Yes, that Tom Hanks. The two-time Oscar winner is renowned for his heartwarming, everyman roles, yet he’s expressed a surprising desire to diverge from his comfort zone by stepping into the shoes of a Gotham schemer. Hanks has mentioned in interviews that the prospect of playing a cerebral mastermind—someone who manipulates events from the shadows—is a challenge he finds irresistibly compelling. Imagine the gravitas he could bring to a villain who outsmarts Batman through cunning rather than brute force.
While no official casting has been announced, fans are already speculating that someone like Hugo Strange or even a reimagined version of a classic Batman adversary could be the perfect fit for Hanks. His interest highlights an intriguing trend in Hollywood: even actors synonymous with wholesome roles are eager to explore the dark, layered narratives that comic book movies now offer.
2. Bill Skarsgård as The Joker
Bill Skarsgård, best known for his chilling portrayal of Pennywise in “IT“, has thrown his hat into the ring for the role of the Joker in the DC Universe. With his uncanny ability to channel an aura of unsettling charm and menace, Skarsgård appears poised to bring a fresh, horror-inflected take to the iconic clown villain—a role that continues to evolve with each new interpretation. His enthusiasm for embodying the Joker further fuels fan debates on who can best capture the character’s delicate balance of madness and method.
Although Joaquin Phoenix has already set a high bar in a previous reimagining of the character, and Matt Reeves has embraced a distinct vision in his Batman films, the concept of a multiverse leaves the door open for multiple versions of the Joker. Skarsgård’s established legacy in horror cinema and his growing star power only add weight to the possibility of his eventual casting in DC’s expansive reboot.
3. Dave Bautista as Bane
After captivating audiences as Drax in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” series, Dave Bautista has expressed a keen interest in migrating to the DC side—specifically for the role of Bane. Known for his formidable screen presence and impressive physique, Bautista has long envisioned a version of Bane that is as much a cerebral tactician as he is a brute force villain. Even as the actor evolves beyond his earlier, more physically imposing roles, his passion for comic book characters remains undimmed.
Bautista’s personal appeals to James Gunn, now a driving force at DC Studios, add an extra layer of intrigue to his casting prospects. Although he has admitted that the passage of time might influence his suitability for Bane, many fans and critics believe that his skill set could easily transition to other menacing characters if not the iconic masked villain himself.
4. Zoë Saldaña as Vixen (and maybe other possibilities)
Zoë Saldaña has a storied career filled with blockbuster franchises—from her action-packed turn in Avatar to her space odyssey in “Guardians of the Galaxy”. Known for her versatile acting and powerhouse performances, Saldaña has openly remarked that she’d love to explore a role in the DC Universe, ideally one that allows her to showcase her skills without the heavy makeup and prosthetics she’s endured in past roles.
Her positive working relationship with James Gunn, who is at the helm of DC’s creative reorganisation, has only heightened speculation about her potential entry into DC’s fold. While no specific character has been attached to her name yet, industry chatter has mentioned possibilities like Vixen or even a reinvented version of a classic heroine. Saldaña’s willingness to embrace new challenges makes her an exciting prospect for any DC project.
5. Pom Klementieff as Huntress (maybe)
Pom Klementieff, whose captivating performance as Mantis in “Guardians of the Galaxy” won over millions, is already turning heads with rumours that she’s in early discussions with James Gunn for a DC role. With her rising profile in Hollywood and her proven versatility, Klementieff’s potential transition from the Marvel realm to the DC Universe is generating a great deal of excitement.
Though details remain under wraps, sources close to the production suggest that Klementieff could be slated for a role akin to Huntress—a character that marries action with a rich, complex backstory. If confirmed, this casting would not only broaden her already impressive portfolio but also underscore DC’s commitment to revitalising its characters with fresh, dynamic talent.
6. Aubrey Plaza as Catwoman
Aubrey Plaza’s distinctive blend of deadpan humour and dark magnetism has long made her a fan-favourite candidate for roles that require a quirky twist—none more so than Catwoman. Plaza herself has hinted at an attraction to the character, expressing a desire to bring her unique energy to the role of Gotham’s most enigmatic antiheroine. Despite having bypassed auditions in previous iterations of the franchise, her interest in the role continues to spark enthusiastic discussions online.
Plaza’s rising visibility, especially after her Marvel debut in “Agatha All Along”, positions her as a serious contender for future DC projects. With DC’s current openness to multiple cinematic universes and diverse storytelling, it wouldn’t be surprising to see her don the leather and whip, reimagining Selina Kyle for a new generation of fans.
7. Adrien Brody as The Joker
Adrien Brody nearly landed the role of the Joker in “The Dark Knight”, a role that ultimately went to Heath Ledger, yet his desire to play Gotham’s infamous clown has never waned. With an acting career defined by intense, award-winning performances, Brody’s potential take on the Joker could bring a sophisticated, nuanced interpretation to a character that’s long been a canvas for some of the best villain work in cinema.
Brody’s ongoing interest is buoyed by his diverse filmography and his reputation for diving deep into complex, troubled characters. In the ever-expanding multiverse of DC, there’s plenty of room for another reimagined Joker—even one played by the distinctly artistic Brody. His casting would undoubtedly provide a fresh, cerebral spin on the chaotic persona synonymous with Gotham City.
8. Jaden Smith as Static Shock
Young actor Jaden Smith has been a vocal advocate for the comic book hero Static, also known as Virgil Hawkins—a character known for his electrifying abilities and grounded, relatable backstory. Having been involved in discussions around a Michael B. Jordan-produced version of “Static Shock“, Smith’s dream of playing this vibrant character still resonates strongly with his fans, despite the project’s long-delayed status.
Smith’s enthusiasm for the role underscores a broader trend of DC embracing younger, diverse protagonists in its upcoming slate. His candid expressions on social media about what the character means to him have only amplified fan anticipation. If the project revives, there’s little doubt that Jaden’s natural charisma and youthful energy would electrify audiences in a definitive Static performance.
9. Eddie Redmayne as The Riddler
Oscars and accolades aside, Eddie Redmayne has shown a keen interest in lending his talents to the comic book genre, specifically as The Riddler, one of Batman’s most intellectually complex adversaries. Redmayne’s charm, wit, and ability to deliver lines with a measured, almost theatrical cadence make him a compelling choice for a character who thrives on puzzles and psychological games.
Though Paul Dano’s portrayal in “The Batman“ has already cemented one vision of The Riddler, Redmayne’s unique blend of British refinement and dramatic intensity offers a contrasting take that could redefine the character in the DC Universe. With ongoing discussions about expanding DC’s roster in new and unexpected ways, Redmayne’s bid for the role remains a topic of enthusiastic debate among fans and critics alike.
Sources: Screen Rant
Gan contributed to this article.
