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)
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)
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)
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)
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.