7 DC Characters That Really Need a Movie Reboot

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There are several DC superheroes who have left a significant mark on the silver screen, yet it’s time for a fresh start for others. Since the 1940s, iconic DC Comics characters such as Superman and Batman have graced the big screen through serials shown in movie theaters. Batman gained notoriety with his 1966 film adaptation, stemming from the hit TV series starring Adam West and Burt Ward. However, it wasn’t until 1978’s Superman, featuring Christopher Reeve’s memorable performance as Superman, that DC truly made its cinematic debut. This movie marked the beginning of the modern superhero film genre.

Ever since they first graced movie theater screens in both standalone and team-up films, DC heroes have maintained a consistent presence, yet even superhero movies aren’t flawless – they too have their misses, as with any genre. While numerous DC films have brilliantly portrayed their respective titular characters, some have fallen short of delivering justice to these iconic figures, warranting potential reboots. Here are seven DC superheroes ripe for a cinematic redo.

1) Swamp Thing

It’s surprising how frequently Swamp Thing, DC Comics’ character that combines human and plant elements, has been adapted into live-action more than people might realize. In fact, Swamp Thing graced the big screen twice during the ’80s: first with Wes Craven’s delightfully cheesy “Swamp Thing” in 1982, followed by its equally amusing sequel “The Return of Swamp Thing” in 1989. While Swamp Thing experienced more success on his live-action TV shows from 1990 and 2018 (as well as the brief animated series in the early ’90s), he’s yet to receive proper recognition on the big screen. However, with James Mangold attached to a Swamp Thing movie for DC Studios, hopefully, that will change in the coming years.

2) Steel

If any superhero had a disappointing first appearance in a movie adaptation, it’s undoubtedly John Henry Irons, also known as Steel. This is evident from the 1997 film Steel. In the comics, John Henry Irons was motivated to become a hero following Superman saving his life. Using his expertise in metallurgy, he created his Steel suit and technology, even taking over for Superman after the Man of Steel’s death (before they became close allies upon his resurrection). Unfortunately, these compelling aspects are missing from the awkward plot of Steel, where Shaquille O’Neal is given a humorous metal suit and the character goes through uninspiring action sequences with low energy. However, Steel found live-action redemption in Wolé Parks’ portrayal of the character on the TV series Superman & Lois, and hopefully, he will get another chance at cinematic success under DC Studios.

3) Jonah Hex

The notorious gunfighter from DC’s Wild West, known for his scarred visage and lightning-fast draw, has a reputation as the quickest in DC comics. However, people who are familiar with him primarily associate him with Josh Brolin’s unfortunate venture into comic book films before assuming the role of Thanos. Even among lesser-known comic book characters, the box office performance of Jonah Hex was disastrous, earning only $11 million globally on a budget of $45 million. The film itself was also poorly received, though Brolin’s portrayal of the title character was convincing and reminiscent of Clint Eastwood. Despite its troubled past, Jonah Hex remains an intriguing DC character with potential for a successful big-screen adaptation, a possibility that DC Studios should consider incorporating into their production plans.

4) Blackhawk

The origins of comic book storytelling were deeply ingrained in the time of World War II, and one of its enduring characters from this period is DC’s Blackhawk, who has evolved into a contemporary leader of a team of pilots called the Blackhawks since their initial introduction in the 1940s. Over the years, they have undergone numerous changes and reinventions. The Blackhawks first appeared on the live-action stage on the CW DC series Arrow, presented as a modern security company named the Blackhawk Squad Protection Group. Although Blackhawk has not yet received the big-screen treatment, his potential has been showcased in other WWI and WWII superhero movies such as The Rocketeer, Wonder Woman, and Captain America: The First Avenger. With Steven Spielberg reportedly connected to a Blackhawk project for several years without much progress, it’s hoped that DC Studios can bring this hero back to life.

5) Catwoman

In every adaptation of Batman, whether animated or live-action, there’s always been a portrayal of Selina Kyle, famously known as Catwoman. From the 1966 Batman to Tim Burton’s Batman Returns and Matt Reeves’ The Batman, Catwoman has graced our screens numerous times. However, her only solo film, Catwoman in 2004, is often regarded as one of the worst comic book movies ever produced. Despite her connection with the Dark Knight, Catwoman stands independently as a captivating character worthy of her own movie. Whether we’re discussing Zoe Kravitz’s Selina Kyle from The Batman or another version within the main DC Universe, DC Studios should consider developing a solo project for Catwoman to properly showcase her complex anti-heroine nature.

6) Constantine

In terms of the character John Constantine, he’s famously known for his Cockney accent and magical abilities, but DC fans have had to navigate two distinct portrayals in live-action: Matt Ryan’s largely faithful adaptation of the comics in the Arrowverse, and Keanu Reeves’ more Americanized version from the 2005 film “Constantine.” The latter has developed a significant cult following since its release, no doubt boosted by Reeves’ resurgence in his career post-“John Wick,” and rumors of a “Constantine 2” have surfaced. Although this seems likely to be an Elseworlds project, the possibility of a DCU Constantine with an authentic Cockney accent is not out of the question given the multiverse concept in DC comics.

7) Green Lantern

In contrast to his significant role within the Justice League, Green Lantern was absent from Hal Jordan’s 2011 cinematic introduction. Ryan Reynolds, who played the character, has been particularly critical of the movie. The Green Lantern Corps has faced numerous challenges in making a comeback to the big screen, often referred to as “development hell”. However, a brief appearance by Yalan Gur was made in Zack Snyder’s Justice League cut, and a role for John Stewart (Wayne T. Carr) was initially planned but ultimately removed. Since the 2011 movie, multiple Green Lantern projects have failed to materialize. Fortunately, this is now changing with the upcoming DC Studios streaming series titled Lanterns, featuring Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart. The series is being compared to True Detective, implying a more mature and complex narrative. If successful, it may finally lift the curse that has plagued the Green Lantern Corps since the 2011 film, potentially leading to a big-screen appearance for Chandler and Pierre’s Green Lanterns.

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2025-07-13 21:11