7 DC Superheroes That Still Need a Great Movie

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As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, it’s been a thrill to witness DC’s legendary superheroes grace the big screen in numerous franchises over the years. However, there’s an array of heroes yet to be spotlighted within the DC Universe, characters whose stories are long overdue for cinematic exploration. Ever since 1951’s Superman and the Mole Men debuted George Reeves as our first big-screen Superman, DC heroes have graced our screens. Superman and Batman have undeniably led the pack in adaptations over the past seven decades, but it’s high time for other heroes to step into the limelight, either for their initial theatrical outings or a chance at redemption from past cinematic missteps.

In the revamped DC Universe by James Gunn and Peter Safran, we’re excited to see iconic characters like Green Lanterns, Clayface, Teen Titans, and Sgt. Rock on the big screen. However, there are other DC Comics heroes we ardently wish to witness in their own films. Some of these characters deserve a second chance after previous movies didn’t do them justice, while others are yet to make their cinematic debut, making them ideal for expanding the new DC Universe. These seven heroes seem fitting for the DCU and would be thrilling to watch alongside its established characters.

7) Oliver Queen’s Green Arrow

Stephen Amell starred as Oliver Queen, a renowned vigilante known as the Green Arrow, in The CW’s Arrow series from 2012 to 2020, leading the Arrowverse. Despite his notable portrayal, he never transitioned to film. Fans hope to witness a cinematic interpretation of the Green Arrow within the DC Universe. An expert archer and agile acrobat, this crime-fighting hero patrols Star City. His alliances with characters like Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern and Dinah Lance’s Black Canary make him an ideal candidate for a gritty, enigmatic DCU film.

6) Zatanna

As a die-hard comic book fan, I’ve always been captivated by the enigmatic figure of Zatanna – a sorceress hailing from the magical Homo magi lineage, a branch of our own Homo sapiens. With ties to the mighty Justice League and the Seven Soldiers in the DC Universe, her powers are as legendary as they are intriguing.

Ever since Serinda Swan graced our screens in Smallville, there’s been an unquenchable desire to see Zatanna come to life on the big screen. Sadly, several endeavors – including Hadley Davis’ action-comedy flick, Guillermo del Toro’s Justice League Dark movie, and Emerald Fennell’s standalone film – all crumbled under pressure.

Yet, I firmly believe that Zatanna’s charisma, energy, and undeniable star power would be a perfect fit for the new DC Universe. As both a celebrated magician and globally recognized superhero, she has an allure that can captivate audiences like no other.

5) Jason Todd’s Red Hood

In the comic series The Brave and the Bold, an alternate version of Robin (Damian Wayne) will join forces with Batman. Unlike previous iterations like Jason Todd, it’s his time as Red Hood that could make for a compelling movie adaptation. After his return to Gotham City in 2005, he transformed into the anti-hero Red Hood, using lethal tactics to combat crime. Forming a team known as the Outlaws, this group could add depth to Batman’s backstory and enrich the Batman Family dynamic within The Brave and the Bold.

4) Martian Manhunter

In other words, despite having multiple live-action versions, the extraterrestrial hero known as Martian Manhunter hasn’t headlined his own movie yet. Given that he was part of the original Justice League of America team, it would be exciting to finally bring him to life in a standalone film. With such an extensive array of powers, Martian Manhunter stands out as one of DC Comics’ most powerful superheroes, offering potential for visually stunning scenes in future DC Universe stories and broadening the scope of the new franchise beyond our planet.

3) Adam Strange

A time-traveling archaeologist named Adam Strange frequently visited the planet Rann through a device called the “Zeta-Beam.” He eventually grew fond of the inhabitants and became their protector using advanced Rann technology. Shaun Sipos portrayed a version of Adam Strange in Syfy’s Krypton series, but fans are eager to see a more authentic adaptation. Adam Strange’s charisma, enthusiasm, and remarkable abilities would align well with the fresh, lively tone of James Gunn’s revitalized universe. Furthermore, Adam Strange’s long-standing alliance with Hawkman could pave the way for Superman introducing Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, potentially setting the stage for Adam Strange’s debut.

2) Ted Kord’s Blue Beetle

As a die-hard DC fan, I was thrilled to see Jaime Reyes’ take on Blue Beetle hit the big screen in 2023. Throughout the movie, it was subtly suggested that Reyes was the second incarnation of this iconic hero, with Ted Kord, a character yet to appear physically in live-action, being the original. Now, with Xolo Maridueña confirmed for another outing as Reyes in the new DC Universe, there’s a strong possibility we might see Ted Kord, his on-screen family (played by Bruna Marquezine and Susan Sarandon), join him. Bobby McGruther, who voiced Kord in the mid-credits scene of Blue Beetle, may even reprise the role in the DC Universe. It’s an exciting time to be a DC fan!

1) Jonah Hex

In the past, the character Jonah Hex, portrayed by Josh Brolin in 2011’s “Jonah Hex,” had his own movie, but unfortunately, it was not well-received at the box office. Now, with a chance for redemption, Hex could make a comeback in the DC Universe. With the success of “The Mandalorian” on Disney+, there’s renewed interest in tales about hardened yet principled bounty hunters. This resurgence might pave the way for a fresh take on Jonah Hex to appear. Given that James Gunn is expanding the DCU with a focus on heroes, it would be exciting to see a character similar to Jonah Hex enriching the franchise’s history.

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2025-07-11 15:11