3 DC Characters That the Movies Got Right the First Time

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Despite numerous reinventions of DC’s iconic characters, many fans still prefer the original movie versions. And they have a good point – the first portrayals of several major DC heroes were remarkably successful. These initial films often got the characters right, both in terms of acting and storytelling. It’s unusual for a first attempt to miss the mark, like with *Green Lantern*, which leaned into comedy more than the comic book source material, though it did retain the character’s tendency to act without thinking.

Here are the three DC heroes who were perfectly cast for their first major movie appearances, excluding smaller films or continuations of TV shows.

1) Superman

While Henry Cavill and David Corenswet have both given strong performances as Superman, Christopher Reeve remains the most iconic actor in the role. He perfectly captured both Clark Kent’s awkwardness and Superman’s inspiring qualities of hope, kindness, and strength.

Christopher Reeve naturally embodied the look of Superman. Filmmakers have consistently used his appearance as the standard for the character’s on-screen portrayal since the 1970s and 80s. This influence was particularly evident in the casting of Brandon Routh, whose *Superman Returns* directly followed the storylines established in Reeve’s *Superman* and *Superman II*.

2) Batman

It’s tough to say whether playing Bruce Wayne or Batman is more challenging. Batman requires a raspy voice and a stiflingly hot suit. Bruce Wayne, on the other hand, demands an actor portray someone who deliberately blends into the background – a very wealthy background, but unassuming nonetheless.

Every actor who has played Batman – Christian Bale, Robert Pattinson, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Ben Affleck, and Michael Keaton – has delivered a strong performance. While George Clooney’s portrayal is often considered the weakest, that was more due to the script than his acting. Robert Pattinson’s Batman, and the film’s writing, best showcased the character’s detective abilities, but Michael Keaton also excelled in this area. Keaton skillfully drew the audience into the mysteries, whether it was uncovering the Joker’s identity or Penguin’s motivations, and convincingly portrayed Batman as a capable investigator. He embodied everything the character needed – physicality, charisma, the iconic look, and a selfless nature. The main criticism of Keaton’s performance is simply that he wasn’t in *Batman* or *Batman Returns* enough.

3) Harley Quinn

While *Suicide Squad* isn’t a critically acclaimed film, Margot Robbie’s performance as Harley Quinn is exceptional. She portrays Quinn not as simply a chaotic character, but as a deeply damaged woman with an inexplicable and powerful attraction to a dangerous and unpredictable man. It’s clear her character secretly desires to be as free and unrestrained as he is.

Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn really shone in *Birds of Prey* and *The Suicide Squad*. The films allowed us to see a softer, more maternal side to her character, and also established a firm boundary for her violence – harming children is a definite no-go. It’s disappointing to hear the DC Universe will likely be finding a new actress to play Harley Quinn.

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2025-09-16 21:40