10 DC Universe Characters Confirmed To Debut In 2026 That We Can’t Wait For, Ranked

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The DC Universe is expanding in 2026 with several new projects and characters. As we look ahead to the new year, some of these upcoming players stand out as particularly exciting. 2025 was a strong year for James Gunn’s DCU, especially with the success of the first film, Superman, which quickly led to plans for a sequel.

The first Superman movie introduced important characters for the DC Universe, including some beyond Superman’s immediate circle, like members of the Justice Gang. DC plans to continue this trend in its 2026 releases, featuring many new heroes and villains in most of its projects. Here’s a look at the most anticipated new faces, from well-known comic book characters to those who will drive key emotional storylines.

10. Alura In-Ze

Emily Beecham will play Supergirl’s mother, Alura In-Ze, in the 2026 Supergirl movie. The film will explore a fresh take on Supergirl’s origins, drawing from the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comics, which present a different story for Krypton, Supergirl, and her family.

The initial trailer for the Supergirl movie hinted at the destruction of Krypton and showed Argo City breaking away to survive. The story will likely reveal that Supergirl remained on the surviving city for years, witnessing the deaths of those around her. Sadly, her mother, Alura, will be among the first to perish, making her death a significant emotional moment in the film.

9. Zor-El

If Kara’s mother, a Kryptonian, is included, her father needs to be as well. David Krumholtz brilliantly portrays Zor-El in Supergirl, and he’s a perfect fit because his natural charm suits the character—the one who saved Argo City and tirelessly worked to protect its people.

Given Bradley Cooper’s portrayal of Jor-El – who is Superman’s uncle – and his desire for Superman (played by David Corenswet) to protect Earth, it will be fascinating to see how Jor-El and Zor-El (Supergirl’s father) are different. Zor-El plays a key role in Supergirl’s story, staying with and ultimately saving his daughter after her mother passes away.

8. Krem Of The Yellow Hills

I originally expected this character to place higher in DC’s plans for 2026. While the Supergirl movie trailer was exciting, I wasn’t impressed with Krem of the Yellow Hills. It’s a straightforward feeling for me.

Matthias Schoenaerts was ideally cast as Krem, looking almost exactly like the character come to life from the comics. Unfortunately, the way Supergirl designed the villain diminishes what made Krem unique, reducing him to a typical science fiction antagonist. Despite this, he still has the potential to be a truly scary villain, earning him a spot at number 8 on our list.

7. William Macon

I think William Macon will become a major character in the DC universe, even if the studio isn’t highlighting him yet. There’s a strong belief that Garret Dillahunt, known from Fear the Walking Dead, is actually playing William Hand, also known as Black Hand, in disguise. If true, this could pave the way for a significant DC storyline.

Okay, so DC Studios is really dropping hints about this new HBO series, Lanterns. Apparently, Hal Jordan and John Stewart are coming back to Earth to investigate some seriously old, terrifying evil. And honestly? It’s making me think we might finally be getting a proper DCU version of the Blackest Night storyline – maybe as early as 2026! They’ve cast Jeremy Dillahunt as a character named Macon, and if he’s an original creation, I’m already predicting he’s going to be a seriously compelling villain. I’m getting really excited about this!

6. Ruthye Marye Knoll

Ruthye Marye Knoll will co-star in the upcoming Supergirl movie, mirroring her role in the comic books. She’s central to the Woman of Tomorrow storyline, where her father is killed by Krem, prompting her to seek Supergirl’s help in getting revenge.

The comic book version of the story is told from Ruthye’s perspective, letting readers really get to know her. This has made her a beloved character, especially as she travels the universe with Supergirl. Ruthye could become a major player in the DC Universe and significantly impact the life of Milly Alcock’s Supergirl.

5. Clayface

Credit: Ian West/PA Images/INSTARimages

Clayface is unique because he’s already been part of the DC Universe – Alan Tudyk voiced him in the animated series Creature Commandos. However, the Clayface movie coming out in 2026 will be his first live-action appearance, and the first time the actor playing him in the DCU will portray the villain. Because of this, I believe including him on the list makes sense.

Tom Rhys Harries will play Clayface in the 2026 DC film. Early looks from the set suggest the movie will explore the character’s sad origins, showing how actor Matt Hagen is tragically transformed into a clay monster. Fans are particularly excited to see a more emotional take on Clayface and get a first glimpse of Gotham City within the new DC Universe.

4. Sinestro

DC hasn’t shared how big Sinestro’s part will be in the HBO show Lanterns. But it’s great news that one of the Green Lantern’s biggest enemies will be involved in this new live-action project. The show’s darker, *True Detectivestyle approach could be perfect for showcasing Sinestro’s character.

The movie could explore Sinestro’s history with Hal Jordan through flashbacks, and also show how he’s evolved as a villain – possibly with a powerful Yellow Lantern Corps at his command. The character is portrayed as both cruel and captivating, and actor Ulrich Thomsen seems ideally cast in the role.

3. Lobo

From the moment James Gunn revealed his plans for the DC Universe, I was most excited to see what Jason Momoa would do with this new character. He brought a lot of energy to Aquaman and helped make the hero popular again after years of being seen as a bit of a joke. But, ultimately, the role of Arthur Curry didn’t quite seem right for him.

Jason Momoa has long wanted to play Lobo, and the character is a perfect fit for his talents – a tough, charming, and often brutal bounty hunter. The trailer for Supergirl gave fans their first glimpse of Momoa as Lobo, and the character’s appearance closely matches the comic books. Because Lobo didn’t appear in the original story, his inclusion is a welcome and exciting surprise.

2. John Stewart

I’m most excited to see two characters from the Lanterns series in DC’s plans for 2026. Aaron Pierre proved in 2024’s Rebel Ridge that he has what it takes to be an action hero – he’s perfectly built for the role of a young John Stewart. I’ve been following his work since his appearance in Krypton back in 2018.

In the new series Lanterns, John Stewart, one of the two main characters, is clearly being positioned as the DC Universe’s primary Green Lantern. The show portrays him as a trainee learning from Hal Jordan, and it will be interesting to watch his journey and see how he grows into a hero.

1. Hal Jordan

via HBO

Without a doubt, the most anticipated character introduction in the new DC Universe (DCU) in 2026 is Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan. The character hasn’t had much luck with live-action adaptations since the 2011 Green Lantern film starring Ryan Reynolds didn’t succeed. Hal Jordan deserves a better portrayal, and the upcoming Lanterns project seems poised to deliver just that.

Hal Jordan is being introduced as a well-known hero, and the first trailer for Lanterns hints at his unique training style with John Stewart. This version of Hal appears seasoned, playful, self-assured, and a bit arrogant—making him a great fit for a live-action portrayal in James Gunn’s DC Universe.

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2025-12-27 20:22