James Gunn’s New Zac Efron DC Universe Update Is Not What We Expected

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Look, everyone seems to want Zac Efron as a DC hero, and James Gunn finally addressed the buzz around him. But here’s the thing: it’s not the role most fans have been hoping for. It’s easy to forget where this guy started – he became a household name with High School Musical, and honestly, he’s just kept getting better and taking on bigger, more interesting projects since then. He’s proven he can deliver both at the box office and with critics, so it’s no surprise DC is interested.

Zac Efron recently gave a critically acclaimed performance in the film The Iron Claw, and many were surprised he wasn’t nominated for major awards. He’s a strong candidate for several roles in DC’s future films, possessing both the popularity and experience to lead a franchise. However, he’s already made an appearance in the DC Universe, and that may be all for now.

James Gunn Has Addressed Zac Efron’s DC Universe “Cameo”

While Zac Efron hasn’t officially played a character in the new DC Universe, he makes a cameo in the first release, Creature Commandos. A photo of him – specifically, his shirtless appearance from the 2014 MTV Movie Awards – appears as the background on a character’s phone. He’s shown saluting in the image.

James Gunn recently explained on Threads how Zac Efron appeared in the animated DC show. Apparently, the studio asked Efron if they could use a photo of him for a cameo, and he happily agreed. Gunn shared, “We’re thankful Zac Efron let us use his image!”

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It’s great to hear anything from James Gunn about Zac Efron, but fans are really hoping for news about Efron potentially joining the DC Universe. Over the years, fans have often suggested Efron for various superhero roles at both DC and Marvel. Gunn even commented on this back in 2021, responding to rumors that Marvel was looking for someone ‘like Zac Efron’ for Adam Warlock by jokingly asking, ‘If I wanted Zac Efron, wouldn’t I just cast Zac Efron?’

The DC Universe Needs To Cast Zac Efron As Booster Gold

Currently, DC has brought Zac Efron on board for a quick cameo appearance that doesn’t suggest any larger plans for him in the DC Universe. However, many fans believe Efron has the talent to take on a significant role, and he’s a popular pick to play Booster Gold in future DCU projects, beyond his brief appearance in Creature Commandos.

It would be great to see that come true, and the fact that James Gunn knows Zac Efron, plus DC’s previous interest in him—even just for a quick appearance—makes it seem more possible.

Zac Efron’s comedic timing, as seen in movies like Neighbors, and his impressive dramatic range in The Iron Claw make him a strong contender for the role of Booster Gold. Fans are eagerly awaiting a significant update from DC regarding his potential casting.

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2026-01-12 22:08