Casting Chris Pratt in James Gunn’s DCU: 3 Characters He’d Be Perfect For (That Aren’t Batman)

James Gunn clearly enjoys teaming up with his buddies in his work. The three installments of Guardians of the Galaxy showcase many collaborators that Gunn often works with, including his brother, Sean Gunn, and Nathan Fillion. Both these actors have previously appeared in the DC Universe, where Gunn is currently overseeing projects. But it’s not just them – Superman alone features cameos by Bradley Cooper, Pom Klementieff, and Michael Rooker as well. However, Gunn has yet to integrate Chris Pratt, the main star of his Marvel trilogy, into another comic book universe. There have been talks about a role that would bring Pratt into a new universe, but nothing has been officially set in stone.

As a cinephile enthusiast, I’ve been eagerly awaiting updates about Gunn and Pratt’s upcoming collaboration. While they’re still fine-tuning the specifics, it’s a playful challenge to imagine some roles that Chris Pratt could truly shine in within the DC Universe. His unique acting style has a knack for bringing less serious characters to life, making him an unlikely fit for heavyweights like Batman. Here are three characters that I believe Pratt would be a stellar choice for:

1. Green Lantern: With his charm and charisma, Chris could breathe new life into this iconic superhero, who just might need a fresh start after the 2011 film.

2. Booster Gold: Known for his wit and bravado, Booster Gold would be a fun fit for Pratt’s comedic timing and likable screen presence.

3. The Atom: Ant-Man’s success has proven that size doesn’t always matter, and Chris could bring the same winning blend of humor and heart to the DCU’s own shrinking hero.

3) Booster Gold

There’s a lot of talk that Kumail Nanjiani might be chosen by James Gunn for the role of Booster Gold, a character whose TV series is currently being developed. People have seen Nanjiani at multiple DC premieres, and he doesn’t hesitate to show off his love for all things nerdy. Yet, neither Nanjiani nor Gunn has officially confirmed anything, leaving the part of Booster Gold as an open casting call for now.

Choosing Pratt for Booster Gold is an excellent match because his character shares many similarities with Star-Lord, whom he portrays in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Michael Carter thrives under the limelight and leverages technology to gain an edge. Since Booster Gold hasn’t had much success on the big screen yet, appearing only once on Legends of Tomorrow and having a brief stint on Smallville, casting Pratt would increase visibility for the character, potentially giving him a chance to shine in the spotlight.

2) Green Arrow

As an avid fan, I must admit, Oliver Queen finds himself in an intriguing predicament. Despite the remarkable eight-season journey of Arrow on The CW, the portrayal of our beloved hero was undeniably peculiar. In many ways, Green Arrow resembled Batman of the Arrowverse, patrolling the streets of Star City under the cover of darkness and assembling a team of allies to aid him in his missions.

However, as James Gunn eloquently put it, it remains uncertain where Green Arrow fits into the grand tapestry of the DC Universe at present. Yet, I have no doubt that this enigmatic character will not remain on the sidelines indefinitely. With plans underway to revamp his image, it’s only a matter of time before we witness a renewed and compelling Green Arrow taking center stage once again.

Including Chris Pratt in the role as the Emerald Archer presents exciting prospects, given his aptitude for playing comical characters convincingly. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has demonstrated that a hero armed with a bow and arrow confronting interdimensional perils can be inherently amusing, requiring an exceptional actor to pull it off successfully. Pratt’s previous roles suggest he is well-suited for the challenge, with just mastery of archery skills remaining to complete his readiness for the part.

1) Jonah Hex

As a dedicated fan, I’m eagerly backing Gunn’s efforts to rectify DCU’s past missteps. Alongside Guy Gardner, John Stewart, and Hal Jordan, we’re all set to put in extra hours to ensure the lingering odor of 2011’s Green Lantern is a thing of the past. However, it’s time to focus on another DC failure that warrants the same level of attention: Jonah Hex. Regardless of Josh Brolin’s comic book movie pedigree, this film fell flat for both critics and fans alike. Its plot, often criticized as convoluted, was a significant point of contention.

In essence, Hex might not initially appear to align with Chris Pratt’s character traits as he portrays a tough, unapologetic bounty hunter in films. This persona seems reminiscent of Star-Lord in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, suggesting an opportunity for Pratt’s own character to experience vicarious living through his role. For those still skeptical about the compatibility, they can evaluate Pratt’s performance in The Magnificent Seven, where he plays Joshua Faraday, a man not shy about occasionally bending the rules.

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2025-08-29 02:17