The DCEU has been struggling to pick up steam as multiple actors that were planned to lead have parted ways from future films, with The Flash having to bring some major changes to the franchise. With this new issue, the directors and producers of the DCEU have begun to develop multiple movies and series in order to keep this universe functioning (with projects for Blue Beetle, Static Shock, and The Wonder Twins already set in motion).
Although these characters aren’t as mainstream or as known as the likes of Batman, Superman, or Wonder Woman, there’s always a chance that they could eventually go on to become the face of the DCEU. In fact, the DC universe is full of entertaining and dynamic (anti) heroes that even the unlikeliest of characters could end up helming the franchise. It just depends on the script
Dr. Fate
One of the most powerful magic users within the DC universe, Dr. Fate is a lord of order that looks to keep the universe balanced between good and evil. The helmet on Nabu sees the future in order to prevent events from happening and to keep the timeline on the path of planned events.
The doctor without a medical degree can use his helmet and powers of foresight as a reason to take the fate of the DCEU into his own hands. Fans can look forward to seeing Dr. Fate in Black Adam as he is set to make his cinematic debut as Kent Nelson (played by Pierce Brosnan).
Aqualad
Apprentice to Aquaman, Aqualad has seen his own popularity rise throughout the years. Jackson Hyde (aka Kaldur’ahm) had the powers to use water in the shape of weapons and electricity which makes him a threat when combined.
RELATED: 8 LGBTQ+ Comic Heroes Already Linked To The DCEU
Aqualad will be receiving his own HBO Max series and will be directed by Mad Max: Fury Road star Charlize Theron, who will be adapting the graphic novel You Brought Me The Ocean. If this version of the character is any similar to the Young Justice version, then Aqualad could not be a role model for the LGBTQ+ community but a strong leader for several other young heroes too.
Mr. Miracle
One of DC’s most underrated heroes, Mr. Miracle is an escape artist who was the only person to escape Apokolips (the world ruled by Darkside). With his boots that allow him to move on air and his memorable relationship to his loyal and powerful wife Big Barda, Mr. Miracle is a character that can prove his worth through a cinematic appearance.
If Darkside is still set to be the main villain of the DCEU, then what better hero to stand up to him than one of the old gods. His years of torture brought on by Granny Goodness and Darkside gives him the motive to be the one to take down the world of Apokolips.
John Constantine
Calling Constantine a hero is a bit of a stretch as he is a character that will lie and cheat to protect his own skin. Nevertheless, he does have a moral compass that allows him to do the right thing from time to time and has powerful magical abilities that he uses with his wits and cunning.
Constantine is no stranger to bringing changes to the DC universe as he has done in Justice League Dark: Apokolips War and Legends of Tomorrow (both played by Matt Ryan). With Constantine’s love interest, Zatanna, set to enter the DCEU in her own movie, this could lead to the possibility of Constantine and other members of the Justice League Dark eventually getting their own movie.
Green Arrow (Stephen Amell)
Green Arrow in the comics is often seen more as comedic relief than the badass that is portrayed within CW’s hit show Arrow. This reason alone would make Green Arrow an unexpected leader but add in the actor and that character he popularized, and it would add more unpredictability to the DCEU.
As Grant Gustin is rumored to make an appearance in The Flash movie, Stephen Amell would leave the best cliffhanger if he stays in the DCEU and leads. Since he started a universe on CW, he is more than capable of being a leader of a cinematic universe.
Booster Gold
A failure that traveled to the past to make a name for himself, Booster Gold has the confidence and goal to be the face of superheroes. With his robot sidekick, Skeets, Booster is determined to change his fate and himself as he learns to grow into the hero he aspires to be.
There is a rumor that Booster Gold might be introduced to the DCEU since his close friend, Blue Beetle, is receiving a movie (with Xolo Mariduena playing the title role as Jamie Reyes). With time travel also set to play a huge role in the DCEU, this could be an issue that can be solved by the narcissistic but heroic Booster Gold.
Kyle Rayner
Essential comics about Kyle Rayner have shown the rise in the character’s growth in popularity. Taking the lantern ring after Hal Jordan’s death, Kyle Rayner uses his imagination and art skills in combat.
Despite Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz also being good candidates, it is Kyle Rayner’s control of the white lantern ring that separates him from the others. White lantern rings are the strongest as they are powered by life itself. He can bring light and save the DCEU from its darkest day.
Power Girl
The face may not be found in the cinematic universe but from neighboring earths. Instead of getting trapped within the phantom realm and landing on Earth after her younger cousin Superman, Supergirl lands as the more mature and confident Power Girl.
Power Girl is a character that is completely different from her other earth counterpart. She has more confidence and strength which makes her a standout hero. Coming from Earth-Two, a new world can also bring a new face to lead.
Martian Manhunter
A core member of the Justice League, Martian Manhunter is often seen working behind a computer and assigning missions to members. Despite this, Martian Manhunter has just as much power as Superman. He has more than just strength as he also has the ability to phase through objects, shape-shift, fly and go invisible. He also has the gift of telepathy, which makes him handy in any situation.
Although not in the theatrically-released movie, Martain Manhunter makes a cameo within DCEU through Zack Snyder’s version (that can be watched on HBO Max). If Harry Lenix returns as the character, he can potentially form his own League and rebuild the franchise.
Robin
Batman has been the face of the DCEU and many other DC media but he can easily pass down the mantle to his famous sidekick Robin. Whether it is Tim, Dick, or Jason, any character that has held the title of Robin and trained with Batman has the skills necessary to lead.
Every version of Robin has come to make a name for themselves succeeding in taking down top villains, such as Deathstroke. The benefit of having a Robin as a leader could also lead to new hero groups being introduced. Whether it is the Titans, Teen Titans, or Young Justice, Robin has made plenty of allies that are capable of leading their own movies along with The Boy Wonder.
