James Gunn rebooting Jonah Hex in DC Universe is quickly moving from speculation to strong possibility, as the evolving plans from Gunn and Peter Safran suggest a willingness to revisit overlooked characters. With a landscape accommodating both classic icons like Superman and obscure anti-heroes, the DC Universe is set up for a fresh take on the scarred bounty hunter Jonah Hex, opening the door for authentic Western narratives amid the sprawling metahuman history now canonized by Gunn’s leadership.
Building a Diverse and Flexible DC Universe
Under the stewardship of James Gunn and Peter Safran, the DC Universe is braiding together familiar legends and less-celebrated characters, suggesting a future where both Superman and the likes of Clayface have room to shine. Their approach is marked by an intentional dive deep into the DC library—titles such as a Mister Miracle animated series and whispers of a Clayface feature share the same stage as the upcoming Superman reboot. This signals that compelling lesser-known figures, if their stories are strong enough, are no longer sidelined.
Gunn’s recent disclosure that metahumans have been present in the universe for approximately three centuries has dramatically expanded possibilities for storytelling, granting scope to explore corners of DC’s timeline long before superheroes wore capes. This history, paired with a tonal spectrum that ranges from Man of Steel’s aspirational heroics to Peacemaker’s irreverence and Lanterns’ hard-edged crime drama, means the DCU is tailored to accommodate virtually any genre—including the gritty Western tradition embodied by Jonah Hex.
Why Jonah Hex Stands Out Among DC’s Rogues
Jonah Hex is closely linked to the origins of modern DC Western storytelling, making his potential revival especially noteworthy within Gunn’s inclusive vision. Since his 1972 debut in All-Star Western #10, created by John Albano with art by Tony DeZuniga, Hex has become a fixture for fans drawn to tales set in the rough landscape of the American West. His reputation grew from his ghastly, burned visage—a mark received during a fatal dispute with an Apache chief whose son Hex killed in self-defense. The branding with a scorched tomahawk has long symbolized the character’s internal and external scars.
Though Hex is a former Confederate soldier, his allegiances are dictated by a personal code more than politics. Betrayed by those he once called comrades, Hex’s story weaves through hardship: forced to kill his closest friend, carrying the literal mark of his actions, and embracing a life as a ruthless yet oddly principled bounty hunter. Unlike many superheroes, Hex has no special powers; instead, he’s known for dead-eye shooting, relentless hunting, and survival in a world defined by dusty roads, bloodshed, and the blurred line between justice and vengeance. On rare occasions, the character has stepped into time-travel adventures or partnered with icons like Batman or other Justice League members, but the spirit of Jonah Hex lives and dies in the shadowy aftermath of the American Civil War.
From Page to Screen: The Rocky History of Jonah Hex Adaptations
Hollywood has attempted to transform Jonah Hex’s mythos into live-action and animated projects, but these efforts have met with mixed success. The most prominent, the 2010 film Jonah Hex with Josh Brolin, stumbled due to a confused narrative approach. Rushed pacing, an inconsistent blend of supernatural and Western motifs, and a choice to grant Hex mystical powers like mediumship failed to resonate with both fans and critics. The adaptation did not do justice to the character’s unfiltered roots, leading many to see it as a wasted opportunity for Brolin and a misfire for the franchise.
Television has arguably captured the bounty hunter’s spirit with greater fidelity. Johnathon Schaech’s portrayal in DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, particularly in the “The Magnificent Eight” episode, presented Hex as a rugged ally with a storied history in the 19th-century West and with Rip Hunter, played by Arthur Darvill. While Schaech embodied the antihero’s signature grit and world-weariness, the lighter and ensemble-driven tone of the series limited how deeply the show could venture into Hex’s darker canon. Fans responded well, but this version still left some thematic ground unexplored.
Animated media, on the other hand, has frequently succeeded in channeling Jonah Hex’s essence. Appearances in Batman: The Animated Series and Justice League Unlimited allowed for brief but impactful showcases of his morality and lethality. Most notably, the 2010 DC Showcase: Jonah Hex short, scripted by Joe R. Lansdale and voiced by Thomas Jane, delivered a more faithful and atmospheric take, eschewing supernatural trappings for the hard-edged violence and sparse redemption that define Hex. This short is often cited by fans and critics alike as proof that, when the character is given space to exist as he was intended, he can thrive on screen.
Why Jonah Hex Could Be the Key to a Dynamic DCU Future
The conditions set by James Gunn and Peter Safran may be uniquely suited for a Jonah Hex revival. With the DCU’s timeline now stretching back centuries and the creative leadership showing an appetite for layered, adult narratives, Hex’s world of outlaws, shifting alliances, and brutal morality is positioned to stand out. Gunn’s proven skill with ambiguous, violent personalities in The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker suggests he could guide or inspire a version of Hex that stays true to his Western roots while integrating him more broadly into the cinematic universe.
A new Jonah Hex adaptation provides a chance for the DCU to traverse ground almost untouched by modern superhero stories—the gritty expanse of the American postwar frontier. Such a story would pivot away from the traditional spectacle of caped crusaders and instead magnify human struggle, unforgiving landscapes, and questions of honor in lawless times. The DCU’s established acceptance of genre-blending means a Western epic could coexist alongside space operas and grounded crime sagas, making the franchise truly expansive in both timeline and tone.
Additionally, since the DCU’s canon now recognizes metahumans throughout its history, a Jonah Hex series or movie could subtly allude to these superpowered threads without overshadowing historical authenticity. This strategy could organically plant seeds for crossover potential while preserving the pure, violent soul of Hex’s character. Ultimately, a well-crafted Jonah Hex project might do more than redeem past adaptations—it could become a cornerstone example of how the new DCU encompasses real genre risk and variety.
What the Future Holds for Jonah Hex in the DCU
With anticipation climbing towards the July 11 release of Superman, the first major entry in Gunn’s planned universe, all signs point to a willingness to embrace formerly sidelined characters like Jonah Hex. If the right creative team is attached and a commitment to the character’s complex history is maintained, Jonah Hex could become not just a symbol of DCU’s tonal flexibility but also a fan-favorite anti-hero with staying power.
The ongoing changes within the DC Universe signal a bigger future for figures beyond the mainstays; Jonah Hex’s brand of justice and chaos may be exactly what’s needed to keep stories unpredictable and engaging. As audiences await official announcements, the possibility of James Gunn rebooting Jonah Hex in DC Universe stands as a promising sign of more daring choices ahead.
