James Gunn delaying iconic DC heroes in new DCU plans has sparked intense discussion among fans as Warner Bros. forges ahead with a lineup spotlighting Superman, Supergirl, The Brave and the Bold, Booster Gold, Swamp Thing, and The Authority. Despite the excitement for Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters, iconic characters like Zatanna, Nightwing, and Martian Manhunter are noticeably absent, raising questions about when and how these mainstays will finally join the cinematic universe.
DC Studios appears to be strategically pacing the introduction of certain beloved heroes, potentially due to narrative timing, creative fits, or the need to establish broader frameworks—especially as many of these figures have rich legacies in comics, animation, and games. This approach suggests that Gunn’s vision extends far into future phases, with careful consideration for the right moment and context to bring each hero on board.
Ten Notable DC Heroes Missing From the DCU and Possible Reasons for Delays
Several fan-favorite characters have yet to be announced for live-action portrayals under Gunn’s leadership. Below is a closer look at ten such heroes and possible explanations for their absence from current plans.
Zatanna: DC’s Leading Magician Awaits Her Moment
Zatanna Zatara, renowned as DC’s most powerful magician, captivates audiences with her backward magic and dynamic stage presence. Featured in numerous Justice League Dark and solo comic arcs, her mixture of enchantment and personal vulnerability sets a distinctive mood that would diversify the new DCU.
Warner Bros. has struggled to find the right format for Zatanna, shelving projects like the J.J. Abrams-produced film and an abandoned Justice League Dark series. As Swamp Thing and a sequel to Constantine aim to establish the franchise’s mystical corner, the studio appears intent on introducing Zatanna only after this supernatural groundwork is firmly in place, to prevent another rushed or underdeveloped attempt.
Martian Manhunter: A Cosmic Powerhouse Held in Reserve
J’onn J’onzz, better known as Martian Manhunter, is revered as a founding member of the Justice League and possesses powers like shapeshifting, telepathy, and immense strength. His narrative, filled with themes of loss and the search for belonging, offers rich potential for future DCU arcs—either cosmic in scale or deeply introspective in tone.
The initial DCU slate already leans toward extraterrestrial storylines with Superman and Green Lanterns. To avoid oversaturating these themes, DC Studios may be postponing Martian Manhunter’s full introduction. Given his complex Martian roots and past mishandling in projects like Zack Snyder’s Justice League, DC aims to reserve a meaningful debut—potentially a solo film or a central role in a major Justice League feature—once the cinematic universe is more mature. There is speculation that he could make a notable cameo in an upcoming season of Peacemaker.
Hawkman: Resetting the Winged Warrior’s Legacy
Hawkman embodies the fusion of epic science fiction and ancient myth, boasting deep connections to the Justice Society of America. With a visually stunning combat style and a dramatic love story, Hawkman was briefly showcased in Black Adam, yet the film received criticism for confusing the character’s intricate reincarnation backstory.
The lukewarm reception of Black Adam prompted Warner Bros. and DC Studios to rethink Hawkman’s narrative, holding back the character for a better-planned reintroduction that clarifies his origins. Upcoming Justice Society developments, potentially foreshadowed in Peacemaker, could serve as the right launch point for a more faithful and expansive telling of his story.
Doctor Fate: Waiting for the Supernatural Slate to Build
Doctor Fate, known through the character Kent Nelson, wields the mystical Helmet of Fate and serves as one of DC’s most powerful sorcerers. His history weaves together cosmic forces and human tragedy, and his membership in the Justice Society would add philosophical complexity to the growing universe.
Although Doctor Fate’s recent portrayal in Black Adam offered visual spectacle, the character’s narrative role was shallow, hinting that DC Studios wants to fully realize his arc in a larger context—perhaps within a Justice League Dark or expanded Justice Society storyline. The current priority on core heroes such as Superman and Batman suggests a calculated wait until the supernatural corner of the DCU is better established.
Nightwing: Spotlight Awaits the Original Robin
Dick Grayson, also known as Nightwing, stands out as the first Robin to emerge as an independent hero. With leadership roles in the Titans and pivotal status among the Bat-Family, his journey from sidekick to established vigilante promises deep emotional resonance whenever it debuts in live action.
The Brave and the Bold will introduce a new Batman alongside Damian Wayne as Robin, which signals DC Studios’ intent to develop the Bat-Family’s foundation before shifting focus to Dick Grayson’s transformation into Nightwing. Previous solo film plans stalled amid creative changes, making it likely that DC is holding back until Batman’s world is firmly grounded, eventually paving the way for Nightwing to shine in a future Bat-Family or Titans-centric project.
Plastic Man: Saving Humor for Later DCU Phases
Plastic Man, whose alter ego is Patrick “Eel” O’Brian, provides comic relief with his elastic abilities and unlikely hero origins. As a former criminal turned superhero, his blend of slapstick humor and heartfelt redemption would offer a lighter counterpoint to the franchise’s otherwise serious tone.
Early DCU films are focusing on gravity and consequence, set by titles like Superman or The Authority. Plastic Man’s comedic energy is therefore being held in reserve, likely until the universe is established enough to support tonal diversity. Studio rumors about a Plastic Man project have circulated since 2020, hinting he may eventually star in a solo movie or a team-up with The Terrifics during a future chapter.
Starfire: Building Toward a Younger Hero Ensemble
Koriand’r, better known as Starfire, hails from the planet Tamaran and commands impressive energy-based abilities. Popularized in the Teen Titans comics as well as animated series, her optimistic demeanor and dramatic cosmic backstory make her an exciting candidate for future DCU projects.
Starfire’s story is closely tied to ensemble teams, and her live-action arrival likely depends on successful introductions of younger heroes such as Jaime Reyes or Beast Boy. DC Studios appears cautious about team movies, especially after mixed reactions to past Titans and Justice League adaptations, and is likely waiting to solidify a compelling younger cast before adding Starfire to the mix.
Black Canary: Reworking for a Stronger Debut
Dinah Lance, or Black Canary, combines martial arts mastery with a powerful sonic scream. A central figure in both the Justice League and the Birds of Prey, she balances street-level heroics and deeper character relationships, including her connection to Green Arrow.
Her underwhelming role in Birds of Prey (2020) and that film’s unpredictable reception led DC Studios to reconsider how and when Black Canary might appear again. Without an announced Green Arrow project, the studio seems committed to waiting for a storyline that better highlights Dinah’s fighting skills and personal depth—potentially in a revamped Birds of Prey or as part of a larger ensemble.
John Constantine: Supernatural Noir Held for Broader DCU Completion
John Constantine holds cult status as an occult sleuth whose chainsmoking, hard-edged persona draws fans to Justice League Dark stories heavy on mature themes. His mix of black magic and biting wit positions him as a unique, sometimes divisive, protagonist within DC’s supernatural realm.
There is ongoing development for a Constantine sequel, but with delays and creative turmoil, and with the current DCU focus on mainstream heroes, Warner Bros. is not rushing to return to Constantine’s R-rated world. Plans for a Justice League Dark series, once targeted for HBO Max, are most likely being retooled to serve as a stronger supernatural anchor for the universe in later stages.
The Broader Impact of DC Studios’ Strategic Hero Rollout
DC Studios’ selective approach under James Gunn highlights a long-term vision for character introductions in the reimagined DCU. By pacing the debut of icons like Zatanna, Nightwing, Martian Manhunter, and others, Warner Bros. aims to ensure each hero arrives with suitable narrative support and a cohesive creative vision. This delays instant gratification, but allows the cinematic universe to avoid past missteps and set the stage for dynamic, fully realized versions of these fan favorites in future chapters. Audiences can anticipate future announcements as foundational teams and story arcs take shape across the expanding DCU.
