Rainn Wilson has expressed a strong interest in seeing the DC Comics character Plastic Man receive his own movie, and he has already suggested the idea to James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios. Speaking at Fan Expo Chicago on August 16, Wilson emphasized the character’s unique appeal and his personal connection to him, hoping Gunn will develop a film centered on Plastic Man.
The Story Behind Plastic Man and His Appeal
Plastic Man, originally Patrick “Eel” O’Brian, is a former criminal who gains the ability to stretch his body like rubber after a chemical plant accident. This power leads him to abandon his life of crime and become a superhero. Created by Jack Cole in 1941 for Quality Comics, Plastic Man was later acquired by DC Comics in 1966. Wilson highlighted the character’s blend of humor and heroism, recalling how much he enjoyed the comedic elements of Plastic Man as a child.
“He had a wicked sense of humor,”
Wilson explained.
“The Plastic Man comics were very, very funny. That would be a fun one to unearth.”
Wilson’s Desire to Star and Support the Project
Wilson, known for his work on The Office and his collaborations with Gunn, expressed enthusiasm about possibly playing Plastic Man himself. However, he also stated his willingness to support a Plastic Man movie even if he is not cast in the lead role, underscoring his genuine fan interest in the character’s story being brought to the screen.
“I would be a fan even if I wasn’t in it,”
the actor said.
“I would love to watch that… And play him.”
Rainn Wilson and James Gunn’s Previous Collaboration and DC Universe Revival
Wilson and Gunn previously worked together on the 2010 dark comedy Super, which Gunn wrote and directed. The film starred Wilson as Frank Darbo, a vigilante struggling to save his wife. Now, with Gunn serving as co-head of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, he is leading the reboot of the DC Universe, starting with the new Superman film featuring David Corenswet in the title role. Wilson recently praised Gunn’s creative vision for the DC world, specifically noting the portrayal of LexCorp as a powerful corporate force.
“I thought that the LexCorp or LuthorCorp or whatever in the movie was great, how James created that as a big, monolithic, corporate entity,”
Wilson said. That was pretty cool.
Potential Impact of a Plastic Man Film
Wilson’s push for a James Gunn Plastic Man movie highlights the growing interest in expanding the DC cinematic universe beyond its established characters. A film focused on Plastic Man could offer a blend of humor and superhero action, appealing to audiences looking for fresh takes on classic comics. With Gunn’s creative leadership and Wilson’s enthusiasm, Plastic Man’s cinematic debut could invigorate the franchise and introduce fans to one of DC’s more unconventional heroes.
