As James Gunn continues to expand his vision for the DC Universe (DCU), actor Rainn Wilson has publicly expressed his eagerness to portray the character Plastic Man. Known worldwide for his role as Dwight Schrute on The Office, Wilson recently disclosed that he has approached Gunn with the idea of bringing this shape-shifting superhero to life on the big screen.
Wilson’s Enthusiasm for the Stretchy Hero at Fan Expo Chicago
Speaking at Fan Expo Chicago, Wilson revealed he personally suggested to Gunn,
“Hey man, you’ve got to do something with Plastic Man. He’s one of my favorite DC characters, and I loved him growing up,”
showing his genuine admiration for the character.
Plastic Man, originally introduced in 1941 comics, is the alter ego of Patrick Eel O’Brian, a reformed criminal who gains elastic powers after an accident at a chemical plant. Using his newfound abilities to fight crime, O’Brian adopts the name Plastic Man, a hero known for both his flexibility and humor.
Reflecting on the character’s appeal, Wilson said,
“He had a wicked sense of humor. The Plastic Man comics were very, very funny. That would be a fun one to unearth.”
His appreciation highlights the character’s blend of comedy and heroism, which Wilson finds especially compelling.
Support for the DCU Plastic Man Role Beyond Personal Ambition
Though Wilson hopes to be cast as Plastic Man, he made clear that he would still support a project featuring the character even if someone else is chosen.
“I would be a fan even if I wasn’t in it. I would love to watch that… And play him,”
the 59-year-old actor remarked, demonstrating his strong enthusiasm for the role and the DCU’s creative direction.
Wilson’s Favorable View of James Gunn’s DC Universe Projects
Wilson also praised James Gunn’s approach to other DC characters, particularly how Gunn portrayed Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor. He commented,
“I thought that the LexCorp or LuthorCorp or whatever in the movie was great, how James created that as a big, monolithic, corporate entity. That was pretty cool.”
This statement reflects Wilson’s respect for Gunn’s world-building and character development within the DCU.
Potential Impact on DCU’s Character Lineup
Rainn Wilson’s interest in Plastic Man brings renewed attention to a lesser-known but uniquely humorous hero within the DCU. Should Gunn decide to cast Wilson, it could add a fresh blend of comedy and charisma to the franchise’s future installments. Fans can expect more dynamic character reveals and creative storytelling as Gunn continues to develop the DC Universe’s next phase, possibly including the adventurous and witty Plastic Man.
