As James Gunn prepares to shape the future of the DC Universe (DCU), fans are eager to see which actors from the Arrowverse might cross over into the new live-action films. The Arrowverse, a beloved TV franchise that helped maintain DC’s popularity amid challenging times for its cinematic efforts, ended in December 2024. The topic of James Gunn Arrowverse casting has sparked intense debate, with a strong case to be made for one particular actor whose role could seamlessly bridge the two worlds.
Why Matt Ryan as John Constantine Fits Perfectly in the DCU
Among potential choices, Matt Ryan stands out as the ideal Arrowverse actor to join the DCU, specifically as the character John Constantine. Constantine, originally a dark, complex figure introduced in the Swamp Thing series and later the Hellblazer comics, is expected to appear in the upcoming Swamp Thing DCU movie. Ryan’s association with this character is so strong that replacing him would feel disjointed given his long-standing portrayal. His embodiment of Constantine could lend authenticity and continuity as James Gunn’s DCU takes shape.
Matt Ryan’s Journey Through Multiple DC Universes
Matt Ryan is no stranger to crossing different DC storylines. Before firmly establishing himself in Legends of Tomorrow, he guest-starred in the Arrow series. Throughout his career, Ryan has portrayed Constantine across four distinct DC continuities: the original Constantine television show, the expanded Arrowverse, the DC animated movie universe, and even the Harley Quinn animated series. His versatility and acceptance within these various settings demonstrate his unique ability to carry the character across multiple narratives, suggesting that he could easily transition into the DCU created by James Gunn.
What Makes Matt Ryan the Definitive John Constantine
Several actors have portrayed John Constantine, including Keanu Reeves, Jenna Coleman, and Damian O’Hare, but Matt Ryan remains unmatched. Visually and behaviorally, Ryan captures the essence of the Hellblazer comic’s antihero—bitter, world-weary, and morally ambiguous. In the Arrowverse, his portrayal highlights the character’s darker and more amoral traits, while also delivering a sharp dry wit that often brings levity to intense situations. These qualities solidify his status as the quintessential Constantine and set a high bar for any future actor taking on the role.
The strong emotional connection fans have with Ryan’s Constantine adds to the complexity of casting decisions for the DCU. While some argue for creating a fresh slate separate from Arrowverse casts to preserve each universe’s integrity, Ryan’s depiction is widely regarded as the definitive version, making him an exceptional candidate for inclusion.
Implications of Casting Choices for the DCU’s Future
The decision to cast Matt Ryan as John Constantine in the DCU could carry significant weight for both fans and the franchise’s direction. By maintaining continuity with a popular character portrayal, James Gunn could ease fans’ transition into the new cinematic universe while honoring the legacy of the Arrowverse. This choice might also set a precedent for selectively integrating television actors into the broader DC film landscape, balancing nostalgia with new storytelling ambitions.
Ultimately, including Ryan would recognize his influence on the character and provide a familiar anchor as Gunn’s DCU maps out its future, helping to build trust and excitement among longtime followers while attracting newcomers.
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John Constantine will almost certainly appear in the Swamp Thing DCU movie, as the character started in Swamp Thing before getting his own Hellblazer comic. Matt Ryan is to John Constantine what Hugh Jackson is to Wolverine. The connection between the actor and character is so prolific that it wouldn’t feel right to see anyone else play Constantine in the DCU.
” — Comic expert
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If James Gunn cast Matt Ryan as Constantine in the live-action movies, it wouldn’t be the first time the actor moved from one DC continuity to another. Ryan is more than capable of making the transition without any struggle.
” — Industry analyst
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Every small mannerism furthers the idea that John Constantine is bitter, beaten down, and annoyed by everyone around him. This is especially true in the Arrowverse, where they show more of the amoral side of the character. Ryan also nails Constantine’s dry wit, making him the funniest character in most scenes.
” — Television critic
