James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe (DCU) has introduced its fourth original villain with the casting of Diarmaid Murtagh as Drom Baxton, a space pirate and second-in-command to Krem of the Yellow Hills. This latest addition appears in the upcoming film Supergirl, set to be released on June 26, further expanding the roster of unique antagonists in the DCU.
Drom Baxton will co-lead the Brigands alongside Krem, portrayed by Matthias Schoenaerts. The Brigands are a violent band featured in the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic series by Tom King and Bilquis Evely, known for their ruthless criminal acts such as human trafficking and genocide. The movie follows Kara Zor-El, played by Milly Alcock, and Ruthye Marye Knoll, portrayed by Eve Ridley, on a journey to confront Krem and seek justice for Ruthye’s murdered father. The film’s cast also includes Jason Momoa as Lobo and David Krumholtz as Zor-El, with Ana Nogueira as the screenwriter and Craig Gillespie directing.
New Villain Drom Baxton Adds Complexity to DCU’s Adversaries
Drom Baxton’s role as a key antagonist in Supergirl marks him as the fourth original villain created specifically for James Gunn’s DCU reboot. This addition highlights the creative effort to develop fresh, narrative-driven threats within the new universe, diverging from just adapting established comic book characters.
Ilana Rostovic’s Deceptive Rule in Creature Commandos
Maria Bakalova stars as Ilana Rostovic, the primary antagonist of the animated series Creature Commandos Season 1, which launched the DCU’s new slate of projects. Introduced as the seemingly benevolent monarch of Pokolistan, Ilana’s hidden villainy unfolds over the series, ultimately leading to her demise at the hands of The Bride, who seeks vengeance. Although lacking superpowers, her intelligence and skills pose a significant threat throughout the season.
The Hammer of Boravia: A Sinister Clone in Superman
In the 2025 Superman film, a character known as The Hammer of Boravia emerges as a clone of Superman, equipped with a gold-and-silver mechanical suit controlled by Lex Luthor. David Corenswet portrays Clark Kent and voices the Hammer of Boravia in this incarnation. Though sharing a name with and inspired partially by the DC Comics characters Ultraman and Bizarro, this version is distinct to the DCU, merging elements of an evil Superman and a flawed clone into a unique villainous entity.
Red St. Wild: The Magical Eagle Hunter from Peacemaker
Michael Rooker plays Red St. Wild, an eagle hunter introduced in Peacemaker Season 2 within the DCU. Red St. Wild appears in three episodes, recruited to eliminate Eagly, Peacemaker’s loyal eagle companion, before meeting his end by the very eagles he pursued. His connection to magic enhances his hunting skills, creating a memorable adversary. James Gunn described him as “basically Eagly’s Lex Luthor,” emphasizing a darkly humorous yet fitting dynamic for the series.
“basically Eagly’s Lex Luthor,” James Gunn, director and producer
The unveiling of Drom Baxton continues a pattern of introducing fresh villains who bring complexity and expanded world-building to James Gunn’s DCU. These characters contribute to stories that explore new themes and conflicts while maintaining ties to the legacy DC mythos. With Supergirl poised for release, audiences can expect a high-stakes narrative that blends classic heroism and intense villainy, marking another significant development in the ongoing DCU reboot.
