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10 DC Heroes the New DCU Is Saving for Later: Zatanna, Martian Manhunter, and More

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James Gunn‘s new DC Universe is taking shape with a thrilling roster, which includes: Superman, Supergirl, The Brave and the Bold, Booster Gold, Swamp Thing, and The Authority. These are among the projects confirmed for Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters. However, several well-known DC superheroes are yet to be seen on this initial lineup.

I’ve been pondering over the intriguing pace at which we’re seeing some characters like Zatanna, Nightwing, and Martian Manhunter brought to life on screen. It seems deliberate or perhaps a matter of timing, but either way, their absence feels unusually long. These characters are already cherished by fans, frequently appearing in animated series, video games, and comic books. However, their live-action debuts are yet to be confirmed. This inconsistency hints that Gunn and his team might have specific roles planned for these characters in future phases. Their stories could be too intricate, too similar in style to existing plans, or just being saved for the perfect moment.

Why These 10 Heroes Are Still Missing From the DCU & What DC’s Waiting For

Here’s a breakdown of ten DC Universe characters that seem poised for introduction, with an emphasis on why the moment for their debut needs to be just right:

1. Power Girl – A Kryptonian from Earth-Two, her arrival could cause chaos as she is unaware of Superman’s existence in the New 52 universe.
2. The Atom – With Ray Palmer’s return in “The New 52,” a new Atom may soon be introduced to create intrigue and balance the team.
3. Booster Gold – A time-traveler from the future, his arrival could shake up the DCU timeline if brought into the present at the wrong moment.
4. Blue Beetle – Jaime Reyes’ arrival as the new Blue Beetle could signal a fresh start for the character and bring new dynamics to the team.
5. Terra – Her powers of earth manipulation make her a valuable asset, but her dark past may lead to internal conflicts within the team.
6. Wally West – The Flash’s return as Kid Flash or Flash could provide a much-needed boost to the Speed Force-related storylines.
7. Stargirl – With the Justice Society of America’s resurgence, Courtney Whitmore’s arrival as Stargirl would further strengthen the team.
8. Superboy – The introduction of a new Superboy could bring fresh energy and a unique perspective to the DCU.
9. Zatanna – Her magical abilities could prove essential in dealing with mystical threats that may arise within the DCU.
10. Damian Wayne (Robin) – With Bruce Wayne’s absence, a capable Robin like Damian Wayne could take on leadership roles among the younger heroes.

Zatanna Zatara

Zatanna Zatara, DC Comics’ top magician, casts spells by speaking backward and boasts an engaging stage presence, setting her apart in the “Justice League Dark” and her own comic books. Her combination of allure, mysticism, and vulnerability gives a distinctive flavor to the DC Universe, ideal for either a solo movie or a supernatural ensemble series.

Reason for Delay in Her Introduction: Warner Bros. has been experimenting with Zatanna projects for quite some time now, from an abandoned J.J. Abrams-produced movie to an unrealized Justice League Dark series, suggesting they are not eager to launch her without the ideal creative team. With Swamp Thing and Constantine 2 laying the groundwork for the DCU’s supernatural realm, it seems that DC Studios is taking time to ensure Zatanna’s introduction complements a fully-developed mystical setting, steering clear of the flaws associated with past half-baked endeavors.

Martian Manhunter

J’onn J’onzz, also known as the Martian Manhunter, is one of the original members of the Justice League, possessing the abilities to change shape, read minds, and exhibit super strength. His character delves into the complexities of an alien struggling with loss and understanding humanity, making him capable of featuring in both grand cosmic stories or intimate dramatic narratives. This versatility makes him a valuable asset within the DC Universe.

Reason for Delaying His Appearance: The initial lineup of DCU (DC Universe) already has a strong focus on cosmic and alien stories with characters like Superman and Green Lanterns, indicating that Warner Bros. is trying to prevent an overabundance of extraterrestrial heroes. Given the complex Martian background of J’onn, which was not well-handled in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, a standalone film or significant role within Justice League is needed to give him justice. DC Studios might be planning to introduce him later, once the universe’s foundation has been solidified. Nevertheless, there’s a possibility that Martian Manhunter could make a significant appearance in Season 2 of Peacemaker.

Hawkman & Hawkgirl

Hawkman and Hawkgirl, two reborn Thanagarian warriors, merge interstellar adventures, age-old mythology, and an enduring romance within the DC Universe. Their flight-focused battles and heartwarming love tale bring a visually captivating and emotionally deep dimension to the DCU.

Reason for Their Delayed Introduction: The brief cameo of these characters in the 2022 film “Black Adam” received criticism for confusing their intricate reincarnation history, and the movie’s underwhelming performance led DC Studios to rethink their storyline. With hints of the Justice Society appearing in “Peacemaker” and potential Justice Society of America projects in the pipeline, Warner Bros. might be postponing their return so as to provide a clear explanation for their origins and link them to a more expansive historical narrative.

Blue Beetle

Jaime Reyes, also known as Blue Beetle, possesses a symbiotic alien scarab which empowers him with advanced tech gear, merging teenage heroics and interstellar responsibilities. His standalone movie in 2023, not strictly part of the DC Universe, demonstrated his popularity, paving the way for effortless incorporation into future storylines.

My Perspective on the Delay: Even though the 2023 release of Blue Beetle has been a hit, Warner Bros. is being careful not to overstep boundaries by introducing Jaime too quickly into the DC Universe, given that Booster Gold is already showcasing a tech-savvy, humorous hero. Reports from within the industry hint at potential plans for Jaime in a Teen Titans project or a crossover with Booster Gold, taking advantage of his existing fanbase. As a fan, I’m eagerly anticipating an intriguing take on Blue Beetle, which might materialize in 2026.

Doctor Fate

Doctor Fate, who yields his strength through Kent Nelson and the Helmet of Fate, stands as DC Comics’ powerful mystic figure. His origin story intertwines cosmic magic with human despair. A significant member of the Justice Society, his impressive supernatural abilities coupled with profound wisdom lends him perfectly to an epic tale that delves into the supernatural realm.

Reason for His Delay: Doctor Fate’s brief appearance in Black Adam was visually impactful yet lacked narrative depth, hinting that Warner Bros. aims to fully utilize his potential in projects like Justice League Dark or Justice Society. The DC Universe’s emphasis on grounding its primary characters such as Superman and Batman indicates that DC Studios might be postponing Fate’s introduction to establish a solid foundation for the supernatural genre.

Nightwing

As a die-hard comic book fan, I can’t help but admire Dick Grayson, the Nightwing, who started off as Batman’s Robin. He’s more than just an acrobatic sidekick; he’s evolved into a captivating, independent hero. Leading teams like the Titans and being a vital member of the Bat-Family, he’s made quite a name for himself in the DC Universe. His transformation from Robin to Nightwing is a tale brimming with emotion, adding depth to the DCU narrative.

Reason for the Delay: The introduction of a new Batman and Robin (Damian Wayne) in The Brave and the Bold indicates that DC Studios is first concentrating on the main Bat-Family before moving to Dick Grayson’s Nightwing era. Previous solo efforts for Nightwing have faced creative hurdles, leading Warner Bros. to hold off on showcasing Dick’s independence. Instead, they might introduce his character in a future Bat-Family or Titans project once they’ve firmly established Batman’s universe.

Plastic Man

Plastic Man, also known as Patrick “Eel” O’Brian, is DC Comics’ flexible, humorous superhero. His transformation from a crook to a hero, coupled with his elastic abilities, gives the universe a playful vibe. His mix of humor and emotion makes him an exceptional choice for solo or group stories.

Reason for Delay: The DC Universe initially focuses on heavy, dramatic storylines, and Plastic Man’s lighthearted approach might conflict with the serious tone of series like Superman or The Authority. Although there have been whispers about a Plastic Man movie since 2020, Warner Bros. may be considering introducing more comedic elements to the DC Universe in later stages, potentially through a humorous team-up like The Terrifics or a standalone project.

Starfire

Koriand’r, also known as Starfire, is a princess from the planet Tamaran who possesses energy-based abilities and has a lively, compassionate character. She is well-liked in the Teen Titans comics and animated series. Her cosmic background and emotional complexity make her an exciting character on the younger roster of the DC Universe.

Why I’m Being Held Back: My team-oriented character means my introduction relies on introducing younger heroes such as Jaime Reyes or Beast Boy first, as part of the DCU’s new approach to the Teen Titans. Warner Bros.’ careful handling of team films, evident in the postponed Justice League reboot, implies they are taking time to create a unified teen squad to steer clear of the unfavorable responses to previous Titans adaptations.

Black Canary

Dinah Lance, also recognized as Black Canary, is a skilled martial artist who possesses an ear-piercing shout. She’s renowned for her determination and leadership within the Justice League and Birds of Prey. Her local vigilante actions and romantic entanglements with Green Arrow provide a balanced yet potent influence in the DC Universe.

Reason for Black Canary’s Enhanced Role: The modest role of Black Canary in the 2020 film, Birds of Prey, along with the mixed reviews it received, led DC Studios to reconsider her character for a more significant introduction. This could potentially be alongside Green Arrow or as part of a rebooted Birds of Prey storyline. Since no Green Arrow project has been announced yet, Warner Bros. seems to be biding its time to introduce Dinah in a story that emphasizes her fighting skills and character depth.

John Constantine

John Constantine, often referred to as an occult detective, is DC Comics’ tough, cigarette-loving antihero who confronts supernatural entities using black magic and sharp intellect. He’s a beloved character in the Justice League Dark division, captivating fans of supernatural thrillers and complex storylines that blur moral lines.

Reason for Delay in Release: Although Constantine 2 is in production, its delayed advancement, tricky scripts, and Warner Bros.’ emphasis on popular characters such as Superman hint that they are targeting a wide audience first before delving into the adult-oriented supernatural realm of Constantine. It appears that the Justice League Dark series, which was previously halted at HBO Max, is being reworked to serve as the cornerstone for the DCU’s mystical lineup.

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2025-06-20 21:35

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