While the DCU’s reboot under DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran will soon be underway, a new report provided a promising update about retaining current actors from the SnyderVerse, such as Zachary Levi’s Shazam and John Cena’s Peacemaker.
The impending DC reboot received mixed reactions from fans, but it has shown no signs of slowing down. Gunn has been at the forefront of providing news about what’s next for the superhero franchise, with a good chunk of it focused on recasting actors.
The Suicide Squad director already confirmed that Henry Cavill’s Superman would not return while also stating there’s zero likelihood of a scenario in which every SnyderVerse actor gets recast while The Suicide Squad actors stay on.
Amid the latest news that Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman is not part of Gunn and Safran’s new DCU, another important tidbit has emerged that could please Zack Snyder’s diehard fans.
Will DCU’s Reboot Recast Current DC Actors?
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According to Variety’s sources, the plan of DC Studios co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran is described as a “broad but not blanket reset” where nothing is ruled out.
This means that Aquaman, Shazam!, Blue Beetle, and Gunn’s Peacemaker series from HBO Max could be incorporated into the new DCU.
Gunn and Safran reportedly have the full backing of Warner Bros. Discovery’s top ranks. The pair were also recommended by Warner Bros. film head Michael De Luca.
Which SnyderVerse Actors Will Stay in James Gunn’s DCU?
This latest report is undoubtedly a promising update as the intended reboot for the DC universe is not expected to omit notable SnyderVerse actors whose portrayals are well-loved by viewers.
Although Gunn has already debunked this rumor, it’s safe to assume that most, if not all, of The Suicide Squad actors will stay in the new DCU, specifically Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn and John Cena’s Peacemaker. Peter Safran’s connection to the Shazam! franchise as its producer could also hint that Zachary Levi could end up staying as the titular DC hero.
As for Jason Momoa’s stint as Aquaman, it’s unclear if the rumors of him playing the DC character Lobo in the new DCU are true, but this report suggests that his future would depend on the performance of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom at the box office and reviews.
Blue Beetle recently earned a positive reaction from its test screenings, but it still needs to become a box office hit in order to be called a success and for it to continue under Gunn’s regime.
Moreover, some executives at Warner Bros. are reportedly keen on continuing with Ezra Miller as the Flash in the new DCU, mainly because the actor has stayed out of trouble since beginning mental health treatment last year.
If this happens, Miller, alongside Momoa’s Aquaman, could become the only two Justice League members from the SnyderVerse that will stay in the new DCU.
Based on past information, it’s likely that Gunn’s Superman will be the start of the DCU. Despite that, there will still be a lot of emphasis on Elseworlds stories, especially after the DC Studios boss confirmed that he’s “open to producing any Elseworlds DC projects that aren’t set in the DCU.”
The Elseworlds umbrella would include Todd Philips’ Joker-verse, Robert Pattinson and Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe, and (potentially) Peacemaker‘s future seasons.
Hopefully, things will be clearer once Gunn and Safran announce their DCU slate in the coming months.
