5 Characters James Gunn Needs to Bring Into the DCU Next (That Aren’t the Obvious Ones)
If there’s one thing James Gunn does better than anyone in Hollywood right now, it’s making weird comic book characters mainstream. The man turned Rocket Raccoon, Polka Dot Man, and Peacemaker into names people actually know.
That’s some crazy witchcraft if you ask me.
And with DC Universe already stocking up on characters like… Booster Gold, Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes), Hawkgirl, and Mister Terrific (Michael Holt).
The next logical step is to double down on the kind of characters that give this universe texture.
We’re not talking A-listers like Batman or Wonder Woman. Which we know we are going to be getting.
We’re talking about the kind of names that make die hard comic nerds stand up and scream “FINALLY!”
So, here are five underused characters that would fit Gunn’s tone like a glove dipped in his weird cosmic glitter.
1. Zatanna Zatara — The Mystic With Showmanship
Zatanna is a magician who casts spells by talking backwards.
If that doesn’t scream “Gunn character,” I don’t know what does.
She brings charm, spectacle, and an entire magical corner that the DCU has yet to truly explore. (I know it’s still early)
Imagine her strolling into frame, beautiful and mystical, and casually bending reality while Booster Gold tries to figure out how to work his flight ring.
That’s good TV. That’s good film. That’s money.
2. Vixen — The Serious One Who Keeps the Weirdos in Check
Every chaotic team needs someone with their life together. That’s Vixen.
Her powers… channeling the abilities of the animal kingdom through the Tantu Totem, aren’t just visually killer, they’re thematically rich.
She’s the character who rolls her eyes while everyone else makes quips… and then saves their butts with the strength of a rhino and speed of a cheetah.
Gunn thrives when he has a straight laced character surrounded by chaos.
Enter Vixen.
3. The Question (Renee Montoya) — Gotham’s No Nonsense Conspiracy Whisperer
Renee Montoya is the kind of character who doesn’t try to be funny… and that’s exactly why she is. She’s cynical, relentless, and operates in the moral gray zone like it’s her home address.
Gunn’s dialogue would thrive here.
Imagine her deadpanning her way through a room full of costumed lunatics, muttering, “This is why I don’t take vacation days.”
4. Deadman — The Ghost with the Best One-Liners
Boston Brand is a dead acrobat who can possess people.
He’s also a walking (or… floating?) goldmine for both gallows humor and emotional gut punches.
He’s exactly the kind of tragic funny character Gunn loves to write.
Equal parts broken soul and snark machine.
Imagine him floating next to Superman and complaining about “how drafty the afterlife is.”
5. Phantom Stranger — The Creepy Guy Who Knows Too Much
Every connected universe needs a mysterious figure who shows up, drops one cryptic line, and disappears like your ex when the rent’s due.
Maybe a little too obscure for some but, Phantom Stranger has been lurking in DC lore for decades without ever getting a proper spotlight.
He could be the thread weaving through the mystical and cosmic corners of the DCU
Basically like a “Nick Fury” … where it’s “I Know Something You Don’t.”
Why This Works
Gunn’s magic isn’t just in explosions and punchlines… it’s in giving oddball characters heart.
These characters would add some mysticism, grit, and some glorious weirdness without leaning too hard on the trinity of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman… Which again, we are undoubtedly getting also.
Most importantly though, These are characters who can hold their own while making the DCU feel alive. Other’s like Booster and Beetle bring the laughs. Mister Terrific brings the brains. Hawkgirl brings the muscle.
But these five? They bring the soul.
