10 DC Characters That Need Their Own Movie

It seems that DC is reluctant to bring its characters into mainstream culture. Actually, it seems as though they are reluctant to bring characters not named Superman, Batman, or Wonder Woman to mainstream culture. I don’t want to say that I know everything but I do know that they are wrong.

The company and its near century of history have as close to unlimited potential as an entity could. They deserve to have more on the showcase and the world deserves to see more showcased. If I had any say in the matter, which I don’t, I know exactly the route I’d go. Let’s take a look at 10 iconic DC characters that need their own movie.

1. Green Lantern

It’s obvious why both DC and Warner Bros. are hesitant to bring the Green Lantern back to their universe. The Ryan Reynolds-led Green Lantern was a disaster. The special effects were awful, the story was shit, and worse yet, nobody cared about it while watching it. Even Reynolds has been unabashed when talking about it. Remember, during the credits of Deadpool 2, it was Reynolds who traveled back through time and prevented himself from accepting the role. 

This aside, Green Lantern, whatever version DC decides on, is needed in their movies. He is a staple inside their universe and it is a tragedy that he has yet to reappear. Thankfully during Justice League, the Green Power Rings were mentioned. Hopefully, it won’t be too long until the Lanterns reappear.

2. Lobo

No matter how many call for it, a Lobo movie has yet to be green-lit. To many, myself included, this is and has been a huge surprise. After the phenomenal reaction to Deadpool and Logan, Lobo is the perfect choice for the next Rated R movie. But it’s more than that. 

Initially created as a villain, Lobo quickly got lost inside the realm of many forgettable villains. It wasn’t until he was revived in the 1980s as a parody of comics’ most popular characters that he found a home. Lobo was born on the planet Czarnia. Realizing that he wasn’t happy with those around him, he destroyed his people thereby making him the last known member of his race. From there, he boarded his motorcycle and went on to become the premiere bounty hunter in DC. 

What makes Lobo perfect for cinema is that he will take on any bounty. In fact, the more outlandish and violent it is, the more willing he is to do it. For these and so many other reasons, Lobo needs his own movie. Therefore, he belongs here on this list of DC characters that need their own movie.

3. Manhunters

Nothing more than a one-off movie, a Manhunter movie would go a long way to introducing the cosmic to the DC Universe. If DC has any hope of catching, or at the bare minimum, keeping pace with Marvel, bringing forth the Manhunters is a great way to do it. Initially charged with keeping peace in the galaxy, the Manhunters soon failed and brought forth devastation and destruction. This resulted in the Guardians of the Universe bringing forth the Green Lanterns.

See what I did there? The introduction of the Manhunters would inevitably bring forth the Green Lanterns. With both in tow, DC could begin to introduce the other Lantern groups. The Manhunters are a bridge to so much more. For this, they belong on this list of 10 DC characters that need their own movie.

 4. Any Other Justice League

Don’t get me wrong. I love seeing Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and the others team together for a good old-fashioned beat ‘em up. What I don’t like is DC’s reluctance to call upon their other Leagues. Justice League Europe, Justice League Task Force, The A.R.G.U.S. League, Justice League Beyond, Justice League Dark, Extreme Justice, Justice League International.

If DC wants to do something that will capitalize on the most familiar team in comics, they should start introducing more Leagues. Imagine a universe that has a Justice League at every corner…

5. Supergirl

There is so much uncertainty surrounding Henry Cavill and his role as Superman. He says that he plans to reprise his role in whatever format Warner Bros. needs him to. Unfortunately, there are rumors running rampant that suggest exactly the opposite. As the world scrambles to decide exactly who could wear the blue spandex with red shorts, let’s not forget that there is someone in DC equally as Super.

Supergirl is every bit as good as Superman. She possesses many of the same abilities and can hold her own against anybody in comics. Unfortunately, to the detriment of the entire world, she is untested in cinema. I say forget Superman. Let’s see Supergirl. The world needs new and Supergirl fits new. For that, she deserves this list of DC characters that need their own movie.

6. Batwoman 

For all the reasons already said about Supergirl, Warner Bros. needs to take a long and hard look at Batwoman. You may be thinking to yourself that I meant to say Batgirl? You’d be wrong. If their Birds of Prey ever gets off the ground, I suspect that Batgirl will make her appearance there. 

Kate Kane, Batwoman, is one of the strong-willed characters in comics. When it comes to standing for what she believes in, her convictions, and the protection of others, there may be none better. She is the daughter of a military Colonel who, after fighting off a mugger, becomes addicted to fighting for justice. Just like the Flash on CW, there is room for two Batwomen in DC’s live-action universe.

7. Red Hood

Say what you want about Jason Todd, he deserves a spot in cinema. Not only has he become a fan-favorite character, but he has also done so after being labeled one of the worst Robins…ever.

Jason Todd is famous because of a beatdown at the hands of the Joker that left him thought dead. What made this worse was the fact that the readers wanted him dead. When asked to phone in a vote if he should live or die, the fans chose death. Now back as the Red Hood, Jason Todd is one of the most violent “heroes” that DC has to offer. Because he was trained by Batman, he has the know-how to stand up to almost anybody and walk away. 

Jason Todd needs to be a part of DC’s Cinematic Universe and should do it as more than a plot point in an adaptation of A Death in the Family. Because of these and the fact that he is one of my favorites, he belongs on this list of DC characters that need their own movie.

8. Zatanna

Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman was the standout film in an average set of introductory movies. With it, whether DC realizes it or not, the company was onto something. For the first time in the history of superhero movies, Wonder Woman was led by, well, a woman. DC should be rushing to capitalize on this. Sure, there are rumors that Harley Quinn may or may not get her own movie. However, to stay a step ahead of its rivals, the company needs to introduce more of its women.

Zatanna is the perfect example of this. Debuting in 1964, Zatanna has rocketed into becoming one of the most recognizable and loved characters in comics. Not only could she carry a movie but is there a better way, outside of Justice League Dark, to introduce the supernatural side of DC? That’s called big-picture thinking…

9. Martian Manhunter

Of all the members of the Justice League, arguably, none are more powerful than Martian Manhunter. Imagine, for a moment, any one of these on full display. Shape-shifting, invisibility, phasing, superhuman strength, speed, durability, and stamina. Regeneration, flight, telepathy.

If DC is looking for a character not named Superman to carry the torch of Superman, very few are as well equipped to do it as Martian Manhunter. And in keeping with the quest for the cosmos theme we have going, J’onn J’onnz is an alien. Next.

10. The Spectre

Is there a DC character more equipped to transform the superhero movie genre quite like The Spectre? I mean, all the movies released to date have followed one of two paths…action or comedy. Actually, if we are lucky the movie will combine the two. Fox teased a step away from the status quo with The New Mutants but who knows if and when that will come. The Spectre could launch DC into untested waters and allow them to prove that superhero movies can cross the horror bridge. 

A being with immense power, The Spectre uses it to inflict his form of justice on the world. And what is his form of justice? Bloody, brutal, violent, and horrific.If DC wants to prove that they are more than a follower, being the first to do a horror movie would go a long way. 

Images © DC

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