10 Dead DCEU Characters Who Need To Come Back In The DC Universe

The DC Extended Universe may have ended, but some of its best characters deserve a second chance in James Gunn’s DC Universe. While the upcoming reboot aims to redefine DC’s live-action storytelling, it doesn’t mean certain iconic figures should be left behind. Some characters, despite their premature deaths, hold immense potential for fresh storytelling under new creative direction. Whether it’s a villain who never got the chance to reach their full potential or a hero whose legacy was barely explored, a few figures from the DCEU timeline deserve resurrection.

The DCEU movies struggled with consistency, often introducing compelling characters only to discard them too soon. Unlike Marvel’s carefully structured universe, DC’s previous attempt at an interconnected franchise suffered from abrupt creative shifts and underdeveloped story arcs. As the DCU takes shape, Gunn and Peter Safran have the opportunity to course-correct by bringing back fan-favorite characters and giving them the attention they deserve. By reviving certain characters, the DCU’s future can balance innovation with familiar faces, ensuring a fresh yet recognizable world.

You are watching: 10 Dead DCEU Characters Who Need To Come Back In The DC Universe

10

Black Manta’s DCEU Story Proved His DCU Potential

Aquaman (2018)

Close

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s Black Manta was one of the most visually striking and well-cast villains in the DCEU. Introduced in Aquaman (2018), David Kane was a fierce yet underutilized adversary. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023) gave him a more significant role, allowing him to wield the powerful Black Trident, but ultimately, his story ended with his defeat.

Related

I’m Desperate To Know More About The Batman Movie That Could Release In 2025

A thrillingly dynamic Batman movie is purportedly being released in 2025, but only scant details have been revealed or confirmed so far.

Posts

Black Manta’s design is normally the kind of thing superhero movies tone down in an attempt for realism, but the DCEU proved that a comic-accurate Black Manta could be effective. Indeed, given Black Manta’s deep comic history as Aquaman’s archenemy, his return in the DCU could provide a more developed and nuanced villain arc. Gunn’s DCU would be the prime franchise for Black Manta to return, as it embraces classic distinctive characters with designs not typical in superhero movies.

9

General Zod Is A Classic And Chilling Villain

Man Of Steel

Close

Michael Shannon’s General Zod was one of the most compelling villains in the DCEU, setting the tone for Man of Steel (2013) with his ruthless yet principled nature. Unlike typical one-dimensional antagonists, Zod believed his cause was just, making him a chilling and complex adversary. His return in The Flash (2023) further emphasized his intimidating presence, even in an alternate timeline. Zod’s demise in Man of Steel felt premature in retrospect, especially considering his comic book legacy.

Zod’s return in the DCU is presumably on the cards as one of Superman’s most iconic adversaries. His militaristic philosophy and connection to Superman’s origins make him a recurring villain worthy of expansion. A fresh iteration of Zod could explore deeper Kryptonian lore, introduce the Phantom Zone in a meaningful way, and challenge Superman on ideological and physical levels, making him a crucial figure in the rebooted universe.

8

Robin Needs His Time In The Spotlight

Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice

Close

The DCEU’s biggest wasted opportunity was its treatment of Robin. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) teased a fallen Robin, implying that the Joker had murdered him before the movie. However, the franchise never fully explored this tragic event, leaving audiences with more questions than answers. While Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, and Tim Drake are all iconic versions of the character, none were properly developed in the DCEU.

Related

10 Times DC Movie Heroes Acted More Like Villains

While most DC heroes represent the very best in society, some have behaved in ways that many would consider downright despicable and even villainous.

Posts

2

Gunn’s DCU presents a chance to rectify this by giving Robin a proper role, especially with The Brave and the Bold set to introduce Damian Wayne. Instead of simply existing as Batman’s sidekick, Robin could be portrayed as a fully realized hero with his own conflicts and evolution. Whether as Nightwing, Red Hood, or even a fresh take on the Boy Wonder, Robin’s return in the DCU would finally give the character his long-overdue spotlight in live action.

7

Doomsday Is A Mighty Adversary

Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice

Close

Doomsday is one of Superman’s most formidable foes, yet the DCEU’s portrayal of him in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) was underwhelming. Instead of being the terrifying force from the comics, the movie’s version of Doomsday was a mutated creation of Lex Luthor, lacking the depth and menace that made the character legendary. This rendition was created from General Zod and heavily implied to be Doomsday, but was by no means comic-accurate

Related

I Can’t Believe James Gunn’s DC Universe Is Already Leaning Into Its Controversial Green Lantern Design Decision Months Before Nathan Fillion’s Superman Debut (But I Love It)

The DCU has doubled down on Nathan Fillion’s controversial haircut as the Green Lantern Guy Gardner, and its made me even more excited.

Posts

8

A proper Doomsday in the DCU could be introduced as an ancient Kryptonian monster, following a storyline more faithful to The Death of Superman. His resurrection could even tie into Superman’s arc, forcing the Man of Steel to face a more evolved and even deadlier version of the creature. A revamped Doomsday would provide an epic battle sequence while solidifying Superman’s strength and resilience in the new DCU.

6

See more : Where to Watch Drag Race Philippines Season 2? What Time is Drag Race Philippines?

Doctor Fate Is An Intriguing Hero Not Often Adapted To Live-Action

Black Adam

Close

Pierce Brosnan’s Doctor Fate was one of the best parts of Black Adam (2022), bringing the mystical hero to life with gravitas and wisdom. As a member of the Justice Society, Kent Nelson embodies incredible power, wielding the Helmet of Nabu with mastery. Unlike characters like Batman and Superman, Doctor Fate is rarely given a spotlight in live-action, making his DCEU appearance all the more significant.

The DCU could use this opportunity to bring back the character, exploring Nelson’s past in more detail or possibly introducing a new successor like Khalid Nassour. Given the supernatural themes James Gunn is exploring in the DCU Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters, Doctor Fate’s return would add depth to the mystical side of DC. His blend of cosmic awareness, magical abilities, and tragic wisdom makes him an ideal returning figure in the rebooted universe.

5

Steppenwolf Is A Fearsome Foe

Justice League

Close

Steppenwolf’s journey in the DCEU was one of redemption, at least in terms of storytelling. While the theatrical cut of Justice League (2017) presented him as a forgettable CGI villain, Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) transformed him into a tragic, desperate warrior seeking Darkseid’s approval. His imposing strength, brutal combat skills, and deep ties to Apokolips made him a legitimate threat. However, his death at the hands of the Justice League cut short his potential as an ongoing adversary.

The DCU could reintroduce Steppenwolf in a new way, perhaps as a reimagined general of Darkseid’s forces or even a resurrected warrior seeking vengeance. With the DCU’s Superman (2025) kicking off the new continuity, a larger Apokoliptian conflict is inevitable, and Steppenwolf could serve as a formidable force before Darkseid himself enters the fray. His return would reinforce the cosmic stakes of the new DCU.

4

Black Mask Has Become An Essential Gotham Gangster

Birds Of Prey

Close

Ewan McGregor’s Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, was a standout in Birds of Prey (2020), delivering a charismatic yet sadistic portrayal of the Gotham crime lord. His theatrical mannerisms and brutal violence made him one of the most memorable DCEU villains. With the DCU set to explore a new version of Batman in The Brave and the Bold, Black Mask could be revived as a central antagonist in the Gotham crime scene.

The Black Mask’s return would add depth to Gotham’s corruption, providing a villain who isn’t just another superpowered foe but a grounded, ruthless crime boss. Given McGregor’s excellent performance, even a fresh take on the character with a similar energy could cement Black Mask as a major player in the new DCU. With the numerous Batman-related projects swirling the franchise, the DCU is primed to bring Black Mask to life once more.

3

Jimmy Olsen Provides Essential Support For Superman

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Close

One of the most frustrating choices in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) was the abrupt and unnecessary death of Jimmy Olsen, Superman’s best friend and a staple of DC Comics lore. Instead of being the eager journalist and loyal ally audiences know and love, he was reduced to a minor character posing as a CIA agent, killed off in minutes. This decision deprived the DCEU of one of Superman’s most important human connections.

Related

10 DC Movie Scenes That Are Way Harder To View On A Rewatch

While many DC movies have proffered some timelines and iconic scenes, others live in infamy and are notoriously hard to watch years later.

Posts

2

In the DCU, Jimmy Olsen deserves a proper role as Clark Kent’s best friend and an investigative journalist at the Daily Planet. Thankfully, Jimmy Olsen has been cast in the DCU’s Superman (2025), where he can ground the hero with a relatable companion. Whether as a plucky photographer or an investigative reporter uncovering Metropolis’ dangers, Jimmy Olsen’s return will strengthen Superman’s supporting cast and provide a fresh dynamic in the new DCU.

2

Enchantress Was A Beguiling Presence

Suicide Squad

Close

Despite Suicide Squad (2016) receiving mixed reviews, Cara Delevingne’s Enchantress had an eerie, captivating presence that made her stand out. As an ancient sorceress possessing Dr. June Moone, she offered a darker, supernatural element that was largely unexplored in the DCEU. Her villainous arc was rushed, with a CGI-heavy finale overshadowing her haunting potential.

However, the DCU could give her a fresh start, perhaps leaning into her horror-inspired roots. Enchantress could return as an antihero or a tragic figure caught between good and evil, making her a compelling addition to DC’s supernatural mythos. With the introduction of Swamp Thing and other mystical characters in Gunn’s DCU, Enchantress could fit perfectly into a horror-infused storyline. Whether as a solo threat or part of a larger supernatural conflict, her return would add a layer of dark fantasy that sets DC apart from other superhero universes.

1

Polka-Dot Man Was Iconic

The Suicide Squad

Close

David Dastmalchian’s Polka-Dot Man was one of the biggest surprises in The Suicide Squad (2021), turning an obscure, often ridiculed villain into a fan-favorite character. His tragic backstory, tied to his mother’s cruel experiments, made him surprisingly sympathetic, and his self-deprecating humor gave him a unique charm. His death, though heroic, felt like a missed opportunity for further character development.

Related

10 Heroic Sacrifices In Comic Book Movies & TV Shows That Didn’t Need To Happen

A heroic sacrifice is a common trope in superhero genres from any franchise, but some of these were so utterly unnecessary that it was distracting.

Posts

1

See more : Is the Office on Amazon Prime? Where to Watch the Office?

The DCU could easily bring him back, perhaps even still played by Dastmalchian. His bizarre yet powerful abilities make him a creative addition to any future Suicide Squad lineup, or even as an unlikely hero in a different setting. Given Dastmalchian’s strong connection to the role, a revival of Polka-Dot Man would maintain the blend of humor, heart, and weirdness that made him such an unexpected standout. His return could bring more eccentricity to the DCU’s roster.

DC Universe

Created by

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

First Film

Man of Steel

First TV Show

Peacemaker

Cast

Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher, Jason Momoa, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg, Laurence Fishburne, Jeremy Irons, Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis, Jai Courtney, Jay Hernandez, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Cara Delevingne, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Zachary Levi, Dwayne Johnson, Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Mark Strong, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Djimon Hounsou, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett, Rosie Perez, Ella Jay Basco, Ali Wong, Ewan McGregor, Idris Elba, John Cena, Michael Keaton, George Clooney, Xolo Mariduena

Character(s)

Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash, Cyborg, Harley Quinn, The Joker, Shazam, Darkseid, Amanda Waller, Lex Luthor, Doomsday, Deadshot, Deathstroke, Black Canary, Black Adam

Expand

$80 at Amazon

See at Best Buy

See at Walmart

Upcoming DC Movie Releases

• 

  Superman

  Release Date

  July 11, 2025

  Powered by

  

  Expand
  Collapse

• 

  Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

  Release Date

  June 26, 2026

  Powered by

  

  Expand
  Collapse

• 

  The Batman Part II

  Release Date

  October 1, 2027

  Powered by

  

  Expand
  Collapse

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment