Casting choices in superhero movies can make or break an entire cinematic universe, and some unfulfilled DC casting would have changed everything. While DC’s cinematic history has had its share of iconic performances, several near-misses could have reshaped the DCU’s future. Whether due to scheduling conflicts, creative differences, or studio decisions, some major Hollywood names were considered for key roles but never donned the cape or cowl.
- Where to Find Dark Oak in Minecraft?, How to Grow Dark Oak in Minecraft?
- How to Get FC Founder Status in EA Sports FC 24?
- The Best (& Worst) Movie From Every Phase Of The MCU
- Is Aaron Paul is related to Millie Brown? Who are Aaron Paul and Millie Brown? Relationship Explained
- Behind Your Touch Season 1 Episode 6 Recap Ending Explained, Cast, Where to Watch, and More
The superhero genre is filled with actors who were nearly cast but ultimately passed over. These missed opportunities sometimes lead to better results, such as Heath Ledger’s Joker, which was initially met with skepticism but became legendary. However, other times, an actor’s absence can leave audiences wondering what could have been. Casting decisions influence not just a film’s reception but also an actor’s career and even the direction of an entire franchise. `
You are watching: 10 Missed DC Castings That Could Have Changed Everything
10
Nicholas Hoult As Superman
Superman (2025)
Close
Before David Corenswet was cast in James Gunn’s Superman (2025), Nicholas Hoult was a forerunner for the Man of Steel. While Hoult ultimately landed the part of Lex Luthor instead, imagining him as the Man of Steel presents an intriguing possibility. Hoult, known for his roles in X-Men: First Class and The Great, has a balance of charm and intensity that could have made for a fresh take on Superman.
Related
The DC Universe’s Superman Needs To Learn These 10 Lessons From Superman: The Animated Series
Superman: The Animated Series perfectly demonstrated the way in which James Gunn’s DCU should adapt the iconic Man of Steel as its flagship movie.
Posts
Hoult’s casting might have given audiences a more intellectual and brooding take on Clark Kent, differing from the hopeful vision Gunn seems to be crafting. Furthermore, Hoult’s physical transformation for roles like Renfield and the X-Men movies shows he could have handled the physicality required for Superman. His approach might have been a mix of Christopher Reeve’s warmth and Henry Cavill’s commanding presence. While viewers will never see this version, Hoult’s performance as Lex Luthor could still be a game-changer.
9
Justin Timberlake As Hal Jordan
Green Lantern (2011)
Close
At one point, pop superstar Justin Timberlake was in the running to play Hal Jordan in 2011’s Green Lantern (via The Things). The role ultimately went to Ryan Reynolds, but Timberlake’s involvement could have completely changed the film’s tone and reception. Timberlake, known for his charismatic performances in The Social Network and Friends with Benefits, might have leaned into the character’s cocky yet charming personality. His comedic timing and natural likability could have brought an energy that differentiated the film from its eventual outcome.
Additionally, Timberlake’s casting might have drawn a different audience, capitalizing on his global fan base. While Reynolds’ Green Lantern was widely panned, Timberlake’s interpretation may have led to an alternate timeline where the film succeeded, altering the trajectory of the DCU. However, with Green Lantern struggling at the box office, it’s uncertain if even Timberlake’s star power could have saved it.
8
Ryan Gosling As The Joker
Suicide Squad
Close
Ryan Gosling was once considered for the role of the Joker in Suicide Squad before Jared Leto ultimately took it. Gosling, known for his nuanced and often brooding performances in Drive and Blade Runner 2049, could have provided a drastically different version of the Clown Prince of Crime. Unlike Leto’s divisive take, which accentuated a gangster-style Joker, Gosling may have delivered a more calculated and eerie performance, blending menace with quiet intensity.
Given his history of portraying emotionally complex characters, his Joker might have been more in line with Heath Ledger’s haunting portrayal in The Dark Knight. Gosling’s involvement could have changed Suicide Squad’s reception entirely, perhaps even leading to a more grounded and compelling villain. While he ultimately passed on the role due to concerns over multi-film contracts, his Joker remains one of the biggest “what-ifs” in DC’s cinematic history.
7
Keanu Reeves As Doctor Manhattan
Watchmen (2009)
Close
Before Watchmen was released in 2009, Keanu Reeves was strongly considered for the role of Doctor Manhattan. Ultimately, the part went to Billy Crudup, who delivered a haunting and detached performance. However, imagining Reeves as the omnipotent blue being opens up interesting possibilities. Keanu Reeves’ stoic acting style, seen in The Matrix and John Wick, might have lent itself well to Manhattan’s detached perspective on humanity.
Related
10 DCAU Stories That James Gunn’s DC Universe Needs To Steal
With James Gunn’s DCU reboot underway, the DC Animated Universe could proffer some thrilling narratives to be adapted into live-action.
Posts
1
Reeves’ voice, famous for its calm yet impactful delivery, could have added an ethereal quality to the character’s philosophical musings. Additionally, Reeves’ casting might have given Watchmen a bigger mainstream appeal, drawing in more audiences who were unfamiliar with the graphic novel. While Watchmen was critically divisive, Reeves’ involvement could have brought a different energy to Zack Snyder’s vision, possibly shifting the perception of the film’s execution and legacy.
6
Marlon Wayans As Robin
Batman Returns & Batman Forever
Close
Tim Burton originally planned to introduce Robin in Batman Returns with Marlon Wayans for the role. However, as the film evolved, it became clear that the movie was too crowded. Burton decided to focus more on Catwoman and the Penguin, cutting Robin from the script. Wayans was still paid for the role and even had a contract to return in Batman Forever, but when Joel Schumacher took over the franchise, he recast the part with Chris O’Donnell.
Had Wayans played Robin, the Batman series might have taken a very different turn, potentially offering a more diverse and unique take on the character. His version could have influenced later adaptations, including Batman & Robin, which might have been more effective had Wayans continued as Dick Grayson. This missed casting opportunity opens the possibility of what a Burton-directed Robin could have looked like.
5
Gal Gadot As Faora
Man Of Steel
Close
Before she became Wonder Woman, Gal Gadot was almost cast as Faora in Man of Steel. The Israeli actress was in the running for the role of General Zod’s ruthless second-in-command, but ultimately, the part went to Antje Traue. Gadot later revealed that she had to turn down the opportunity due to her pregnancy at the time. While Traue delivered a memorable performance, it’s interesting to consider how Gadot’s take on the villain could have shaped her career.
Playing Faora might have prevented her from being cast as Wonder Woman, drastically altering the course of the DC Extended Universe. Instead of becoming a feminist icon and headlining her own franchise, she might have been remembered as a one-off antagonist. Ultimately, fate had other plans, and her portrayal of Diana Prince became one of the DCEU’s biggest successes.
4
Robin Williams As The Riddler
Batman Forever
Close
Robin Williams was one of the most high-profile actors considered for the role of the Riddler in Batman Forever. A known comic book fan, Williams had previously been approached for the role of the Joker in Batman (1989) but was allegedly used as leverage to secure Jack Nicholson. When Batman Forever came around, Williams was once again in talks, but the role ultimately went to Jim Carrey.
While Carrey brought an over-the-top, manic energy to the role, Williams could have offered a more cerebral and sinister take on the character. His ability to balance humor and menace could have resulted in a Riddler more akin to the modern interpretations seen in The Batman (2022) and Arkham video games. Many still speculate on what could have been, with fan art and concept designs imagining Robin Williams’ take on Gotham’s enigmatic Riddler.
3
Billy Dee Williams As Two-Face
Batman Forever
Close
Billy Dee Williams played Harvey Dent in Tim Burton’s Batman (1989), setting the stage for a potential transformation into Two-Face in a sequel. However, when Burton left the franchise and Joel Schumacher took over, the studio recast the role with Tommy Lee Jones in Batman Forever. Williams had originally signed on with the understanding that he would play Two-Face in a future film, making his omission a major missed opportunity.
Related
10 Dead DCEU Characters Who Need To Come Back In The DC Universe
The DC Extended Universe killed off some thrilling DC characters that James Gunn’s DC Universe reboot should definitely bring back into the fold.
Posts
2
Williams’ take could have provided a more nuanced and charismatic version of the villain, different from Jones’ exaggerated portrayal. Fans finally got a taste of what could have been when Williams voiced Two-Face in The LEGO Batman Movie, showcasing the performance he never got to deliver in live-action. Had Williams continued in the role, it might have kept Burton’s darker vision alive longer, altering the trajectory of the franchise.
2
Nicole Kidman As Hippolyta
Wonder Woman
Close
Before Connie Nielsen played Queen Hippolyta in Wonder Woman, Nicole Kidman was initially considered for the role (via Screen Crush). However, scheduling conflicts led to her stepping away, and she eventually joined the DCEU as Queen Atlanna in Aquaman. While Nielsen brought a regal presence to Hippolyta, Kidman’s casting might have changed the film’s tone.
Kidman’s star power and commanding screen presence could have made her a more central figure in the franchise, perhaps leading to deeper explorations of Themyscira’s mythology. It’s possible that Kidman’s involvement could have expanded her role into Justice League, giving the character greater prominence. Instead, she made her mark in Aquaman, proving she was still a strong choice for a DC royal, just in a different kingdom beneath the sea.
1
Tom Hardy As Rick Flag
Suicide Squad
Close
While Joel Kinnaman ultimately took on the role, Tom Hardy was originally cast as Flag in Suicide Squad. Hardy had to exit the film due to scheduling conflicts with The Revenant, which ultimately won Leonardo DiCaprio his first Oscar. While Kinnaman did a solid job as Flag, Hardy’s presence would have significantly altered the film’s dynamic.
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
As an actor known for his intense physicality and commanding performances, Hardy could have brought a more brooding and unpredictable energy to the role. His version of Flag might have stood out more in the ensemble, potentially changing the way the character was received. Hardy’s involvement might have also strengthened the film’s overall critical reception, given his reputation for elevating genre films. Instead, he found his place as Eddie Brock in Sony’s Venom, leaving DCU audiences to wonder what could have been.
Sources: The Things & Screen Crush
-
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My WatchlistSuccess!
Superman
Action
Sci-Fi
Adventure
Release Date
July 11, 2025
Director
James Gunn
Writers
James Gunn, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster
Producers
Lars P. Winther, Peter Safran
Franchise(s)
DCU
Cast
See All
-
David Corenswet
Clark Kent / Superman / Kal-El
-
Rachel Brosnahan
Lois Lane
-
Nicholas Hoult
Lex Luthor
-
Edi Gathegi
Michael Holt / Mister Terrific
Superman: This film follows Clark Kent, a cub reporter in Metropolis, as he navigates the complexities of his dual identity, struggling to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing while embracing his role as Superman. Released in 2025, the movie further explores the enduring legacy of this iconic superhero.
Powered by
Expand
Collapse -
-
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My WatchlistSuccess!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Your comment has not been saved
Green Lantern
PG-13
Action
Adventure
Sci-Fi
Thriller
3/10
6.2/10
Release Date
June 16, 2011
Director
Martin Campbell
Writers
Michael Green, Greg Berlanti, Michael Goldenberg, Marc Guggenheim
Cast
-
Ryan Reynolds
-
Blake Lively
Powered by
Expand
Collapse -
-
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My WatchlistSuccess!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Suicide Squad
PG-13
Action
Superhero
6/10
20
6.1/10
Release Date
August 5, 2016
Runtime
123 minutes
Director
David Ayer
Writers
David Ayer
Sequel(s)
The Suicide Squad
Cast
See All
-
Joel Kinnaman
-
Will Smith
The Suicide Squad team is made up of villains, captured and kept in a secret prison, and offered reduced sentences if they participate in dangerous missions. In the tradition of continuity within DCEU films, the event comes in the wake of Superman’s death and the seclusion of Batman after the events that occurred in Batman V Superman. Agency head Amanda Waller, played by award-winning actress Viola Davis, is the one striking deals with the inmates of Belle Reve Prison. Heading “Task Force X” is Joel Kinnaman’s Rick Flag, alongside Will Smith’s Deadshot, Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn, Jai Courtney’s Captain Boomerang, Jay Hernandez’s El Diablo, Adewale Akinnuoye’s Killer Croc, and Adam Beach’s Slipknot. Karen Fukuhara’s Katana also joins the mission to keep Rick safe from the villains. Jared Leto (Joker) and Ben Affleck (Batman) have smaller roles in David Ayer’s Suicide Squad, as does Cara Delevingne’s Enchantress.
Powered by
Expand
Collapse -
-
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My WatchlistSuccess!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Watchmen
R
Action
Mystery
Science Fiction
8/10
7.1/10
Release Date
March 4, 2009
Runtime
163 Minutes
Director
Zack Snyder
Writers
Alex Tse, David Hayter
Cast
See All
-
Malin Akerman
-
Patrick Wilson
Watchmen, directed by Zack Snyder, is a gritty adaptation of the graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. The film takes place in an alternate 1985 America during the Cold War, following a group of retired superheroes investigating the murder of one of their own. As they delve deeper, they uncover a complex conspiracy that could alter the course of history. The ensemble cast includes Jackie Earle Haley, Patrick Wilson, and Malin Akerman.
Powered by
Expand
Collapse -
-
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My WatchlistSuccess!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Batman Returns
pg-13
Action
Crime
Fantasy
Superhero
9/10
15
8.8/10
Release Date
June 19, 1992
Runtime
126minutes
Director
Tim Burton
Writers
Bob Kane, Daniel Waters, Sam Hamm
Prequel(s)
The Batman
Cast
See All
-
Michael Keaton
-
Danny DeVito
Batman Returns sees the return of Michael Keaton’s Bruce Wayne after his victory over the Joker. This time, the Dark Knight faces a new threat in the form of The Penguin, an outcast who wants revenge on Gotham City. Featuring Danny DeVito as Oswald Cobblepot, Michelle Pfeiffer as Selina Kyle a.k.a. Catwoman, and Christopher Walken as Max Schreck, Batman Returns is Tim Burton’s second and final movie based on the iconic DC comics character.
Powered by
Expand
Collapse -
-
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My WatchlistSuccess!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Batman Forever
PG-13
Action
Adventure
Crime
Fantasy
Superhero
5/10
7.5/10
Release Date
June 9, 1995
Runtime
117 Minutes
Director
Joel Schumacher
Writers
Bob Kane, Lee Batchler, Janet Scott Batchler, Akiva Goldsman
Prequel(s)
Batman, Batman Returns
Cast
See All
-
Jim Carrey
-
Nicole Kidman
See more : Who are James Duckworth Parents? Meet David Duckworth and Karen Duckworth
After Tim Burton’s plans for a third Batman film fell through, director Joel Schumacher took over the franchise with 1995’s Batman Forever. Replacing Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer stars as Bruce Wayne opposite to Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones, who play The Riddler and Two-Face, respectively. Batman Forever also marks the first time Robin appears on the big screen since Burt Ward reprised his Boy Wonder role in 1966’s Batman: The Movie.
Powered by
Expand
Collapse -
-
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My WatchlistSuccess!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Batman and Robin
pg-13
Action
Thriller
Sci-Fi
5/10
6/10
Release Date
June 20, 1997
Runtime
2h 5m
Director
Joel Schumacher
Writers
George Clooney, Akiva Goldsman
Prequel(s)
Batman, Batman Returns
Cast
See All
-
George Clooney
-
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Following the events of Batman Forever, Batman & Robin is the fourth entry into Warner Bros.’s original Batman film franchise. Batman (George Clooney) and his sidekick Robin (Chris O’Donnell) team up with Barbara Wilson (Alicia Silverstone) to thwart the evil plans of Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman). With Barbara assuming the mantle of Batgirl, the three heroes fight to save Gotham from two of Batman’s greatest enemies.
Powered by
Expand
Collapse -
-
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My WatchlistSuccess!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Man of Steel
PG-13
Adventure
Sci-Fi
Action
Fantasy
Superhero
8/10
69
8.2/10
Release Date
June 14, 2013
Runtime
143 minutes
Director
Zack Snyder
Writers
David S. Goyer, Christopher Nolan
Prequel(s)
Man of Steel 2
Cast
See All
-
Kevin Costner
-
Laurence Fishburne
This new take on Superman’s origin story, Man of Steel, centers on young journalist Clark Kent/Kal-El, a being who came to Earth as a child from Krypton. Though he has trouble fitting in with his secret superpowers and questions his purpose in life, Clark is forced into action when fellow Kryptonian General Zod arrives on Earth hellbent on conquest. Clark is built by the values set upon him by his parents, Martha and Jonathan Kent, who adopted him as an otherworldly orphan, inadvertently raising him to become the hero humanity needs.
Powered by
Expand
Collapse -
-
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My WatchlistSuccess!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Wonder Woman
PG-13
Action
Adventure
Fantasy
9.5/10
Release Date
May 30, 2017
Runtime
141 minutes
Director
Patty Jenkins
Writers
Allan Heinberg
Producers
Charles Roven, Geoff Johns, Richard Suckle, Stephen Jones, Zack Synder, Deborah Snyder, Jon Berg, Wesley Coller, Steven Mnuchin
Cast
See All
-
Chris Pine
Steve Trevor
-
Gal Gadot
Diana Prince / Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman: Released in 2017, Wonder Woman stars Gal Gadot as the titular Amazonian princess. Set during World War I, the film follows her journey from her sheltered island home to the world of Man as she seeks to combat malevolent forces and end human conflict alongside Steve Trevor, played by Chris Pine.
Powered by
Expand
Collapse -
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