DC Studios boss reveals ‘a handful’ of the current DC characters will return in new DCU

While the DCU has a new beginning on the horizon, it seems some established characters will get to keep their roles after the reboot.

Back in 2013, Warner and DC attempted to launch an interconnected universe of films featuring some of the most recognizable heroes ever like Superman and Batman to compete against the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Although the original slate of movies had some awesome projects under its belt, it ultimately failed to receive critical acclaim and lacked a clear path over time. That led to a massive reset for the DCEU under the direction of James Gunn and Peter Safran with the hopes of a brighter future for DC heroes.

The first step toward that new universe came in the form of The Flash, a movie that completely changed the ongoing narrative for the DCU. So now that there is a blank slate set and ready for new stories to be told, a very important question has to be asked: Is every established DC hero going to be recast and rebooted? After all, there were many beloved characters whose portrayals were on point and far from being an issue related to their movies’ reception.

Fortunately, James Gunn likes to answer questions on social media regarding his vision for the DCU. This time it was no different, as a fan asked him on Threads whether Blue Beetle was going to be a part of the new universe or not, and James replied with a definite yes:

"Yes. Blue Beetle (played by the wonderful @xolo_mariduena) & a handful of other characters will continue on in the DCU, even though the first DC Studios movie is Superman: Legacy (the first DC Studios project is the animated TV show Creature Commandos)."

Who are the returning DCU characters?

When James Gunn released a video announcing the projects that are going to shape the first phase of the new DCU, he revealed that Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller was set to return for a live-action HBO series. That means Amanda is one of those characters that will be moving over from the old DCEU to the new DC Universe. However, she’s not alone, as Blue Beetle is set to join her as well (which was made evident by James Gunn’s reply). As if it wasn’t enough, it was recently revealed that Gal Gadot will reportedly reprise her role as Wonder Woman in her third stand-alone movie under DC’s new direction.

Does that mean every current DC character will receive the same treatment? Well, unfortunately, no. After all, it wouldn’t be a proper reset if every established hero got to keep their role in the new universe. Henry Cavill will no longer play Superman and the role will be given instead to David Corenswet. Batman will also be recast, but we have yet to learn who will play the part (However, it is safe to assume Gotham will be in safe hands after looking at recent castings of popular DC heroes).

Who else could reprise their role in the DC Universe?

(Spoilers for The Flash to follow)

It remains to be seen who else will be returning as an established hero for the new phase of the DCU. However, that won’t stop us from speculating. John Cena would be a safe bet, as he already played Peacemaker under James Gunn’s direction and his series was well-received. Jason Momoa could also return as Aquaman since he played the role in the post-credits scene of The Flash and has an upcoming movie to be released later this year.

Finally, Dwayne Johnson said his version of Black Adam could return in future chapters of the DCU that involve the multiverse.

Only time will tell who else is returning, but one thing is for certain: We can’t wait for the new phase in the DCU to begin.