Summary
The CW’sArrowversefranchise gave severalDCcharacters stellar portrayals in its shows, but others, whether hero or villain, were not as gratifying for fans, and may requirethe upcoming DC Universeto fix that. General consensus has deemed some popular DC characters misused in the shared television universe, due to factors like a lack of screen time or subsequent untimely exits. Moreover, some drastically differ from their comic book origins - and while some comic book deviations have been known to be beneficial, there are many instances in the Arrowverseshows that don’t fall under this category.
TheDCU begins in 2025 withSuperman, and James Gunn and Peter Safran have already confirmed the appearances of severalArrowversecharacters who were previously met with a polarizing reception among fans for their respective portrayals in the shows. Mister Terrific and Hawkgirl have been confirmed to appear alongside David Corenswet’s Man of Steel. BeyondSuperman, Booster Gold will lead his own show after making a mere cameo inDC’s Legends of Tomorrow. As such, the DCU could benefit from seek out this list of heroes and villains fromthe Arrowverse timelinefor better use in DC’s new cinematic universe.
Recasting 10 Arrowverse Stars For James Gunn’s DC Universe
Arrowverse stars like Grant Gustin and Stephen Amell are open to joining the DCU, and there are exciting characters the DC TV stars could play.
10Red Tornado
This Obscure DC Character Deserves A Chance To Prove His Worth As A Hero
Red Tornado is one of the lesser-known DC heroes, but his powers, appearance, and origins allow him to stand out amid an ensemble. Unfortunately, none of that potential was realized, as the character made two appearances in the Arrowverse - once inSupergirl, and once during the “Crisis on Earth-X” crossover between various Arrowverse properties. In both instances, the character is portrayed as a villain, which completely undermines his history with both the Justice Society and the Justice League.
Despite his lack of resonance among the fandom, Red Tornado would be a potential asset to Gunn and Safran’s new vision, given how the co-presidents endeavor to focus on more obscure names in the DC catalog. Given his android origins, Red Tornado could be the franchise’s version of Vision from the MCU, being a powerful android in a team of fellow heroes. He could also provide a thematic link with the DCU’s first chapter,Gods and Monsters, as he gradually embraces humanity.
9Red Death
This Intriguing Alternative Batman Was A Fleeting Subplot That Requires More Expansive Exploration
Red Death is one of the most fascinating storylines that flips what fans knew about Batman on its head. In Earth -52, Bruce Wayne decides that the best way to eradicate crime would be to steal Barry Allen’s speed. Bruce Wayne, however, was never used inThe Flash(nor much of the Arrowverse) and instead, the role was given to Javicia Leslie, who was the Batwoman. While this still could have worked,The Flashseason 9 reduced the storyline to a subplot, which felt particularly deflating, as the season had 13 episodes as opposed to the usual 23.
If the DCU tackles the multiversal concept, this corrupted version of Batman would be interesting to see.Red Death could lead to other alterative Batmen, including The Batman Who Laughs, and provide the franchise a way to further explore the mind and heart of the main heroic Dark Knight by looking at his villainous dopplegangers.
7 Differences Between Red Death’s Timeline and The Flash’s Earth-Prime
The Flash season 9 episode “Mask of the Red Death, Part 1” confirmed some major differences between Earth-Prime and the timeline of the Red Death.
8Black Canary
Both Her Romance With Green Arrow And Significance As A Hero Were Mishandled
Given the significance Black Canary has to Green Arrow, a show about the latter would surely have utilized her. Instead, the show systematically went through three different versions of the Black Canary mantle who saw divisive storylines. Laurel Lance’s story especially is still a sore spot for many fans, as after much buildup and setting the stage for the iconic Oliver Queen romance, the showrunners ditched their love story to focus on Oliver and Felicity’s romance. Laurel’s Black Canary was then sidelined before being axed off without leaving much of a mark on the team.
The character of Black Canary is a popular DC hero in her own right, playing an active role in both the Birds of Prey team and the Justice League. She is more than deserving of being a significant member of Gunn and Safran’s new universe, with her story, abilities, and charisma making her worthy of a solo outing or support in an ensemble piece. It would also be gratifying to see her relationship with Green Arrow finally adapted differently, letting audiences see this plotline get a more complete run.
7Dragon
A Far More Comic Book Accurate Portrayal Of This Villain Is Needed To Showcase His True Threat Level
Much of Ricardo Diaz’s origins were altered in the Arrowverse, and not for the better. In the comics, Ricardo Diaz Jr., was the son of a Seattle crime lord who was taken down by Green Arrow and John Diggle. In his quest for revenge, he joins the League of Assassins and trains with the first Richard Dragon (Richard Drakunovski). All this sets up a formidable antagonist against Team Arrow, as well as tying back to previous seasons. However, the showrunners decided to change the character to a street criminal and later a crime lord with no personal connection to Oliver.
Diaz also lost every physical confrontation with Oliver, depleting his potential intimidation. This was a complete disservice as the comic version of the Dragon is one of the greatest hand-to-hand fighters in the ever-expansive universe, rivaled only by Batman and Ra’s al Ghul. Such a distinction would make for an exciting confrontation against a hero like Batman, especially since the upcomingThe Brave and Boldis likely to feature the League of Assassins given Damian and Bruce’s history with the group.
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6Godspeed
The Complexity Of This Flash Enemy Was Lost In Translation
Much like Diaz, Godspeed’s adaptation to the small screen was grievously underwhelming. Godspeed inThe Flashwas merely an amalgamation of previous seasonal villains; his evil ways were a means of harnessing ‘infinite velocity’ (eerily similar to Zoom in season 2) so that he could become a god (like Savitar did in season 3). On top of that, he lacks the rich character of his comic book counterpart and any emotional connection to Barry Allen or Nora West-Allen.
In the comics, Godspeed shares a friendship with Barry Allen until a tragedy turns him into the antithesis of The Flash. He has also served as an antihero, which makes his rather one-note portrayal in the show a further disservice. As such, Godspeed deserves another shot in the DCU. Although he is not as famous as Eobard Thawne, his relationship to Barry Allen and his complex character make for a compelling insight into the lines being blurred between hero and villain, upholding the Gods and Monsters theme.
5Jesse Quick
This Flash From An Alternative Earth Is Important For Expanding The DC Universe
Jesse came with much promise inThe Flashafter gaining super speed. Prior to getting her speed, viewers grew to care for Jesse from her traumatic experience of being Zoom’s prisoner. Upon being freed, she later gained speed and trained with Barry in season 3, seemingly settling in with Team Flash and becoming a prominent member. However, season 4 abruptly ended her run on the show, as episode 15, “Enter Flashtime”, became Jesse’s final appearance.
The introduction of the young heroine helped pave the way for the DC drama to explore the Multiverse. As an inhabitant of Earth-2, Jesse was the first Flash from an alternative reality on Team Flash. As such, James Gunn could harness Jesse to expand his universe into different realities. This would also allow for different Flashes to take center stage after Barry Allen has seen the spotlight many times.
4Hawkman
Despite A Leading Role In The Justice Society And League, Hawkman Was A Fleeting Cameo Role In The Arrowverse
Like Black Canary, Hawkman is a significant member of DC’s most famous teams and has a famous romance with another iconic DC hero, Hawkgirl. Unfortunately, this was barely witnessed in the Arrowverse. Hawkman appeared to have importance, as he alerted the heroes of the villain Vandal Savage, which led toLegends of Tomorrowseason 1. Yet, the character was killed off in episode 2, before his significance to Hawkgirl and the titular team could be established. He would return in the season finale, but this was an alternative version, leaving viewers little time to get to know the character.
Hawkman appeared inBlack Adam, played by Aldi Hodge, but there was no mention of a Hawkgirl in the film. Although the DCU is promising to mostly start fresh, some actors are returning to their respective DC roles, and it is possible Hodge could, as the Hawk’s origins and abilities involve reincarnation. Either way, it would be good to see the pair’s relationship brought to the screen without either of them being swiftly axed off before audiences feel their eternal connection.
3Brother Blood
The DCU Should Embrace Sebastian Blood’s Comic Origins
Like Diaz, Sebastian Blood’s comic book orientations were drastically altered. In the comics, Brother Blood was recognized as a highly manipulative and power-hungry cult leader.Arrow,however, turned Blood into a corrupt politician who served more as the underling for Deathstroke in Arrow’s second season. The interpretation also severely lacked any of Blood’s recognizable aesthetic and powers and became more a variation of the Batman adversary known as the Scarecrow, wearing a mask none-too-dissimilar to the villain.
The DCU has the opportunity for a more accurate interpretation of the villain, embracing his unique abilities but also his extensive history in the comics, as a total of eight different people have taken the mantle. Theuntitled Teen Titans movieneeds a villain and, since Gunn has stated that DC has a fantasy element to its characters, Brother Blood and his cult of followers - who have often been a threat to the aforementioned team - would be a perfect fit for both categories.
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2Roy Harper/Arsenal
Oliver Queen’s Protégé Has A Far Grander Journey Than Seen On His Sparse Time On The Show
Roy Harper was heavily featured in the early seasons ofArrow, standing out among the cast with his emotional journey from a troubled street-dweller into a valued team member. Sadly, Roy departed as a series regular in season 3, only making some guest appearances until the end of its run. Like Laurel’s Black Canary, Arsenal’s time as a hero was mainly under Oliver Queen’s shadow, and was cut short not long after he officially took up the mantle.
Various windows are open for Roy Harper to feature in the DCU; the character is affiliated with many superhero groups, such as the Suicide Squad, Young Justice, the Outlaws, and even the Justice League, all of which have seen him take the spotlight at points. His most famous team is the Teen Titans, making the prospective movie a possible place for him to feature.It is unclear yet as to which members of the team will feature, but Harper would help provide a great rapport for the group, especially as one of the non-superpowered members among his fantastical teammates.
1Wally West
There Is Far More To Kid-Flash Than Merely Barry Allen’s Sidekick
Wally as a leading figure in the DCU would allow a new perspective, as the character has an array of enemies and adventures in his own right, allowing him to escape Barry’s shadow.
Arsenal and Black Canary at least had a few stand-out moments in their team. Wally, however - after spending the whole of season 3 in training to become a speedster himself left just a few episodes into season 4. Even when later seasons explored the Flash Family, Wally was absent. This is despite Wally West having also served his own tenure as the Flash in the comics, and having established a permanent bond with the Speed Force, allowing him to outdo every other speedster and secure the title “Fastest Man Alive.”
TheArrowverseWally never lived up to the impressive legacy of his comic book counterpart. The DCU, however, can redeem this. Although a Flash movie is not yet announced for the upcoming slate, Wally would make a great Flash for the franchise. Barry Allen is far more recognizable, but his story has been told many times. Like Miles Morales in the Spider-verse franchise, Wally as a leading figure in the DCU would allow a new perspective, as the character has an array of enemies and adventures in his own right, allowing him to escape Barry’s shadow.
Arrow
Cast
Arrow is a television series that debuted in 2012, featuring Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen, a billionaire playboy who returns to Starling City after being stranded for five years. Transformed by his experience, Queen becomes a vigilante archer, aiming to purge his city of crime and corruption.
The Flash
The Flash follows CSI investigator Barry Allen, who wakes from a coma with super speed after a lightning strike. Collaborating with S.T.A.R. Labs, he adopts the identity of The Flash to safeguard his city, marking his journey as the Fastest Man Alive in this superhero tale.
Supergirl
Supergirl made her first appearance in the comics in 1959’s Action Comics #252 and has gone on to become one of DC’s most popular characters. This TV series, which stars Melissa Benoist as Supergirl, first aired on CBS in 2015. It ran on that network for one season, before moving to the CW so it could become part of the Arrowverse - a collection of DC Comics shows that also includes Arrow, The Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow, among others. Supergirl has been part of several crossover events between all the series.
Legends of Tomorrow
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow is one of many CW superhero shows that takes place within the Arrowverse. The series follows a rag-tag group of heroes and villains traveling through space and time to prevent apocalyptic events that would destroy the Earth and time itself.Legends of Tomorrowran between 2016 and 2022 for seven seasons. New heroes and villains filtered in and out of the series, butArrowstar Caity Lotz starred in all 110 episodes as Sara Lance, aka White Canary.
