The comic book movie landscape is shifting, and the DCU is positioning itself as a major player. With Superman launching a new chapter and Peacemaker season two fresh on screens, DC Studios is stepping back into direct competition with Marvel Studios. Marvel’s recent films, including Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four: First Steps, underperformed at the box office, creating an opening for the DCU to capture audience attention. Under Co-Chairman and CEO James Gunn, several future DCU projects are already completed—such as Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and Lanterns—with many more announced and in development. Still, a number of iconic characters remain untapped. In this article, we spotlight five characters who deserve their own DCU shows, and why they could be the key to building the next wave of hit comic book adaptations.
1. Nightwing
First on the list is the original Boy Wonder, Dick Grayson—better known today as Nightwing. With James Gunn confirming that the upcoming Batman: The Brave and the Bold will feature Damian Wayne as the current Robin, it’s safe to assume, much like in the comics, that Damian won’t be Batman’s first sidekick. A DCU series centered on Nightwing could explore Dick’s journey after leaving his role as Robin, as he steps out of Batman’s shadow to become the protector of Gotham’s neighboring city, Blüdhaven. This show could naturally connect to the Batman films—through references to shared events or even guest appearances—and open the door for fan-favorite supporting characters. Batgirl could appear as both an ally and love interest, while Blüdhaven residents like Detective Svoboda, Shawn Tsang, and Mayor Madrigal could ground the story in its own distinct setting.
2. Constantine
Constantine is a fan-favorite character who has already had several on-screen versions. Keanu Reeves starred in the 2005 Constantine film, and NBC aired a short-lived Constantine TV series in 2014 that ended after just one season. Now, with James Gunn reshaping the DC Universe, there’s a major opportunity to reintroduce Constantine in a way that feels fresh and deeply connected to the larger DCU. A Constantine DCU series could fully embrace supernatural horror, combining detective-style, case-of-the-week storytelling with a season-long arc that builds toward a greater evil. With Swamp Thing already announced as a future DCU project, Constantine’s presence could naturally lead into a full Justice League Dark DCU storyline—positioning him as the central figure in expanding the horror side of the franchise.
3. The Question
The Question may not be one of DC’s most famous heroes, but the character is perfect for a fresh DCU adaptation. Known as a master detective with genius-level intellect, The Question lends itself to a grounded, high-stakes detective thriller series. The show could explore either Charles Victor Szasz or Renee Montoya as the lead—or even both, pairing Charles as the veteran investigator with Renee as his protégé in a gritty buddy-cop dynamic. The pseudonym mask alone creates instant intrigue, while the story could revolve around a chilling case, such as tracking a serial killer, set against the backdrop of a world filled with larger-than-life superheroes. A Question DCU series might not directly tie into major DCU projects, but that could be its greatest strength—offering a standalone detective drama that proves not every show in the franchise needs to be about cosmic battles or multiverse stakes.
4. Static Shock
Static Shock is the first of two characters on this list who once had their own animated series, and he remains one of DC’s most beloved cult heroes. James Gunn has even mentioned in a recent interview that he’s looking for ways to bring Static Shock into the DCU, making the timing perfect for a live-action adaptation. For fans who grew up in the 2000s, the Static Shock cartoon was a staple of DC’s animated lineup, blending superhero action with relatable high school drama. That same formula could carry over seamlessly into a Static Shock DCU series, capturing both nostalgic fans of the original and new audiences alike. As a high school student suddenly gifted with powers, Static offers the same kind of coming-of-age storytelling that once made Smallville a hit. Set in Dakota City, the series could remain self-contained while still dropping in references to the wider DCU, leaving plenty of room for bigger tie-ins as the character grows into a larger role.
5. Batman Beyond
To close out the list, it’s time for Batman Beyond to make its long-awaited return to screens. Set in a futuristic Gotham, the series has the advantage of being far enough removed from the present DCU timeline that it doesn’t need to rely on heavy continuity. Depending on the creative direction, the story could feature an older Bruce Wayne mentoring Terry McGinnis—or even begin after Bruce’s passing, with Terry fully stepping into the mantle of Batman. Whether live-action or animated, a Batman Beyond DCU series (or even an Elseworlds project) would offer fans a fresh take on Gotham while remaining largely standalone, since most DCU heroes would be long gone by this era. The futuristic setting also opens the door to entirely new villains, unique tech, and creative storytelling that could sustain the series for years. Fans have been waiting decades for Batman Beyond to get another shot, and James Gunn’s DCU is the perfect place to finally deliver it.
James Gunn will likely take note of Marvel’s recent missteps and avoid oversaturating audiences with an overwhelming slate of films and series each year. Instead, a balanced mix of high-quality DCU shows alongside major theatrical releases could keep fans consistently engaged while building anticipation for what comes next. Marvel’s Daredevil on Netflix proved how the right series can heighten excitement for a larger brand, and the same strategy could strengthen the DCU. While these five characters are far from the only ones deserving screen time, each offers a unique story and genre that could expand the universe in fresh ways. Together, they represent the kind of diverse, character-driven projects that will help the DCU grow its fanbase and stand out as a new era of superhero storytelling.
Follow me on letterboxd @camerono