After the success of Superman, it's clear that director James Gunn is steering the DCEU in the right direction, and it might even come to rival the long-adored MCU. An interesting feature many have likely noticed is the surprising amount of Marvel actors joining in the fun.
The film had more than a few celebrity cameos, including several familiar faces seen in Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. That was enough to make this writer think, how close are we to seeing our favorite MCU mainstays jump ship to Marvel's biggest competitor? Here are a few predictions for some familiar faces joining the other side.
Djimon Hounsou as Martian Manhunter
Marvel fans know him as Korath from Guardians of the Galaxy and Disney+'s What If..? series, and Captain Marvel, but Djimon Hounsou has an otherworldly vibe in both projects that would translate wonderfully to Martian Manhunter. Even in a supporting role, Hounsou has a presence that makes him truly stand out.
Although the Beninese-American actor has done iconic dramas like Amistad and Blood Diamond, his gift for playing alien and non-human characters would serve him immensely as the shapeshifting Martian. If Gunn is putting the Justice League together, his presence is mandatory.
Dave Bautista as Bane
Although rumors still circulate around his connections to the character, Dave Bautista as Bane just feels right. Having served more than enough time as Drax the Destroyer, he's proven how well he can work under Gunn's direction, but could he still be the man who broke the Bat?
In this writer's opinion, the DCEU's Bane needs to go full-wrestler, none of that dark and heavy anarchist stuff seen in the Nolan films. No, Bautista's Bane needs to tap into those WWE roots and push the character over the top. He can still be dark and imposing, but that doesn't mean he can't be fun.
Alan Tudyk as Red Tornado
Ok, this is definitely a deep cut for some, but Alan Tudyk deserves more than just a cameo as one of Supes' robot lackeys. Although he has no live-action MCU role under his belt, he does have ties to Marvel with his voice work and even has a featured cameo in Deadpool 2. That said, it's all the more reason for him to make his superhero debut as the enigmatic and sympathetic Red Tornado.
If you've seen his work on Resident Alien, you know Alan Tudyk plays strange exceptionally well. His unique talents for playing a strange creature surrounded by humans is what makes him ideal for the role of Red Tornado, a robotic member of the Justice League who wants to understand the human condition. Maybe take a few notes from Vision to take a little bit of Marvel's thunder?
Benedict Cumberbatch as Jason Blood/Etrigan
Okay, this one might be wishful thinking, but DC is overdue for an Etrigan appearance since he was snubbed in Netflix's Sandman series. Still, the role requires the genteel, gentlemanly portrayal of the immortal Jason Blood as well as his monstrous counterpart. Enter Benedict Cumberbatch who has a history of doing both on multiple occasions.
Doctor Strange might be returning for Doomsday, but Cumberbatch's delivery as both Strange and Dormammu in his MCU debut clearly demonstrates his range. Although, at least in this writer's opinion, his portrayal as Smaug the dragon has more of the energy Etrigan truly deserves.
Chris Pratt as Batman
This is a real hear-us-out casting choice, but Pratt has already proven that he can work well with James Gunn and has an established history with the MCU. While the mighty Star-Lord is still supposedly set to return, he might make a decent Bruce Wayne.
While he's been rumored to take the role of the more fitting Booster Gold, Pratt as the Bat wouldn't be out of left field if Gunn continues on the trajectory set by Superman. Gunn's take on the Man of Steel felt more like a comic book or a Saturday morning cartoon, so it wouldn't be a shocker if Batman: The Brave and the Bold had the same vibe. Pratt's mix of action and comedy skills could be what nabs him the cape.