Skip to main content
FlickSided
FanSided

5 MCU stars James Gunn needs to bring into the DCEU (and the top one will surprise you)

James Gunn has a hard grip on the superhero genre, but he gets by with a little help from his friends.
ByZach Gass|
HBO Max presents Peacemaker, From DC Studios VIP PEACEFEST
HBO Max presents Peacemaker, From DC Studios VIP PEACEFEST | David Jon/GettyImages

After the success ofSuperman, it's clear that directorJames Gunnis 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'sGuardians of the Galaxytrilogy. That was enough to make this writer think, how close are we to seeing our favorite MCU mainstays jump ship toMarvel's biggest competitor? Here are a few predictions for some familiar faces joining the other side.

Djimon Hounsou
Charity Day 2024 Hosted by The Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund at Cantor | Eugene Gologursky/GettyImages

Djimon Hounsou as Martian Manhunter

Marvel fans know him as Korath fromGuardians of the Galaxyand Disney+'sWhat If..?series, andCaptain 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 likeAmistadandBlood Diamond,his gift for playing alien and non-human characters would serve him immensely as the shapeshifting Martian. If Gunn isputting the Justice League together, his presence is mandatory.

Dave Bautista
The Fantastic Four: First Steps World Premiere | Rodin Eckenroth/GettyImages

Dave Bautista as Bane

Although rumors still circulate aroundhis 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 inthe 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
2025 Comic-Con International: San Diego - "Resident Alien" Season 4 Press Line | Frazer Harrison/GettyImages

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 inDeadpool 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 onResident 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
"The Phoenician Scheme" Press Conference - The 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival | Monica Schipper/GettyImages

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'sSandmanseries. 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 forDoomsday, 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
Prime Video's "The Terminal List: Dark Wolf" New York Premiere | Cindy Ord/GettyImages

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 fittingBooster Gold, Pratt as the Bat wouldn't be out of left field if Gunn continues on the trajectory set bySuperman. 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 ifBatman: The Brave and the Boldhad the same vibe. Pratt's mix of action and comedy skills could be what nabs him the cape.

Add us as a preferred source onGoogle
Follow