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2025 is set to be a significant year for the DCU, which is built on the foundations of the former DCEU. Although Creature Commandos will be the first release, both James Gunn and Peter Safran have emphasized that the upcoming Superman movie marks the true beginning of the DCU.
While details about the plot remain scarce, set leaks and official announcements reveal an impressive cast. Notably, Gunn has “borrowed” several actors from rival Marvel projects.
As a result, we’ve compiled a summary of all the ‘Superman’ actors who have previously appeared in Marvel projects.
1. Frank Grillo – Rick Flag Sr (DCU) / Crossbones (MCU)
Frank Grillo is best known for his role as the villain Crossbones in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, and Avengers: Endgame. The actor has openly admitted that he nearly got fired by Marvel multiple times for leaking information.
Although the likelihood of his character returning to the MCU is slim, Grillo is establishing a solid reputation in the DCU. He is confirmed to portray Rick Flag Jr. in both animated form in Creature Commandos and live-action in Superman and Peacemaker season 2.
2. Isabela Merced – Hawkgirl (DCU) / Anya Corazon (SSU)
Merced’s initial venture into the superhero genre didn’t succeed, as she played Anya Corazon in Madame Web, which received poor reviews and underperformed at the box office. However, when one opportunity fades, another arises.
Merced was one of the first cast members announced by James Gunn and will portray Hawkgirl, specifically Kendra Saunders.
3. Sean Gunn – Kraglin (MCU) / Maxwell Lord (DCU)
Sean Gunn often collaborates with his brother on various projects. His most recognized role in the superhero genre is Kraglin Obfonteri, a character he has played throughout the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise.
Now, it appears Gunn is ready for a character shift as he will portray Maxwell Lord in the DCU, a notable villain of both Supergirl and Superman. He is also expected to reprise his role in Creature Commandos.
4. Nathan Fillion – Master Karja (MCU) / Guy Gardner (DCU)
Nathan Fillion technically has several roles in the MCU, but his most prominent is Master Karja in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Fillion was also among the first cast members announced for the upcoming Superman movie, where he will portray Guy Gardner, one of the most recognized Green Lanterns.
5. Mikaela Hoover – Floor (MCU) / Cat Grant (DCU)
Mikaela Hoover, much like Nathan Fillion, has played multiple roles in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, appearing as Nova Prime’s Assistant in the first film and later voicing and providing motion capture for Floor in the third movie. She is set to portray Cat Grant in the upcoming Superman film.
6. Edi Gathegi – Darwin (Fox X-Men Franchise) / Mr. Terrific (DCU)
While not technically part of the MCU, Gathegi made a significant impact before its inception by portraying one of the most powerful mutants, Darwin, in X-Men: First Class.
In the DCU, Gathegi has landed a notable role as Mr. Terrific, as confirmed by set leaks and photos. Although he lacks superpowers, he utilizes T-spheres that provide him with various abilities, including flight and invulnerability to technology, among others.
7. Nicholas Hoult – Beast (Fox X-Men Franchise) / Lex Luthor (DCU)
Nicholas Hoult played Hank McCoy, also known as Beast, in several X-Men films, including X-Men: First Class, Days of Future Past, Apocalypse, and Dark Phoenix. He is now set to portray Lex Luthor, Superman’s arch-nemesis, in the upcoming Superman movie.
8. Skyler Gisondo – Howard Stacy (‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ Franchise’) / Jimmy Olsen (DCU)
Skyler Gisondo had a minor role as Howard, Gwen Stacy’s brother, in The Amazing Spider-Man franchise. In the upcoming Superman movie, he will take on a much larger role as Jimmy Olsen.
9. Alan Tudyk – Alistair Krei (‘Big Hero 6’) / Unnamed Cameo (‘Deadpool 2’)
Alan Tudyk, who will voice the radiation-manipulating villain Doctor Phosphorus in Creature Commandos, has also been reported to join the cast of Superman. Previously, he voiced Alistair Krei in Disney’s animated film Big Hero 6 and made a cameo in Deadpool 2 as a redneck who gets tasered by Josh Brolin’s Cable.
10. Wendell Pierce – Unknown role (MCU) / Perry White (DCU)
Pierce is set to portray Perry White, Superman’s no-nonsense boss, in the upcoming movie. Perry is characterized as a tough yet fair editor, dedicated to journalistic integrity. He often faces the challenges of reporting on superhero activities, relying on his staff to cover stories involving Superman and other metahuman events.
Recently, it was announced that Pierce has joined the cast of the upcoming Thunderbolts movie, although his specific role has not yet been revealed.
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