James Gunn Wants a Marvel Actor For a Specific DCU Role

DCU

By Sebastian Peris

Published 6 days ago

Thread 1

DCU

Highlights

DCU boss James Gunn may bring actors from Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy to the upcoming DC Universe.
Pom Klementieff confirmed discussions with Gunn about joining DCU, but character details remain under wraps.
Gunn and Klementieff are eyeing a specific character for her in the DCU, not related to his Superman movie.

DCU boss James Gunn is known for enlisting the help of his many friends to play roles in his various projects. Now, an actor from Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy franchise has reaffirmed that they're being considered for a role in the upcoming DC Universe.

The DCU is poised to launch a new shared universe of DC characters in hopes of finding more success than the former DC Extended Universe, which launched with Zack Snyder's Man of Steel and subsequently suffered from studio meddling and conflicting visions. While the DCEU had its fair share of box office hits, there were more than a few financial flops and a general lack of cohesion between certain projects, with fans often questioning how some movies and shows connected. Warner Bros. hopes the new DCU can avoid these missteps under the leadership of Gunn, who is best known for his work on the Guardians of the Galaxy films and may bring some familiar faces to DC.

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Agents of Fandom reports that Guardians of the Galaxy's Mantis actress Pom Klementieff restated that she's discussed joining the DCU with Gunn. Klementieff confirmed the conversations with Gunn while attending San Antonio's Superhero Comic Con, where she was asked what character she would like to play in the DCU. The Guardians of the Galaxy star replied, "Do you really think I’m going to answer this question?” While Klementieff wouldn't provide details, she reaffirmed that Gunn has a specific character in mind for her to play.

I just want to keep working with James, so we’re going to keep trying to find ways to do that. [...] Yes, we’ve been talking about one specific character, but I can’t talk about that right now.

Klementieff also reflected on her time working with Gunn while playing Mantis in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. "It was always my dream to be an X-Men or part of a Marvel movie. Then, I saw the first Guardians of the Galaxy, and it became my first Marvel movie ever. Then, I got cast in the second one. I feel so lucky." As Gunn's final contribution to the franchise, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 ended with the team disbanding and a new roster formed under Rocket Raccoon's leadership. While this seemingly marked the end for the Guardians of the Galaxy characters fans fell in love with over 3 movies, Klementieff is open to reprising her role as Mantis under the right circumstances.

I'm always open to it, I love the character. I'm sure the fans would love to see it, but I don't know. It depends on the project.

Klementieff's comments reaffirmed earlier statements she made about joining Gunn's DCU. Gunn confirmed Klementieff's comments on Threads after debunking reports claiming she was cast in his upcoming Superman movie opposite David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and more. While those reports were incorrect, Gunn echoed Klementieff's statements, confirming they've had conversations about bringing her into the DCU as a specific character "that has nothing to do with his Superman movie." Unfortunately, Gunn and Klementieff have not divulged any details on the DC character they have in mind.

Of course, not everyone is thrilled by Gunn potentially recruiting MCU talent for the DCU. Some people criticize Gunn for casting the same actors in his projects, with his brother Sean Gunn and wife Jennifer Holland being two of the more notable actors frequently appearing in the director's works. To others, it's an unfair criticism considering several filmmakers work with the same actors, and in some cases, those performers are related to the directors. Regardless of where one stands on that subject, if Klementieff is perfect for whatever character Gunn wants her to play, maybe fans should wait and see how she does before judging.

The Guardians of the Galaxy movies are available on Disney Plus.

Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero team first appearing in Marvel Super-heroes #18 in January 1969. The Guardians are most commonly comprised of Peter "Star-Lord" Quill, Gamora, Drax the Destroyer, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot, though there have been plenty of additions over the years including Mantis, Adam Warlock, Yondu, Cosmo the Spacedog, and more. The Guardians have reached a spike in popularity thanks to a series of live action films staring Chris Pratt as well as a 2021 video game from Eidos-Montreal and Square Enix.