#coldcast

Obviously Duke Thomas, but like people often forget her explicitly romantic relationship with Coldcast and then her mentorship with Onyx Adams.

Not to mention her brief interaction with Bronze Tiger as well which led to a pretty iconic scene.

Let us also not forget that Cassandra Cain was co-created by a black man, Damion Scott. :)

It was recently announced that Sinqua Walls has been cast in the upcoming DCU film Man of Tomorrow. Almost immediately, speculation began that he might be playing Black Lightning, Steel, or the Amazing-Man seen in the Hall of Justice mural. I think that is definitely in the realm of possibility, but there are several other characters who could fit as well. Here are some of the strongest possibilities and why each could make sense in the larger DCU Gunn appears to be building.

Characters From the Hall of Justice Mural

Amazing-Man (William Everett Sr.) First Appearance: All-Star Squadron #23 (1983) Created by Roy Thomas and Jerry Ordway, William Everett Sr. was a Detroit track star who competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics and defied Nazi propaganda by winning gold medals. After struggling to find work, he became a janitor in the laboratory of Dr. Terry Curtis, also known as Cyclotron, where he was kidnapped by the Ultra-Humanite and exposed to an experimental electro-generator that granted him the ability to absorb the properties of any material he touched. Initially manipulated into serving the Ultra-Humanite to protect his family, Everett eventually turned against him and joined both the All-Star Squadron and the Justice Society of America. Beyond superheroics, he became active in the Civil Rights Movement before eventually passing his legacy on to his grandsons. Speculation: Superman is not inspiring because he is the strongest person alive, but because he makes others want to be better. Will Everett Sr. feels like exactly the kind of hero who reflects that idea back at him. Visually, Amazing-Man’s ability to transform into different materials could look incredible on film. Unless his story is changed to make him immortal or the movie features a substantial flashback sequence, though, I doubt this is the version Walls would portray.

Amazing-Man (William Everett III) First Appearance: Justice League America #86 (1994) William Everett III, the grandson of the original Amazing-Man, was created by Dan Vado and Marc Campos. Like his grandfather, he inherited the ability to mimic the properties of materials he touched and absorb energy. Carrying on the Amazing-Man legacy, he served with the Justice League and later Captain Atom’s Extreme Justice, where he developed a romantic relationship with Maxima. He later joined a short-lived revival of Justice League Europe before eventually being murdered by the Mist. Speculation: Will Everett III would be a perfect way to introduce the idea of heroic legacy into the wider DC Universe without overwhelming the story. If Walls is playing an Amazing-Man, I would put my money on this version, especially if the rumors are true that Adria Arjona has been cast as Maxima.

Amazing-Man (Markus Clay) First Appearance: Justice Society of America #12 (2008) Markus Clay, the other grandson of William Everett Sr., was created by Geoff Johns and Alex Ross. Like his cousin before him, Markus inherited both the powers and legacy of his grandfather and assumed the mantle of Amazing-Man after Will III was murdered. Markus became a local hero in post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans, using his abilities to help rebuild the city while protecting its people. At Hawkman’s recommendation, he joined the Justice Society alongside the multiverse-traveling Kingdom Come Superman. Later, visions from an elemental force inspired Markus to return home and form his own New Orleans-based team. Speculation: Markus could introduce the idea of heroic legacy while also grounding the DCU in a real-world city and community. If Gunn uses either Markus or Will III, I would not be surprised if the final version is an amalgamation of the two characters.

Freedom Beast (Dominic Mndawe) First Appearance: Animal Man #13 (1989) Freedom Beast was created by Grant Morrison and Chaz Truog. During South Africa’s apartheid era, photojournalist Dominic Mndawe was arrested for documenting racially motivated police brutality. Imprisoned and facing execution, he was rescued by Animal Man and B’wana Beast. Seeing a kindred spirit in Dominic, B’wana Beast passed his powers on to him through a mystical helmet and elixir, granting him the ability to communicate with animals and merge them into hybrid “super-animals.” Dominic became Freedom Beast and dedicated himself to fighting both environmental destruction and human injustice. Speculation: Freedom Beast would naturally expand the already global scale of Superman’s world. As both a photojournalist and a superhero deeply involved in humanitarian and environmental causes, Dominic could fit naturally alongside the staff of the Daily Planet. His powers would also bring the world of the Red into the DCU while creating some truly wild visual possibilities.

Characters With Superman Connections

Martian Manhunter (J’onn J’onzz / John Jones) First Appearance: Detective Comics #225 (1955) Created by Joseph Samachson and Joe Certa, J’onn J’onzz is one of the last surviving Martians and a former law enforcement officer from Mars who was accidentally transported to Earth after his planet was devastated by a psychic plague. Adopting the identity of detective John Jones, he became the Martian Manhunter and eventually one of the founding members and moral centers of the Justice League. Possessing powers including telepathy, shapeshifting, invisibility, intangibility, super strength, and flight, J’onn has spent decades protecting Earth while struggling with the loss of his people and family. Though often calm and reserved, he remains one of DC’s most compassionate heroes and shares a deep bond with Superman as another alien searching for belonging on Earth. Speculation: No character reflects Superman’s loneliness, humanity, and search for belonging more deeply than J’onn J’onzz. The key difference is that J’onn approaches humanity with caution, observation, and emotional restraint. That contrast could create an incredibly powerful dynamic between the two characters. Visually, his powers would also make him unlike anyone else on screen. And if the Justice Gang is ultimately building toward the Justice League, Martian Manhunter feels like an essential piece of that puzzle.

Guardian (Malcolm “Mal” Duncan) First Appearance: Teen Titans #26 (1970) Created by Robert Kanigher and Nick Cardy, Malcolm “Mal” Duncan first appeared as an ally of the Teen Titans. Over the years, Mal adopted several heroic identities, including Guardian, carrying on the legacy of the original Golden Age Guardian, Jim Harper, protector of Metropolis’ Suicide Slum. He also operated as Herald, Hornblower, and eventually Vox. Using the mystical and technological Gabriel Horn, Mal gained powerful sonic and dimensional abilities that made him a valuable member of the Teen Titans and later the Doom Patrol alongside his wife, Bumblebee. A talented musician, athlete, and steadfast hero, Mal continually reinvented himself while remaining one of the Titans’ most dependable members. Eventually, he chose to undergo a procedure to remove his powers so he and Karen could pursue a more normal life together. Speculation: Mal’s connection to the Superman mythos through the Guardian mantle could add meaningful depth and history to Metropolis in the DCU. By carrying forward the legacy of Jim Harper, the Golden Age protector of Suicide Slum, Mal naturally ties the Titans and broader DC legacy heroes into Superman’s world while reinforcing Metropolis as a city shaped by generations of heroes.

Mister Miracle (Shilo Norman) First Appearance: Mister Miracle #15 (1973) Created by Jack Kirby, Shilo Norman was raised in an abusive orphanage before being taken in by the original Mister Miracle, Thaddeus Brown. Overcoming a traumatic childhood, Shilo went on to become the world’s greatest escape artist and eventually the third Mister Miracle. A brilliant student, celebrity performer, and former warden of the Slab prison, Shilo became deeply entangled in cosmic conflicts involving the New Gods and the Fourth World. Despite enduring unimaginable psychological and physical torment, he repeatedly escaped impossible situations and emerged as one of the DC Universe’s most resilient and determined heroes. Speculation: Because the New Gods mythology originally spun out of the Superman titles, Shilo could be an effective way to introduce audiences to the Fourth World through a grounded human perspective, especially as the successor to Mister Miracle (Scott Free). However, with an adult animated adaptation of Mister Miracle already in development focusing on Scott Free, it seems unlikely that Shilo Norman will appear in the DCU anytime soon.

Bronze Tiger (Benjamin Turner) First Appearance: Richard Dragon, Kung-Fu Fighter #1 (1975) Created by Dennis O'Neil, Jim Berry, and Leo Duranona, Benjamin Turner, better known as Bronze Tiger, is one of the deadliest martial artists and assassins in the DC Universe. Raised in Central City and struggling with violent impulses from a young age, Ben turned to martial arts in search of discipline and eventually trained alongside Richard Dragon and Lady Shiva under the legendary O-Sensei. After being brainwashed by the League of Assassins into becoming the feared Bronze Tiger, Turner built a global reputation as a deadly killer before eventually breaking free of their control with help from Batman, Amanda Waller, and the Suicide Squad. Haunted by his past and personal tragedies, Turner spent years seeking redemption as a leader of the Suicide Squad, an ally of Batman, a mentor to Cassandra Cain, and an occasional superhero. Speculation: While Bronze Tiger does not have a strong connection to Superman, he is strongly tied to the Suicide Squad corner of the DC Universe, an area the DCU has already begun to establish. His inclusion could help expand the world into martial arts mythology, espionage, and the shadowy influence of the League of Assassins. Visually, his grounded hand-to-hand combat style would also provide a strong contrast to the powers and larger-than-life abilities of the other members of the Justice Gang.

Black Lightning (Jefferson Pierce) First Appearance: Black Lightning #1 (1977) Created by Tony Isabella and Trevor von Eeden, Jefferson Pierce is an Olympic athlete, educator, and principal of Garfield High School who grew up in Metropolis’ notorious Suicide Slum. After returning home and witnessing gangs and corruption continue to devastate his community, Jeff adopted the identity of Black Lightning to fight back and protect his students. Originally using a special belt that generated electrical powers, Jeff eventually internalized those abilities and gained the power to generate and manipulate bioelectric energy himself. Over the years, he became a trusted ally of heroes like Superman, Batman, and Green Arrow while serving with teams such as the Outsiders and the Justice League. Speculation: Jefferson Pierce would bring an entirely different perspective on Metropolis and Superman’s world. Unlike Clark, Jeff grew up directly inside the systemic violence and poverty of Suicide Slum and dedicated his life to helping young people escape it. Visually, Black Lightning’s electrical abilities would translate beautifully to film while helping him stand apart from the rest of the Justice Gang.

Cyborg (Victor Stone) First Appearance: DC Comics Presents #26 Created by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, Victor Stone was a gifted athlete and troubled teenager whose life changed forever after a catastrophic accident at S.T.A.R. Labs left him horribly injured. Saved by his father, Silas Stone, through advanced cybernetics and alien technology, Victor became Cyborg, a powerful hero caught between humanity and machine. Initially struggling with his transformed body and fractured identity, Victor eventually found purpose and family with both the Teen Titans and the Justice League. Possessing immense technological abilities, integrated weapon systems, and the power to interface with global networks and alien technology, Cyborg has grown into one of DC’s most important heroes while continually fighting to hold onto his humanity. Speculation: Cyborg embodies one of Superman’s core themes: humanity is defined by compassion and choice, not by what someone is made of. His inclusion could naturally help build toward both the Justice League and the Teen Titans while introducing concepts such as S.T.A.R. Labs, Apokolips, Boom Tubes, and New Gods technology into the DCU. Visually, Cyborg would also bring a distinct aesthetic to the film through his constantly evolving armor, sonic weaponry, digital interfaces, and Boom Tube abilities.

Bloodwynd (Quintus Arce) First Appearance: Justice League Spectacular #1 (1992) Created by Dan Jurgens, Quintus Arce was the hero known as Bloodwynd, wielder of the mystical Blood Gem, a powerful and cursed artifact forged from the pain and anger of enslaved people who used it to kill their cruel master, Jacob Whitney. Descended from the gem’s original bearers, Quintus took on the mantle of Bloodwynd to protect his family from the gem’s curse while wielding its supernatural powers and carrying its dark burden. After Quintus became trapped within the Blood Gem, his identity was unknowingly assumed by Martian Manhunter while under mind control. This Bloodwynd served alongside the Justice League during the “Death of Superman”, fighting beside heroes such as Maxima and Guy Gardner. Once freed, Quintus joined the League himself, though the Blood Gem’s demonic connection eventually condemned him to Hell before he was ultimately freed by his nephew, Raphael Arce, the next Bloodwynd. Speculation: If the Justice League James Gunn is building toward resembles the lineup that famously battled Doomsday alongside Superman, Bloodwynd would fit naturally alongside characters like Maxima and Guy Gardner. He could also help expand the DCU into its magical and supernatural corners, adding a darker mystical element to the universe while distinguishing the team visually and tonally from more traditional superhero lineups.

Icon (Arnus of Terminus / Augustus Freeman) First Appearance: Icon #1 (1993) Created by Dwayne McDuffie and Mark Bright, Arnus of Terminus was an alien whose escape pod crash-landed in the American South during the 19th century. After being discovered by enslaved people, the pod transformed him into a Black human infant. Raised as Augustus Freeman, he lived through generations of American history, periodically posing as his own descendants in order to conceal his immortality. Though he quietly used his powers to help others for decades, it was the idealistic teenager Raquel Ervin who convinced him to become the superhero Icon, with Raquel serving as Rocket. As Icon, Augustus combines Superman-like abilities with a perspective shaped by centuries of Black history and social change. Speculation: Like Superman, Augustus Freeman is an alien refugee with immense powers trying to find his place among humanity. Unlike Clark Kent, however, Icon’s experience is shaped by nearly two centuries of American history lived as a Black man. That contrast could create a fascinating dynamic between the two heroes while also opening the door to Dakota City and the Milestone characters.

Steel (John Henry Irons) First Appearance: Adventures of Superman #500 (1993) Created by Louise Simonson and Jon Bogdanove, John Henry Irons is a brilliant engineer and former weapons designer who was inspired by Superman after the Man of Steel saved his life. Following Superman’s death, Irons forged a powerful suit of armor and became Steel, determined to honor Superman’s ideals through compassion, intelligence, and heroism rather than raw power. Over the years, he became one of Superman’s closest allies, a member of the Justice League, and the founder of Steelworks alongside his niece Natasha. Speculation: Few characters embody Superman’s legacy more directly than Steel. John Henry Irons exists because Superman inspired him to become better and to help others. Visually, Steel’s massive hammer and armor would stand out immediately from the rest of the DCU. The only thing working against him might be some overlap with Mister Terrific in terms of “tech genius hero” storytelling.

Coldcast (Nathan Jones) First Appearance: Action Comics #775 (2001) Created by Joe Kelly and Doug Mahnke, Nathan Jones grew up on the streets of Chicago and discovered his metahuman electromagnetic abilities after losing an eye while defending his brother during a gang fight. Taking the name Coldcast, he became a founding member of the Elite, a violent superteam that believed criminals and dictators should simply be eliminated rather than redeemed. Coldcast first came into conflict with Superman when the Elite’s ruthless methods clashed with Superman’s belief in justice and restraint. Although the Elite initially defeated Superman, Nathan was ultimately inspired by Superman’s example and later sought redemption himself. Speculation: Coldcast would allow Superman’s ideals to be challenged in a meaningful modern way. Nathan Jones represents exactly the kind of person Superman exists to reach and inspire. His inclusion would also tie naturally into Gunn’s obvious affection for the Authority corner of the DC Universe through characters like the Engineer and references like PlanetWatch.