James Gunn reveals his philosophy to recasting in the DCU: "If an actor can't continue a role, I'll change the actor"

James Gunn
(Image credit: Getty/Gilbert Flores / Contributor)

DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has a pretty pragmatic stance on recasting, saying that it’s “no problem” to change actors.

"If an actor can't continue a role I'll change the actor no problem," said Gunn via Instagram Threads. The answer was in response to a fan asking, "If an actor can no longer play a character within the DCU, is there a possibility of changing the actor or will the character be discarded?"

Luckily for fans, Gunn’s DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters has only just started, so there shouldn't be any recasts for a long while. But we don’t think Gunn takes casting for granted, as it seems as though many characters in the first DCU movie, Superman, will be here for the long haul. Gunn has already suggested spin-offs for Mr. Terrific and Jimmy Olsen. Plus Milly Alcock, who made a special Superman cameo as Supergirl, is already set to star in her own debut movie.

When Gunn launched his DCU, he cast a whole bunch of fresh faces, notably replacing the DCEU’s Superman star Henry Cavill with David Corenswet. However, one star to survive the rehaul is Peacemaker actor John Cena. Although Peacemaker season 1 is technically not canon to the DCU, Peacemaker will soon properly join Gunn’s universe in season 2.

Junior Social Media Editor, GamesRadar+

I'm the Junior Social Media Editor here at GamesRadar+, handling all of Total Film's social platforms. However, I also write, covering all things film and TV for the site's entertainment section. I joined GamesRadar+ in 2023 and have been here ever since. I previously worked in communications after graduating with an MA in journalism. In my spare time, you can find me binging horror movies or getting lost in a cosy little game on my Switch.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.