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The DCEU Character Guide Part 1: The Heroes

There are a lot of characters that will be introduced into the DCEU in the next 4 years.

By Matthew BaileyPublished 6 years ago 6 min read
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4 years ago we were first given a glimpse into the redefining moment of Superman in Man of Steel (for good or bad is still up for debate). Regardless, we were brought into a new understanding of the Superman legacy and we started to imagine how his story could be expanded upon. That imagination is coming to fruition in Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice, as we are being given the continuation of the story we started in Man of Steel. But more-so we are being introduced to the Justice League in a grandiose fashion and kicking off the entire DC Extended Universe. Then shortly afterwards, we will be given the villainous side of the newly established DCEU, as we see the highly anticipated Suicide Squad hit theaters in August.

Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice will introduce the core protagonists within the DCEU and then Suicide Squad will introduce us to a treasure trove of anti-heroes within the Task Force X team. Then over the next few years DC and WB will roll out the entirety of the Extended Universe with: Wonder Woman & Justice League Part 1 in 2017, The Flash & Aquaman in 2018, Shazam & Justice League Part 2 in 2019 and then wrap up their initial film phase with Cyborg & Green Lantern Corps in 2020.

Needless to say, there are a lot of characters that will be introduced in the next 4 years, and I thought it would be worthwhile to take a look at the characters we already know, and those that will be introduced this year.

Superman (Clark Kent)

Portrayed by: Henry Cavill

By the end of Man of Steel, Clark Kent had finally found a place that he felt he could call home: as a reporter for the Daily Planet all the while moonlighting as the hero of Metropolis. He carries on himself the burden of trying to be a beacon of hope for humanity even though his true lineage is that of the lost planet Krypton. Even though he has the best of intentions, Superman brings out fear in many as they see him as a power that if left unchained could bring about the Earth's destruction. Which is where both Lex Luthor and Batman enter into his world as antagonists in their own unique way. One out of fear that his claim to power will be halted and the other out of fear for the world as we know it.

DCEU First Introduction: Man of Steel (2013)

Comics Introduction: Action Comics #1 (1938)

Lois Lane

Portrayed by: Amy Adams

Lois Lane started her career with the Daily Planet with a cynical view of the world and life itself. Through the movie she became one of the few people on the planet that knew the truth about Superman. Yet she chooses to keep his identity a secret, even though she is a reporter known to take any risk if it means getting her scoop. We've already seen what a difference Superman has had on her life, and in Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice, we will get to see her story expand as she is now living with Clark. This relationship is what actually grounds Lois into seeing the world outside of her tunnel vision of seeking out the next headline. Ultimately this restores her faith in humanity itself.

DCEU First Introduction: Man of Steel (2013)

Comics Introduction: Action Comics #1 (1938)

Perry White

Portrayed by: Laurence Fishburne

Perry White is the Editor-In-Chief of the Daily Planet, as well as being a close ally of Superman. He works closely with Lois Lane and Clark Kent at the paper. Perry is a no-nonsense type of character, and with his upbringing he cares a great deal about Metropolis, and believes that Superman can be the worlds greatest ally, if he is given the chance to.

DCEU First Introduction: Man of Steel (2013)

Comics Introduction: Superman #7 (1940)

Batman (Bruce Wayne)

Portrayed by: Ben Affleck

Batman enters the DCEU as a grizzled, veteran crime-fighter. He has dedicated his entire life to becoming the world's greatest detective, fighter and inventor. This dedication has brought him to a dark, grim and honestly more violent stage in his heroic career. When Batman arrives in Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice, he has spent 14 years beneath the cowl and has met nearly his entire cast of supporting characters and lost some of them leading Batman to fear the Man of Steel as he has powers that could ultimately destroy the planet.

DCEU First Introduction: Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

Comics Introduction: Detective Comics #27 (1939)

Wonder Woman (Diana Prince)

Portrayed by: Gal Gadot

In her first big screen appearance, Wonder Woman is set to make an impression on both Superman and Batman. In the DCEU she will carry the NEW 52 backstory as a demi-goddess: daughter of Zeus and Queen Hippolyta, ruler of the Amazonian warriors. She will introduce some fantasy into a rather dark film as her mythological beginnings are sure to be very telling for how the rest of the DC Extended Universe could be built after this film.

DCEU First introduction: Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

Comics Introduction: All Star Comics #8 (1941)

Alfred Pennyworth

Portrayed by: Jeremy Irons

The ever changing Alfred Pennyworth is up for another change. Over the years through the non-DCEU films, we've seen a more hands-off version of Alfred standing waiting for Bruce to return for dinner. This iteration of Alfred looks to be incredibly proactive in the life of Batman. Alfred is now a former SAS operative and bodyguard to young Bruce, who still presents the sardonic wit and stiff upper lip that we all love. Alfred takes a proactive role as he assists Batman in whatever way he can, to face off against the villainy that stalks Gotham City and beyond.

DCEU First introduction: Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

Comics Introduction: Batman #16 (1943)

Aquaman, (Arthur Curry), Cyborg (Victor Stone) & Flash (Barry Allen)

Portrayed by: Jason Momoa, Ray Fisher & Ezra Miller respectively

The three remaining members of the Justice League are just as important to the fruition of the DCEU as Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman (the 'holy trinity') even though their roles are fairly small in the first set of films.

Aquaman serves as the king of the long-lost city of Atlantis as the daughter of Atlanta (queen of Atlantis) and the human Thomas Curry. This makes him the second mythical character in the film, after Wonder Woman.

Cyborg was a college athlete before a terrible accident left him on the edge of death. His father, to save his life implanted a series of cybernetics which made him a technopath who can seamlessly interface with any technology including the internet.

Flash before being hit by a bolt of lightning was a forensic investigator with the Central City Police Department. After waking up, he has discovered that he can now travel at superhuman speeds: fast enough even to travel to parallel realities (time travel).

First introduced: Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice (minor roles)

Comics Introduction: More Fun Comics #72 (1941), DC Comics Presents #26 (1980) & Showcase #4 (1956)

So there we go, these are the core protagonists of the DC Extended Universe. Hopefully, you are as psyched for the DCEU as I am.

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About the Creator

Matthew Bailey

Husband. Father. Gamer. Cinema Lover. Mix it all together, and there I am. I love all things pop-culture and coffee; but coffee is the best.

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