The live-action DC Extended Universe hasn't moved as fast or grown as large as the competition in the MCU. However, fans are still hoping to see the DCEU continue to expand with new characters like Black Adam and the Justice Society of America while established heroes broaden their own supporting characters with each new sequel.
Unfortunately, while most fans would love to see more characters adapted to live-action on the big screen or in a series on HBO Max like the DCEU's Peacemaker, there are a few comic characters that might not get their own chance at the spotlight. For one reason or another, some of the more obscure or unadaptable characters might not make it to the DCEU.
10 Green Arrow's Lasting Legacy On The CW May Keep Him Off The Big Screen For A While
While Green Arrow was a founding member of the original Justice League of America and has remained an active member and leader of the team in the comics, he hasn't been featured on the team or teased in any way in the DCEU yet.
This is largely due to the character's prominent role on The CW as the head of the Arrowverse, which includes spin-off series like The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, and Supergirl. Barry Allen has prospered in the DCEU with a new take on the character, though Oliver Queen's portrayal on TV may be too near and dear to the fans to introduce a new version in the DCEU quite yet.
9 Aqualad's Existence As Aquaman's Sidekick Hasn't Been Teased At All In His Appearances
Jason Momoa stars as Aquaman in the DCEU, with appearances in both his solo movies and the larger team-ups that have begun to explore his two worlds above and below the ocean. While fans have already been introduced to Atlantis and the main characters in Aquaman's life, there has been little mention of his various allies that have taken on the role of Aqualad over the years.
Garth was the first to work alongside Arthur as Aqualad, though Jackson Hyde is the current holder of the title whose water-based weaponry and powers would look great on the big screen. Unfortunately, The DCEU hasn't been favorable to sidekicks as the only tease of a related character so far has been the destroyed Robin costume in Batman v Superman's Batcave.
8 Mister Miracle And The Rest Of The New Gods Don't Seem Like A Priority In The DCEU
Scott Free is the DC Universe's greatest escape artist who honed his skills in the firepits of Apokolips before he took on the costumed identity of Mister Miracle. He was originally a member of the New Gods from highfather before a peace treaty saw him traded to Apokolips to be raised by Darkseid.
While Mister Miracle would be a great character to help bring the New Gods into the DCEU, Warner Bros. has made it clear that Darkseid and the now-scrapped New Gods movie from writer/director Ava Duvernay are no longer a priority.
7 Power Girl Is A Multiversal Version Of Superman's Cousin That Won't Be Seen Before Supergirl
Fans are preparing to see a new female version of Superman in The Flash movie that appears to be a multiversal variant of the Man of Steel or a different take on Supergirl. However, there are a few other female Kryptonians that could appear in the DCEU as well.
Supergirl is the most well-known member of Superman's powerful family who usually takes the spotlight away from her Earth-Two counterpart, who took the name Power Girl and began working with the Justice Society of America. Power Girl would add a powerful new Kryptonian to the DCEU, though it's more likely that fans will see Supergirl make her debut long before Power Girl.
6 The Legion Of Super-Heroes Are From DC's Future And Might Be Too Big For The DCEU
The protectors of the 31st century are known as the Legion of Super-Heroes, a massive team made up of members from the United Planets with powers who help defend the galaxy in the future while they also safeguard the past.
The Legion has been rebooted a few different times over the years and welcomed well over forty members, including multiple versions of Superboy from different continuities. The massive scope of the Legion of the Super-Heroes will likely keep an in-depth exploration of the team off the big screen.
5 Red Tornado Was A Sentient Android Powered By An Elemental That Might Not Fit In The DCEU
Another member of the JSA that might not make it to the big screen is Red Tornado, a sentient android with wind-controlling abilities that are granted to him due to a bond with an air elemental that required a host.
Given the inclusion of the similarly-powered Cyclone on the DCEU's JSA, who is actually considered to be the daughter of the original Red Tornado, it seems unlikely that the android version would also appear to fill the same role on the team.
4 Kamandi Lives In DC's Post-Apocalyptic Future With Evolved Animals As The Last Boy On Earth
Following a "Great Disaster" in the DC Universe that resulted in a new post-apocalyptic society where highly evolved animals ruled, a young man named Kamandi became known as the Last Boy on Earth when he left the safety of his nuclear bunker.
Kamandi explored Earth A.D. with his animal and mutant allies and had a few adventures in the past with other DC heroes, though he was mostly kept separated. The DCEU could definitely benefit from the inclusion of Kamandi and the post-apocalyptic future of the DC universe, though it's unlikely that the character will feature in anything other than an Easter Egg.
3 The Spectre Is DC's Powerful Spirit Of Vengeance Who Might Not Have A Place In The DCEU
Jim Corrigan was a police detective who was murdered, which resulted in him being chosen as the newest host for DC's divine spirit of vengeance known as The Spectre. He serves a higher power and delivers his unique brand of justice as a ghostly spirit before he was given a cosmic increase in magical power.
The Spectre has had a few different hosts over the years and has played a large role in a number of DC events, but the character might not fit in with the more grounded reality of the DCEU. With the inclusion of characters like Black Adam and Doctor Fate that is set to explore more of the DCEU's magical side, there might be a slim possibility that The Spectre could still appear in the future.
2 Animal Man Found A Unique Success In The Comics That Might Be Hard To Replicate On Film
One of the more unique characters from the DC Universe that made a splash with fans was Buddy Baker/Animal Man, an obscure superhero who could mimic the abilities of any animal within his vicinity. He received an unforgettable series in the 80s that explored animal rights and his life as a family man, though it also featured fourth-wall-breaking, which was rare at the time.
Unfortunately, Animal Man hasn't shared the same popularity in the modern continuity despite a brilliant reimagining as an avatar and protector of the Red/animal portions of the planet. This means it's likely that the character wouldn't find the same success on the big screen.
1 The Question Is A Faceless Detective Who Served As The Inspiration For Watchmen's Rorschach
Vic Sage was an investigative reporter who had spent years training under the various spiritual masters and martial artists that allowed him to develop his costumed detective persona that became known as The Question. He used a special gas to activate his mask, which adhered close to his skin but erased his facial features, creating the illusion of a faceless man to hide his identity.
While The Question would fit in well with the dark and grounded DCEU, he was the basis for the character of Rorshach in the iconic Watchmen, which received a live-action adaptation in 2009 that might make the character a bit too familiar for his own adaptation.