Ever since James Gunn took the reins of the DC Universe, everyone has been curious about how his version of Justice League will shape up, as they have already witnessed a glimpse of Zack Snyder’s vision. Not only about how he will lay the foundation of the ultimate, but also who all will play the key characters. With one of the major superheroes leading the story having already been introduced (David Corenswet’s Superman), the curiosity shifted to who might play the main villain to go up against him.

In preparation for the impending arrival of the franchise's major antagonist, DC Studios is about to reveal its new Darkseid actor. James Gunn has been at the forefront of keeping everyone informed about DCU's future, even hinting at Darkseid's appearance in Mister Miracle, an upcoming animated project from DC Studios.

Before the announcement comes, let us go through some of the possible actors who might end up as Darkseid in James Gunn’s DCU.

Josh Brolin is the first actor who comes to mind when the question is about playing a villain in superhero movies. Having now played two villains in the MCU - one magnanimously famous, Thanos, and another one that only a few might remember, Cable in Deadpool 2. Brolin is skilled at acting with strong visual effects while maintaining a personal touch.

He demonstrated adeptness with motion capture and voice authority in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. He is able to use grounded emotion to anchor an enormous spectacle. Brolin would give the threats clarity and weight to the silences. Additionally, he can center large ensemble scenes with his physical presence. Everyone pays attention when he speaks.

Ciarán Hinds is no stranger to DC villains, having played Steppenwolf in Zack Snyder's and Joss Whedon's Justice League, which came out in 2021 and 2017, respectively. He has a chilling, menacing presence as a villain in movies like Road to Perdition, The Sum of All Fears, and The Tale of Despereaux.

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With a quick glance and a slight head tilt, he can convey strength. Darkseid is more of a ruler than a fighter; that elegance fits him. There is something terrifying about antagonists who strike fear with just a few words, and Hinds can be one of those who speak less and bring the enemies to their knees without lifting a finger.

Those who have seen No Country for Old Men do not need much convincing as to why Javier Bardem will be the best fit for Darkseid. The man just combines a somber calmness with a sense of solemnity. Compared to most performers, he can convey more with a stare than a monologue. Darkseid is most effective when the threat seems intimate and unobtrusive, and Bardem can be the perfect vessel to embody this.

Every line in his voice seems to be carrying a heavyweight due to its deep resonance. Additionally, Bardem changes from regal to merciless without altering his volume. The character would feel more like a monarch who sees conquering as mercy, thanks to that subtle control. Bardem is a perfect fit if the DCU wants a Darkseid who wins the room before he enters it.

Breaking Bad's Gus Fringe was the epitome of quiet menace. Giancarlo Esposito is a master of subdued threat. In the show, he did all his dirty bidding without ever raising his voice, just a stern look and composed body language as if nothing in the world is bigger than him. He rarely needs to be concerned; he speaks quietly and never appears to be.

This is an important quality that Darkseid definitely needs, as a being as ancient and powerful as him rarely has a rival in the universe. Esposito is also a master of crisp, concise language. His lines fall like verdicts. He has the ability to make a single word seem like a complete sentence. Darkseid deserves that tone.

Darkseid's voice was already brought to life by Ray Porter in Zack Snyder's Justice League. He discovered the subtle threat that gives the persona an air of assurance and age. Fans already associate the name with his tone. Porter is aware that the character has an air of mystery around it, even after being alive for several millennia.

He gives the danger room to breathe. Moreover, Porter's return would allow for a new path while maintaining a feeling of continuity for the DCU. He can adapt his voice to a new period because he has the blueprint. The character would get off to a quick start because of that familiarity.

Darkseid is an extremely important piece of the DCU - one that can make and break the entire revival for the DC Universe. James Gunn needs to be extra careful with who he picks as the next ultimate villain of the DCU, as he is already under a lot of pressure due to the polarizing views over his new Supergirl movie.

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Who do you think should play Darkseid in James Gunn’s DCU? Share your thoughts.