If James Gunn casts any Arrowverse actor in the DCU, there is only one proper choice. As one of the two main comic producers, DC has always been popular with comic book fans. However, the franchise went through a rough period in which the on-screen films just didn’t live up to expectations. It didn’t help that they were competing with the wildly popular MCU.
Luckily, the Arrowverse helped DC remain relevant in the pop culture zeitgeist while they figured out how to win fans back over with the films. After 12 years, the Arrowverse officially came to an end in December 2024.
Because of emotional attachments to the shows, fans have begged for James Gunn to cast Arrowverse actors in his new DCU. As much as I love the Arrowverse, I think it’s generally a good idea to keep the DCU cast separate from the TV universe’s cast. Any cross-casting would threaten the shows’ legacies. However, there is one notable exception.
James Gunn’s DCU Should Cast Arrowverse’s Matt Ryan As John Constantine
Matt Ryan Appeared As A Guest Star In Arrow Before Joining The Cast Of Legends Of Tomorrow
John Constantine could easily appear in the Swamp Thing DCU movie, as the character started in Swamp Thing before getting his own Hellblazer comic. Matt Ryan is to John Constantine what Hugh Jackson is to Wolverine. The connection between the actor and character is so prolific that it wouldn’t feel right to see anyone else play Constantine in the DCU.
It’s unclear whether James Gunn has any plans for Constantine and the rest of the “Justice League Dark” characters, especially after the cancellation of multiple projects related to those characters in the DCEU, many of which would’ve been produced by J.J. Abrams. Still, should Constantine ever join the DCU, Matt Ryan is the perfect choice to play the character, even if it’s a very different take compared to the Arrowverse.
Matt Ryan Has Already Played Constantine In Four Different DC Universes
Constantine Appeared In The Swamp Thing Episode Of The Harley Quinn TV Show
If James Gunn cast Matt Ryan as Constantine in the live-action movies, it wouldn’t be the first time the actor moved from one DC continuity to another. Ryan is more than capable of making the transition without any struggle.
As of the time of writing, he has appeared in four separate DC universes – the original Constantine TV show, the Arrowverse (which retroactively absorbed the Constantine show), the DC animated movie universe, and the Harley Quinn TV show. It wouldn’t be unreasonable for him to continue the role that will be his legacy for years to come.
Why Matt Ryan Is The All-Time Best John Constantine Actor
Matt Ryan’s Constantine Is The Most Accurate Version Of The Character
The main actors who have taken on the role of Constantine are Matt Ryan, Keanu Reeves, Jenna Coleman, and Damian O’Hare. Of the four, Matt Ryan is the all-time best. Besides looking like he was pulled from the pages of Hellblazer, Matt Ryan is the perfect Constantine because he captures the character’s surly, amoral persona.
Every small mannerism furthers the idea that John Constantine is bitter, beaten down, and annoyed by everyone around him. This is especially true in the Arrowverse, where they show more of the amoral side of the character. Ryan also nails Constantine’s dry wit, making him the funniest character in most scenes.
Ultimately, no matter whether James Gunn casts Matt Ryan in the DCU or not, it will be difficult for any actor to take the mantle of the best John Constantine actor from him.
- Created by
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Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg, Phil Klemmer, Geoff Johns
- First Episode Air Date
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October 10, 2012
- Latest Episode
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2023-05-24
- Cast
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Stephen Amell, Grant Gustin, Melissa Benoist, Caity Lotz, Cress Williams, Ruby Rose, Javicia Leslie
