Entertainment · Film · 2 hrs ago
James Gunn's DCU Has Recast Several Roles From the DCEU
James Gunn's DCU is recasting characters from the earlier DCEU, the previous live-action DC film franchise.
Some roles have already changed actors as the new universe takes shape.
Aaron Pierre now plays Green Lantern John Stewart, a role Wayne T. Carr was set to play but never appeared onscreen as in the DCEU.
Sean Gunn has taken over as Maxwell Lord, who was played by Pedro Pascal in Wonder Woman 1984; in the DCU, Lord owns the Justice Gang rather than serving as a villain.
Angela Sarafyan plays Superman's mother Lara Lor-Van in the new franchise, replacing Ayelet Zurer.
Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot are confirmed not to return as Batman and Wonder Woman, and DCU films featuring both characters are in development.
James Gunn’s DC Universe has recast several characters who appeared in the earlier DC Extended Universe (DCEU).
Sean Gunn has taken over the role of Maxwell Lord from Pedro Pascal.
Angela Sarafyan plays Lara Lor-Van, Superman’s Kryptonian mother, replacing Ayelet Zurer.
Aaron Pierre plays John Stewart in the DCU after Wayne T. Carr’s planned DCEU appearance was blocked by the studio.
The article says the number of recast roles is expected to grow.
- Who
- James Gunn’s DC Universe has recast characters previously played by actors in the DCEU.
- What
- Several roles have new actors, including Maxwell Lord, Lara Lor-Van and John Stewart.
- When
- The article was published on October 21, 2026, and says the recasting is ongoing.
- Where
- In James Gunn’s DC Universe, including the HBO series Lanterns.
- Why
- The article says the DCU has to find replacements for DCEU characters as the new franchise develops.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Wayne T. Carr was set to play John Stewart in Zack Snyder's Justice League, but the studio blocked the appearance.
Aaron Pierre had debuted as John Stewart in Lanterns.
John Stewart is set to return in Man of Tomorrow.
- Maxwell Lord
- Pedro Pascal in the DCEU; Sean Gunn in the DCU
- Lara Lor-Van
- Ayelet Zurer in Man of Steel; Angela Sarafyan in the DCU
- John Stewart
- Wayne T. Carr’s planned DCEU appearance was blocked; Aaron Pierre plays him in the DCU
- John Stewart’s next stated appearance
- Man of Tomorrow, set for 2027
- Publication date
- October 21, 2026
What people are saying
James Gunn's DC Universe has recast quite a few characters who appeared in the old DCEU movie franchise, and that number of players will only continue to grow.