Thanks to The Flash, DCU fans are now considering the true extent of the multiversal potential of this cinematic universe. DC Comics has dozens of variants of its most popular characters that could become the DCU's future heroes (and villains). The fandom can only hope James Gunn will include some of them in his reboot.
One of the best things about comics is their endless possibilities. DC's most beloved heroes, such as Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman, are already incredible. Still, the multiverse allows for new stories where these characters get a twist, making them even more interesting.
10 Infected Cyborg
Earth 55's Cyborg was the patient zero of the Anti-Life Virus that eventually took over the DC universe during DCeased. This didn't stop him from trying to make things right. Even after Wonder Woman decapitated him, Cyborg was a key member of the Resistance since the cure was inside him all along.
An infected version of Cyborg in the DCU would signalDCeased is coming. Since this event is one of the best storylines of modern DC, fans would be immediately hyped. The DCEU did Cyborg a disservice, but the DCU reboot can give him a second chance by making him central for the DCeased adaptation.
9 Arrowverse's White Canary
The Arrowverse had many problematic characters, but Sara Lance wasn't one of them. The White Canary started as Oliver Queen's conquest but became one of Arrow's bravest warriors. She left the show to star on DC's Legends of Tomorrow, where her pluck, sassy humor, and queer love story with Ava Sharpe earned her the fandom's love.
Now that the Arrowverse is over, it would be a terrible mistake to let the White Canary fade into oblivion. Whether it is to continue her story in Legends or to reboot the character, the DCU has the chance to bring this heroine back and have her story reach even more fans.
8 Jake Hyde
Alan Sánchez reimagines Jackson Hyde's origin story in You Brought Me the Ocean. This comic follows Jake, a teenager dealing with his father's death, his crush on the swim team captain, and the fact that his skin glows in contact with water, all at the same time.
Jake is a relatable outcast. He's an awkward teenager trying to make sense of his own emotions. Even though he has powers, he has high school bullies that make his life miserable. However, he also has friends who love him and support him. He's the perfect lead for a coming-of-age story that could introduce the new DCU Aquaman.
7 Vampire King Nightwing
DC vs. Vampires is set in an alternate universe where half of the DC universe characters have transformed into bloodsucking monsters. Their leader, the Vampire King, is Dick "Nightwing" Grayson. This version of the former Robin is his most ruthless variant so far -- in DC vs. Vampires, he kills Batman by taking his heart out with his bare hands.
A live-action adaptation of DC. vs. Vampires would be an incredible horror film, and Vampire King Nightwing would be a fitting antagonist. This version of Dick Grayson is just as intelligent and capable as his Earth-Prime counterpart, but he's also immortal and has super strength and reflexes. It would be amazing to see what he can do on the big screen.
6 5-U-93-R Alfred
Injustice's Alfred gained super strength and reflexes after ingesting the 5-U-93-R pill. He then used these abilities to beat Superman for breaking Batman's back. Following this epic fight, he took care of Bruce Wayne for months. Eventually, Victor Zsasz killed him while trying to get information about Batman. This filled the Cape Crusader with a need for vengeance.
Alfred's 5-U-93-R-enhanced variant gets his hands dirty. Additionally, his storyline focuses greatly on his connection with Bruce: first as his caretaker and then as the reason why he becomes Batman again. Fans would love to see this emotional friendship truly develop in the movies.
5 Crime Society's Power Ring
Not all multiversal variants are heroic. On Earth-3, DC's most important icons are villains. Power Ring is Green Lantern's evil doppelgänger and a member of the Crime Society -- an evil version of the Justice League and the Justice Society. This villain uses his Ring of Volthoom to wreak havoc wherever he goes.
So far, DC has failed to create a live-action version of Green Lantern that fans can love, but this is among Gunn's plans for the DCU. Once the DCU establishes the Lanterns' lore -- and the importance of their worthiness as heroes -- a story about an evil Green Lantern would blow the fans' minds.
4 Power Girl
Born as Kara Zor-L on Earth-Two, Power Girl became stranded on the main Earth following Crisis on Infinite Earths. Originally, her backstory was retconned, but following Infinity Crisis, she became a Kryptonian again. Given this, she had a hard time finding her place in the world, especially since Kara Zor-El already existed here.
Power Girl is one of the most important variants of Supergirl, but she's also underrated. If the DCU is searching for new stories to tell, she's a perfect main character. In a way, she managed to separate herself from the Girl of Steel, so there won't be any clashes with Superman: Woman of Tomorrow. Besides, her backstory provides plenty of excuses to delve into the multiverse and its consequences. This should be the main topic of the new DC cinematic universe.
3 The Batman Who Laughs
Earth-22's The Batman Who Laughs is a version of Bruce Wayne, who killed the Joker. During their struggle, the toxins in the Joker's body reached Batman, slowly turning him into a terrifying mix of both characters. This Batman leads Barbatos' Dark Knights on their quest to take over the Multiverse in "The Dark Multiverse Saga."
The Dark Multiverse, created by Scott Snyder, is one of the best parts of the modern DC universe, and the Batman Who Laughs is partly why. His backstory shows one of the worst-case scenarios ever for the Dark Knight, which takes the Batman stories' gritty vibe to a new level. Besides, his character design is very metal. If adapted properly, The Batman Who Laugh could be perfect to become the main antagonist in a years-long storyline in the DCU.
2 Sheriff Diana Prince
The sheriff of Paradise, Diana Prince, is a woman on a mission. Since Maxwell Lord ruined her small town, she has been tracking him to make him pay. In order to make this easier, she created a team of gunslingers, the Justice Riders. This variant of Wonder Woman is very different from her main timeline's counterpart because she doesn't have superpowers. However, Diana Prince is an expert marksman and horse rider, as well as a law expert.
After Wonder Womanand WW84, the DCU should consider using a completely different variant of Wonder Woman than the Earth-Prime version so the character doesn't become repetitive. Sheriff Diana Prince is a worthy leader and a worthy fighter, even without superpowers. Additionally, Justice Riders is an excellent option for a Western film with a superhero twist that could make the DCU stand out amidst other superhero franchises.
1 Calvin Ellis AKA Superman
Kalel, also known as Calvin Ellis, is Earth-23 Superman. Like his main timeline's counterpart, he arrived from Krypton after it was destroyed and was adopted by a human family. His backstory is identical to Earth-Prime's Kal-El, except that he's Black and the President of the United States.
Calvin Ellis is an underrated Superman variant, but the DCU could right this wrong. Gunn should shake the Superman mythos up. Calvin Ellis' Superman is America's president, which sets the ground for great storylines involving the government. Additionally, he could provide great representation and allow the films to delve into social discourse.