The following contains spoilers for Blue Beetle, in theaters now.
With James Gunn's DCU in full-swing, fans are always eager for more news, especially in terms of castings. So far, only Superman: Legacy has really moved the needle, introducing Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and some other Justice Leaguers like Nathan Fillion's Guy Gardner. Of course, at the core of it all is the new Man of Steel himself, who will be played by David Corenswet.
Corenswet is most noted for his dashing Netflix performances in The Politician, Hollywood and Look Both Ways, which reinforces many talented actors do grace these streaming services. To that point, with Blue Beetle impressing in theaters at present, it's paving a road for the DCU to mine Netflix once more. This has to do with Ted Kord's best friend, Booster Gold, who could find immense success thanks to one key face from Outer Banks: Rudy Pankow.
Who is Rudy Pankow is Outer Banks?
Pankow hasn't been a focal point in that many projects, but he's getting breaks here and there. He played Sam in the Uncharted movie, but it's really Outer Banks he's most noted for. Pankow portrays JJ in the hit series, a rowdy, adventurous youth who's the heart and soul of the treasure-hunting Pogues. He always looks out for John B and Co., coming off as the muscle who'll steal and get violent to protect his pack.
Fans have connected deeply with the character, as Pankow keeps showing tremendous range in his performances. He goes from a charming and romantic sweetheart with Kiara to being more dramatic when they're threatened by the villains who want their loot. Most of all, JJ has that underdog energy many connect with. He's poor, suffered an abusive childhood, and wants to break the destiny that suggests people like him aren't meant to amount to anything. It's why he keeps sticking it to the wealthy and the elite in Outer Banks, letting them know they won't decide his fate.
It's an endearing coming-of-age story, where Pankow gets to cut loose unabashedly and remind viewers that even the outsiders belong in this world. As a result, even though John B is the star, JJ is highly-touted by the online audience as someone that really represents the show's fire and spirit of youth. The third season that took the crew to Barbados shaped them as pirates, with quite a bit of viewers even comparing his JJ to The Goonies' Brand. It's all due to the gravitas he brings to the role, as well as a deep sense of sentiment.
Pankow Has the Look and Feel For Booster Gold
DCU architect James Gunn has confirmed a Booster Gold series is planned for Max, with Aaron Paul said to be a possible Booster. The Blue Beetle post-credits opens a door for this, as Ted sends word he's alive. This creates a path for the Booster Gold show to not just focus on Booster hopping through time or worlds, but to embark on a journey of finding Ted. In the comics, they became buddies and had many missions together that protect the fabric of reality, so it would be quite lore-friendly.
Intriguingly, seeing as Booster is that blonde dude who thinks he's the best thing since sliced bread, Pankow would be the perfect fit. His JJ has that brazen aura, plus Pankow has the look for it. Blonde hair aside, he's good-looking, and at 25, ideal for the DCU to hinge a major character on. Gunn's team could use Pankow for years on end, making him as iconic as the MCU did for actors like Chris Evans and Chris Pratt. Given Pankow is not attached to too many projects as well, the timing is right.
This matches the younger demographic that Warner Bros. is tackling in terms of viewership. Not to mention, per the Legacy castings, the studio does want a mix that has younger heroes. Isabel Merced as Hawkgirl is proof of this, with such actors being very popular on social media and sure to fill theater seats. JJ is always in memes and viral clips, clearly considered the brash hunk that moms don't want their daughters bringing home. As such, it would make sense for WB to capitalize on what's clearly going to be an even bigger star down the line.
Pankow's Younger Take Can Redefine Booster Gold
Created in 1986 by Dan Jurgens, Booster was a failed athlete by the name of Michael Jon Carter. He'd run into gambling problems, but in time, he'd seek glory by becoming a time traveler. His arrogance stuck with him throughout, so Pankow already matches this type of energy through his JJ. While Smallville and Legends of Tomorrow had older, kookier Boosters, this is a chance to make a cooler Booster appeal, not just to Ted Kord's Blue Beetle, but Jaime.
It's easy to see Ted being a mentor to this new Booster, only to be annoyed by him. It would freshen up their dynamic, and help relate Booster to the younger Jaime. This reinvigorates the Blue Beetle and Booster Gold partnership for a new generation, with the very white, egotistical Booster learning a lot about family and different cultures through Jaime and the Latine lens. This adds nuance than him learning from a white, older hero in Ted.
Such an approach can even have Booster eyeing Ted's daughter, Jenny, and getting into a love triangle with Jaime. It'd blend comedy, drama and romance the way Pankow's JJ knows best -- something Outer Banks did with the Jiara arc. The point is, Booster has to be relatable to the narrative and characters on-screen as well. Ultimately, someone like Pankow can transform him into a man both Ted and Jaime love, but are worried about keeping close. This way, Booster gets to be the JJ of the DCU: good-intentioned, misunderstood, but still, someone filled with tons of endearment and loyalty.