After Marvel Studios dominated multiplexes with its superhero-infested movie-verse and comic book films became the most viable genre in blockbuster cinema, Warner Bros. tried its hand at a shared cinematic universe starring its own catalogue of superhero properties.
The studio tapped Zack Snyder to bring all its flagship heroes to the screen: first Superman, then Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and the Flash (and a bunch of others). In his DCEU trilogy – Man of Steel, Batman v Superman, and Justice League – Snyder introduced moviegoers to a bunch of iconic characters.
Cyborg
Cyborg is one of the most relatable characters in the Justice League. After being injured in a car accident that claimed his mother’s life, up-and-coming high school football star Victor Stone was rebuilt with robotic parts. In the DCEU, his character arc is defined by his estranged relationship with his father following his mother’s death.
Ray Fisher has always done a great job of playing Victor as a likable, sympathetic character. It’s a shame he never got a solo movie (or even a co-starring role alongside the Flash in his).
Deathstroke
As a masked mercenary who kills without remorse and keeps a sheathed blade on his back, Deathstroke is essentially the Deadpool of the DC universe. In the DCEU, the character was played by Joe Manganiello.
He only appeared in the post-credits scene of Justice League, but this scene gave the character an awesome introduction as he teamed up with a freshly shaved-headed Lex Luthor to form the Injustice League.
Steve Trevor
Snyder only introduced Steve Trevor briefly in a photo toward the end of Batman v Superman. Bruce Wayne gives Diana Prince a World War I-era photo of herself with Steve, Sameer, Charlie, and Chief Napi (the supporting cast of the then-upcoming Wonder Woman movie).
Chris Pine ended up giving one of the most memorable performances in Wonder Woman, sharing spectacular chemistry with Gal Gadot and rounding out Steve as a lovable character in his own right outside of being a comic book love interest. Pine’s performance as a fish out of water in Reagan’s America was one of the highlights of Wonder Woman 1984.
The Flash
The Flash, famously known as the “fastest man alive,” is one of the flagship heroes of the DC Comics universe. In the DCEU, Ezra Miller’s Barry Allen developed a Tony Stark/Peter Parker-style father-son dynamic with Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne (and raced Superman to determine who’s really the fastest).
After years in development hell, the DCEU’s Flash is finally getting a solo movie that will blow the multiverse wide open with appearances by Affleck and Michael Keaton’s Batmen – and a bunch of other Flashes.
Alfred Pennyworth
Alfred Pennyworth might not have any superpowers, but he’s still one of the most beloved characters in the DC Comics canon. Alfred is famous for being Bruce Wayne’s butler, but he’s so much more than that. After Bruce’s parents were killed, Alfred practically raised him.
In the DCEU, Alfred was played by Jeremy Irons. Irons brought a delightfully dry wit to the role and developed a compelling on-screen dynamic with Affleck’s Bruce.
Lois Lane
Lois Lane is typically defined by being Superman’s love interest, but Snyder’s Lois is a fascinating, well-rounded character in her own right in addition to being in love with Superman.
Played by Amy Adams, the DCEU’s Lois is a daring investigative journalist who travels the globe in search of a big scoop. She goes headfirst into life-threatening danger so she can expose crucial news stories through the Daily Planet.
Aquaman
Aquaman was a laughingstock among DC fans when Snyder set out to bring the comics’ superhero-infested universe to the big screen. Snyder ensured he’d be a laughingstock no more by casting Jason Momoa, one of the most lovable, charming, and badass actors on the planet.
With movie-star charisma, razor-sharp one-liner delivery, and a healthy dose of superhuman brutality, Momoa turned Arthur Curry from a laughingstock to a fan-favorite icon. His first solo movie outgrossed Batman and Superman.
Superman
The first superhero that Snyder introduced to the DC Extended Universe was also the first superhero that was ever introduced to American comics. In Man of Steel, Snyder introduced a different kind of Superman than fans expect.
He’s not a symbol of hope and optimism; he’s not even sure if he wants to use his powers for good. Warner Bros. has been threatening to recast the role for years, but Henry Cavill was perfect casting for Clark Kent.
Wonder Woman
Snyder established right out of the gate that the DCEU’s Wonder Woman – played brilliantly by Gal Gadot – is a badass warrior. The electric guitar lick that underscores her arrival in the final battle of Batman v Superman ended up becoming her unmistakable theme tune.
Released a year later, Patty Jenkins’ Gadot-led Wonder Woman solo movie became the first entry in the DCEU to be widely acclaimed by critics and fans alike.
Batman
Critics complained about a lot of things in Batman v Superman, but Ben Affleck’s performance as Bruce Wayne is one of the few things that were universally praised. There was a lot of controversy surrounding Affleck’s casting, but he ended up knocking the role out of the park – particularly nailing the simmering rage under the surface.
Inspired by The Dark Knight Returns, Affleck’s Batman is older and more grizzled than fans are used to. He’s at the end of his road, bitter and cynical from years of fighting crime.