For lifelong fans of theDC multiverse, the range of epic adventures that the movies and television series have produced is endless. And while every little piece of content has done a remarkable job bringing Batman, Superman, andother beloved heroesto life in the same scope as the comics, no adaptation is complete with an utterly despicable way to challenge them.
From the meticulous machines of Lex Luthor to the disastrous chaos of the Joker, we have seen the best DC Comics villains champion against the superheroes over and over again. But thesource material’s gallery of rogues is so vastthat not every villain has earned their big screen debut yet.
Still, with every new planned installment, hopes that yet another terrifying and most seasoned super soldier will unleash their fury upon longtime winners only grows stronger. Fans constantly keep theorizing how a new enemy’s unique brand of evil would send a potentially indestructible hero scrambling for survival. In this list, we shine the spotlight on some wicked and beyond powerful DC villains who haven’t been given their cinematic dues. So, let’s get started.
10Solomon Grundy
Born in the 19th century, Cyrus Gold was once murdered. His body was disposed of in Slaughter Swamp, near Gotham City, where his corpse lay for 50 years before being resurrected as the undeadSolomon Grundy. With no memory of his former life, Grundy was driven by a primal rage and desire for destruction. His hulking zombie-like body made him nearly impervious to any harm. Moreover, with his monstrous strength, he challenged superheroes like Green Lantern, Batman, Superman, and many others.
A Great Villain Origin Story
Underneath the mindless murder, however, is a sad story of a man robbed of his life. A tragic figure like Solomon Grundy could offer afresh take on villain origin storieswithin the DCEU. Rather than just being a one-dimensional hero. Grundy could be used effectively to display strength, stamina, anger, power and pathos at the same time.
9Anti-Monitor
Hailing from the antimatter universe,Anti-Monitoris a supervillain who first appears during theCrisis on Infinite Earthsstoryline in the 1985 DC Comics miniseries. Known as the destroyer of universes, he wields control over the antilight and feeds off the energy of several destroyed worlds as well as Earth’s.
He once nearly succeeded in destroying all existence through his meticulous plans that were executed across the multiverse. Twin brother of the Monitor, he was so strong and murderous that Superman had to team up with his own counterparts to defeat him.
A Stakes-Raising Villain
However, as DC’s most formidable existential threat, Anti-Monitor returned to the Green Lantern Corps in 2007’sSinestro Corps Wararc as the Sinestro Corps' ‘Guardian of Fear.’ The supervillain would raise the stakes for a movie franchise looking for blockbuster success. Where other DC villains seek power, Anti-Monitor simply wants to obliterate life itself. Such a conceptual threat could make for an unforgettable sci-fi epic.
8Mr. Mxyzptlk
Mr. Mxyzptlkrises from the Fifth Dimension. He is no mere man, but an impish prankster who has brains enough to cause real damage to our strongest superheroes. Through his reality warping tricks and mischievous mind games, he has found enjoyment in tormenting Superman and making his life difficult. There is only one way to defeat Mr. Mxyzptlk, and it is to trick him into saying his name backwards. But Mr. Mxyzptlk always manages to hold an unpredictable wild card to keep his enemies in check.
Entertaining, but a Bender of Reality, Which Could be Challenging
Adding Mr. Mxyzptlk to the franchise would mean the movie had to feature a reality-bending spectacle, which honestly would be entertaining. His presence would bring a whimsical and perilous tone to any movie. As Superman’s rival or as a villain hellbent on unleashing chaos upon the world, he would pull the viewers into a whole new world. Mr. Mxyzptlk has madecameos in several live action TV seriesover the years and was considered to appear inSuperman III, but the idea was scrapped.
Related:10 Things That DC’s Live-Action Movies Can Learn from its Animated Films
Originally a prototype android,Amazopossesses the ability to mimic and utilize the superpowers of any individual in its vicinity. He eventually transforms into a near-perfect autonomous being in DC Comics, representing the dangers of unchecked artificial intelligence as it evolves beyond any restraints. The more Amazo battles, the more it improves. Able to copy even the Justice League’s powers, it offers a complex and disastrous villain.
A Villainous AI
Amazo has the potential to feature the franchise’s most thrilling showdowns ever. By constantly changing its abilities and adapting its powers as it engages with more heroes, it can outgrow any limitations and even use all those powers at the same time. Amazo’s arc is more relevant to today’s technologies than it ever was before, which is also why it is an ideal supervillain for any live-action DC movie.
Many DC villains took on the title ofClayface, but Batman’s greatest enemy in the DC Comics of this name was Basil Karlo. A tortured actor who was chemically mutated into a monstrous figure, Karlo was filled with despair but has a talent for theatrics.
As Clayface, he was a shape-shifting creature made of mud and debris, a virtually unstoppable force with the ability to recreate any form or copy any voice. He poses massive and unique threats to Dark Knight because he can even manipulate situations from the shadows.
Clayface Would be Great in Matt Reeves' Batman Universe
Through the imaginative use of his signature abilities, Clayface would steal the spotlight in any live-action movie. His mysterious past and current transformation could infuse an air of dread and paranoia into the narrative. Batman movies span multiple franchises already, and so far, a good number of villains have showcased their criminal schemes. With Clayface into the mix, the movies would have a versatile villain taking center stage, surprising the heroes and viewers alike.
5Gorilla Grodd
Evolved from being man’s closest primate relative to a hyper-intelligent sentient being after being hit by a space-rock that landed in the African jungles,Gorilla Groddhas the same level of skills as Flash. He leads other apes by forming a twisted societal structure and holds a special vendetta against humans. His powers extend beyond his brutal physicality. Grodd is also a cunning thinker and persistently angry.
A Well-Rounded and Fun Foe
Grodd has appeared in a bunch of DC animated series and has remained a prominent villain in theSuper Friendsfranchise as well asThe Flashseries. He offers a unique and visually appealing story that’s never seen before in a superhero film. As one of the most notorious bosses, he also possesses the ability to out think the fastest superhero. In a live-action movie, Gorilla Grodd’s physical might and strategic mind could become Flash’s greatest challenge yet.
Circeis a powerful sorceress from Greek mythology. First appearing in 1949’sWonder Woman #37, in the DC universe, she dwells as a mysterious force to be reckoned with. Circe has adeft mastery over dark magicand is one of Wonder Woman’s strongest foes. Her powers allow her to transfigure men into beasts and control them like puppets. Despite being utterly malevolent, Circe maintains a code of honor and her deep connection to her homeland is what motivates her.
Bringing Dark Magic to the Movies
If she were to make an appearance in the DC movies, Circe could challenge Diana in unexplored ways. So far, Wonder Woman has dealt with compelling villains. But none have had a backstory that hits so close to home. Circe’s sorcery will also offer fantastic visuals and much-needed lore. Additionally, she represents one of the few villains who might even outwit Diana in a showdown.
With strength to rival even Superman,Mongulholds dominion over the brutal slave-picking satellite called Warworld. He is obsessed over as the ‘god of war’ because of his ferocious and tyrannical actions. Mongul once destroyed the Coast City for mere amusement. Soulless and utterly brilliant, his greatest weapon lies not only in force but in the promise of psychologically manipulating his strongest opponent.
A Formidable Justice League Enemy
It is no surprise that fans of the superhero genres beg for a villain who can go toe-to-toe in visceral combat with the Justice League. Mongul is a villain who will surely deliver. He is twisted by power and guarantees a complex backstory. To watch his Warworld prison planet setup being translated to screen would raise DC movies’ standards. Paired with ensemble action sequences and gory character duels, Mongul’s addition to the DC live-action universe would be absolutely worth it.
Related:10 MCU Characters Who Could Beat Superman in a Fight
Created by DC Comics writers and artists as a “mirror image” of Superman,Bizarrodebuted inSuperboy No. 68back in 1958. An imperfect clone, he has all of Kal-El’s physical abilities, but his physiology is reversed on a molecular level, meaning his speech is twisted, and he uses phrases like ‘Bizarro world,’ and ‘Bizarro logic.’ Even if that makes him vulnerable, Bizarro is nowhere near easy to defeat. His cunning nature paired with aping heroics make him destructive.
Would Make for a Great Superman Story
Imagining how Bizarro’s backwards image might jeopardize several important superhero missions while also showcasing his goofier side would promise alive-action movie’s most entertaining premise. As Superman’s imperfect equal, his clashes with the superhero will provide optimism. They will affirm how a tragic anti-hero can raise the stakes for a movie’s success.
Initially known as Vril Dox of the planet Colu,Brainiachas endured as one of Superman and the Justice League’sgreatest enemies. He is someone obsessed with the collection of knowledge in the form of a database. And in order to grow his collection, he uses several schemes and techniques to shrink and steal cities like Kandor for his personal twisted museums. With the psychic powers to match Superman and alien aesthetics to pose new risks, he can outsmart Superman quite easily.
A Must-Have for the New DCU
As an ever-evolving intergalactic villain, Brainiac allows for a brilliant space opera. The DC universe would finally have the scope to extend outside traditional genres and fashion a globe-trotting adventure like no other before. So far, Brainiac has made appearances in cartoons likeSuper FriendsandSuperman: The Animated Series,as well as live-action TV series likeSmallvilleandKrypton.
If a big screen movie would adapt Brainiac, the intrigue and cerebral thrills would demonstrate not only an interesting villain character study, but also Man of Steel at his finest.
