When it comes to playing compelling and strong villains, very few can do it with the charm like Giancarlo Esposito. The Breaking Bad actor gained notoriety playing the role of Gus Fring, a morally complex character. Not just Breaking Bad, the actor has played multiple negative roles in acclaimed series like The Boys, The Mandalorian, and Better Call Saul.
The actor is able to add humanness to every villain he plays, bringing transparency to their intentions, no matter how twisted they may be. His charismatic acting, undeniable charm, and comic timing are what make his villains so nuanced and loved by the fans. Now with his announcement of joining the DCU, fans wonder which role he could play in the new rebooted universe.
Giancarlo Esposito in talks to play a role in DCU
While interacting with the fans at the ComicCon Panama event, the actor mentioned being in talks with James Gunn for a role in the DCU. He finally addressed the speculations that had been circling all over the internet for a long time now.
Giancarlo Esposito met with James Gunn for a role in the DCUpic.twitter.com/VonFgOgvH4
— FandomWire (@FandomWire) August 31, 2023
Giancarlo Esposito, while answering the fans, said,
“I have been talking to James Gunn about the possibility of being in a movie – so who knows?”
This news has sent the fans into a frenzy, fan-casting the actor in a number of roles. So, while he could play a number of positive roles like Lucius Fox, fans love him as a villain. So, we have joined them in listing a few villains the actor can play in the DCU.
5 villains Giancarlo Esposito can play in the DCU
Lex Luther
Undeniably the top pick on the list has to be Lex Luther, not just for us, most fans reacting to the news are in favor of casting Giancarlo Esposito as Luther. The actor has given his voice to the character in the Harley Quinn animated series and aced the task. So, seeing him bring his charm to the role in live-action would be a treat for the fans of the star. Just like his most villain roles, Luther is a complex character and a cold calculated man.
Brainiac
Another character that fans seem to name just as often as Lex Luther is Brainiac. The supervillain is regarded as a major archnemesis of Superman. An extraterrestrial android-like creature, Brainiac is an uncaring killer. Giancarlo Esposito could definitely add a new depth to the already merciless killer, with his charisma. Watching him play a ruthless villain who cannot be reasoned with would be loved immensely by the fans. Even a fan art of the actor as the character was released.
Ra’s al Ghul
Ra’s al Ghul, though has already made a live-action appearance with Liam Neeson playing the role, in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy, but the fans want to see what Giancarlo Esposito could do with the character. Ra’s al Ghul is another complex villain, who is a nemesis of Batman. He has a moral ambiguity and his desire to bring justice to the world by adopting extreme measure showcase his twisted mentality. This is something Esposito is not a stranger to.
Vandal Savage
This list would not be complete without mentioning the supervillain, Vandal Savage. Every DC fan who knows the character knows why Giancarlo Esposito would be perfect for the role. His calculating and sinister demeanor paired with his wisdom and resourcefulness, makes him a perfect character the Breaking Bad actor can ace. Esposito is known for playing such a character with great charisma and charm.
The Scarecrow
Though The Scarecrow too has been a part of the Dark Knight trilogy, we are going to see a reboot, which gives new actors a chance to play the roles. The previous version played by Cillian Murphy was highly acclaimed, but the fans wish to see how Giancarlo Esposito brings the character to life. He might be a little older than Murphy’s version but playing a masterful criminal with knowledge of psychology and using it to create fear – is definitely a character Esposito can ace.
