Both Bassem Youssef and James Gunn have clarified their stances on the recent fiasco surrounding Youssef’s alleged firing from Superman: Legacy. At the end of the controversy, it is clear that Youssef won’t be appearing as dictator Rumaan Harjavti in Gunn’s upcoming film. But fans have suggested a role for him in The Brave and the Bold and it has gained significant traction among fans. Fans believe that Bassem Youssef is tailor-made for Batman villain Ra’s al Ghul.
In DC Comics, Ra’s al Ghul’s origins trace back to the deserts in North Africa where he was born into a tribe of Chinese nomads. When Christopher Nolan adopted the villain in his first Dark Knight film, Batman Begins, he white-washed the role and cast Liam Neeson in the role.
Bassem Youssef Will Make For A Great Ra’s Al Ghul In James Gunn’s DCU
While Bassem Youssef raised a particularly concerning allegation against Warner Bros. and James Gunn‘s DCU, it appears that Youssef and Gunn have no bad blood between them. Some fans believe that the DC co-CEO may even try to clear his name in the controversy and hire Youssef in another role. These fans have also found the perfect role for the comedian in the DCU.
Bassem Youssef will be a tailor-made casting for the role of Batman villain, Ra’s al Ghul. The villain’s name in Arabic translates to Head of the Demon. He is the leader of the League of Assassins and the son of another villain, Sensei. He is the father of Talia al Ghul, Nyssa Raatko, and Dusan al Ghul. Youssef’s fan-casting became quickly popular as many believed that he was a more comic-accurate Ra’s al Ghul.
A few fans on X tagged James Gunn in their comments along with their suggestion to cast Youssef. One fan suggested that Youssef could make his DCU debut in The Brave and the Bold, directed by Andy Muschietti. Another made the same suggestion along with another casting suggestion of Sofia Boutella as Nyssa al Ghul. They mentioned that Nyssa’s story could be explored alongside Green Arrow and Batman.
There were also a few criticisms directed at Christopher Nolan for white-washing several comic book characters of ethnic origins. Nolan received criticism for casting Liam Neeson as Ra’s al Ghul, who is an Arab, in Batman Begins and Tom Hardy as Bane, a Latino, in The Dark Knight Rises. Several fan comments read:
@JamesGunn if you’re gonna listen to Twitter fan casting listen to this one. GET BASSEM YOUSSEF AS RAS AL GHUL!!!!! https://t.co/94VYecQfHq
— Slippin Fan (@slippinNS) February 18, 2024
Ok but Bassem could really be an amazing Ras’ Al Ghul in The Brave and The Bold. pic.twitter.com/aY5XcSXh8w
— Skyknight ✰ (@SkyknightLCG) February 17, 2024
JAMES PLEASE CAST HIM AS RAS AL GHUL FOR BRAVE AND THE BOLD
— Drew (@GoodNightDrew) February 17, 2024
We knew misunderstanding between him & James gunn for Superman legacy casting.
But he fits here.
Bassem Youssef As Ra's al Ghul.
We will get proper comic character.And
Here Nyssa al Ghul ( half sis of Talia )
Want to see her story with Green Arrow & Batman.Sofia Boutella pic.twitter.com/S9HHyoOkQR
— NKumar (@NKumar333) February 18, 2024
I think the DCU should cast characters of their actual comic ethnicity. An Arab as Ras' Al Ghul and a Latino as Bane. Christopher Nolan blatantly assassinated the ethnic origins of the characters.
— Rick (@rick_lobo_) February 18, 2024
Many fans also believe that Warner Bros. may not be willing to negotiate a new deal with Youssef after the current controversy. Bassem Youssef gained prominence as a comedian and TV host. He hosted the Egyptian satirical comedy show, Al Bernameg. The story of his life, in the midst of the 2011 Egyptian revolution, is featured in the documentary, Tickling Giants.
Bassem Youssef vs. James Gunn’s DCU Controversy
Bassem Youssef made some controversial remarks about the Israel-Palestine conflict during an interview with Piers Morgan. Earlier this week, Youssef revealed to Salon that he believed he was not offered a role in Superman: Legacy due to his remarks. Youssef was in talks for the role of dictator Rumaan Harjavti in the film. However, Gunn took to his X to clarify that Harjavti was removed from the script before Youssef’s interview with Morgan.
He shared an IGN post about the same and wrote, “This is accurate.” In a different Threads post, he clarified that he had a conversation with Youssef and it was a clear misunderstanding. He revealed that he told Youssef the whole story of what happened. Later, the comedian took to X and Instagram to share a video, where he set the record straight with the controversy. He revealed that he believed Gunn and WB on their word that it was a case of bad timing.
So here is to set the record straight about this #SupermanLegacy thing . The internet twists things and people read headlines instead of listening to the interviews @JamesGunn @ChrisCuomo @BBCHARDtalk @DeanObeidallah https://t.co/dFhdLiCkot pic.twitter.com/GrSPh92kar
— Bassem Youssef (@Byoussef) February 17, 2024
James Gunn apparently explained to Youssef that the role was never formally offered to him. Gunn talked to him only because he liked Youssef’s audition tape for the role. Youssef also explained what it felt like from his end. It appears that the two have now put the controversy to rest. Gunn’s Superman: Legacy will hit theaters on July 11, 2025.
