Seth Meyers’ Superhero Dreams
Seth Meyers recently pitched himself to James Gunn as a potential actor for the DC Universe (DCU). During an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers on July 15, 2025, he was promoting the new movie Superman, which kicks off a fresh shared universe filled with familiar heroes like Mister Terrific and Supergirl. Meyers, known for his role as a talk show host and comedian, showcased his interest in joining this vibrant superhero world.
Meyers’ Superhero Picks
While making his case, Meyers amusingly pointed to his cameo in Peacemaker Season 1, which makes him part of the DCU canon. He mentioned three superheroes he could envision playing: Ted Kord, the second Blue Beetle; Elongated Man; and Animal Man. A fun twist was that Meyers referred to a drawing by comic artist Kevin Maguire, which features Kord as his profile picture on social media.
James Gunn’s Reaction
When Meyers pitched Animal Man, Gunn laughed, which added a lighthearted moment to the discussion. This interaction showed that Meyers has a genuine enthusiasm for joining the DCU, and it’s not just a joke.
Why Meyers Would Fit
Despite being best known for his comedic chops, Meyers has the performance background to take on these roles, especially from his time on Saturday Night Live. While his schedule as a talk show host might limit his availability, many fans believe he could successfully portray any of the three characters he mentioned. If the news broke that he would play Ted Kord in the upcoming Booster Gold series or Elongated Man in Brave and the Bold, it would likely excite fans.
Focusing on Blue Beetle
Meyers highlighted Kord, who was teased in the 2023 film Blue Beetle. This film introduced a mysterious cameo that hinted at Kord’s survival, linking him back to Meyers’ interests. Given that the DCU has confirmed a Booster Gold series in the works, Meyers’ pitch could be timely if they decide to build on this foundation.
The Appeal of Elongated Man
Elongated Man is another unique choice Meyers made. Often overshadowed by Plastic Man, this character is known for his stretching abilities. Meyers appreciates this slightly lesser-known hero, reminding fans of the Bronze Age of comics, an era Gunn is keen to draw from for the new DCU.
Understanding Animal Man
Among the three characters he pitched, Animal Man stands out for its depth. Originally created in the 1960s, Animal Man possesses the ability to borrow the abilities of different animals. His character took a darker turn in the 1980s thanks to writer Grant Morrison, who added a more contemplative edge. Morrison’s All-Star Superman influences much of Gunn’s vision for Superman, suggesting that Gunn may have a soft spot for this reimagined character.
Additionally, the Animal Man comics introduced "The Red," a connection to all wildlife that interacts with "The Green" from the Swamp Thing lore. With a Swamp Thing movie in the pipeline for the DCU, there may be potential for Animal Man to make an appearance.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, Seth Meyers’ pitch reflects a strong love for these unique characters and highlights his desire to contribute to the evolving DC Universe. With the wide variety of characters available in the DC Comics library, there’s ample opportunity for Meyers or others to fill these roles. Whether or not he ends up donning a superhero costume, it’s clear that his enthusiasm for this creative venture is contagious.
