The snacks are responsible. A post from DCU head James Gunn has all but confirmed that an essential Justice League member will soon enter the DCU. The evidence? Gunn shared a picture of fake Oreos referred to in DC comics as
But the larger question remains: What will this superhero’s upcoming arrival mean for the DCU overall? And can Gunn finally deliver justice to such an iconic, beloved, and truly bizarre character? Let’s explore.
James Gunn Has Basically Confirmed Martian Manhunter Is Getting Rebooted
On January 27, James Gunn posted what looked like fake marketing materials for “Chocos,” a beloved treat of Martian Manhunter from DC Comics. It’s barely speculation to suggest Gunn is hinting at Martian Manhunter, since the only alternative is that he’s teasing… a fake Oreo cookie existing in the DCU?
So Martian Manhunter is joining the DCU. But in what way? When? And for what reason?
Martian Manhunter Could Appear in Supergirl
Although assuming we’ll meet a new version of the green Martian called J’onn J’onzz this year might be premature, it’s not completely unreasonable to think it might occur. First appearing in DC Comics in 1955, every version of J’onn across DC lore originates from Mars. (The “Manhunter” part of his name indicates he began as a law enforcement officer.)
Essentially, most of the upcoming Supergirl film seems set in space, and we already know cosmic bounty hunter Lobo (Jason Momoa) will appear, so additional aliens make sense. Admittedly, this is somewhat speculative, as it would require Gunn and Supergirl director Craig Gillespie to have covertly hired someone to portray J’onn. Improbable? Perhaps. But honestly, if the character will debut soon, this unconventional space adventure feels like the perfect opportunity.
Has DC Ever Done A Good Martian Manhunter?
Though multiple animated versions of Martian Manhunter have existed, particularly in the Justice League animated show, several live-action portrayals have also emerged. Most notably, Harry Lennix played Martian Manhunter in the Snyder Cut of Justice League, after first appearing as the human “General Swanwick” in Man of Steel (2013). There was additionally the Phil Morri portrayal in Smallville, plus an Arrowverse iteration by David Harewood, where the character debuted in the CW’s version of….
And lastly, perhaps most notoriously, David Ogden Stiers portrayed J’onn in a TV pilot film titled Justice League of America, which CBS broadcast only once and never developed into a full series.
In short, while there have been multiple respectable interpretations of J’onn, none have become cemented in fans’ minds as the definitive portrayal. Similar to how casting John Cena as Peacemaker worked, Gunn and his DCU team now have a chance to create a historic new version of Martian Manhunter. And whether his arrival is imminent or further off, odds are this interpretation could finally become the enduring one.