The DC universe is filled with iconic superheroes like Batman and Superman, but plenty of lesser-known characters deserve a chance in the spotlight. The publisher has a library of nearly 10.000 characters, many with fascinating backstories, unique powers, and untapped potential that could make for thrilling and entertaining films. You can find vigilantes with extraordinary powers to cosmic entities beyond human comprehension. These overlooked properties often find their niche in the hands of a competent storyteller, as James Gunn has proven with Peacemaker.

DC can pride itself on having some of the most obscure characters able to carry their movies. By exploring their struggles and displaying their unique abilities, many of the characters in this list can bring something fresh and exciting to the superhero genre. Fasten your seatbelts and prepare for an exhilarating ride through some uncharted territory in DC lore! Here are ten obscure DC characters who deserve their films and why they have the potential to be great additions to the upcoming DC cinematic universe.

10 Animal Man

DC_Animal Man
DC Comics

Animal Man, also known as Buddy Baker, is a hero who can absorb the abilities of animals. He's mostly famous for being featured in his self-titled series and being the breakthrough character that got Grant Morrison into mainstream comics. He's been a member of the Justice League and the Suicide Squad at various points. Despite all this, he's still relatively unknown to mainstream audiences, which is a shame. Animal Man is an excellent character with a lot of potentials. His powers make him unique, and his backstory is tragic and inspiring. Plus, he's just plain cool. Here's hoping he'll get the chance to shine on the big screen someday.

Related: DC Elseworlds: Each Remaining Film Before James Gunn's DCU Begins

9 The Question (Renee Montoya)

DC_The Question
DC Comics

Renee Montoya is a complicated character who has undergone many changes since she was first introduced in the comics. She began her journey as a police officer in Gotham City, but she soon became disillusioned with the corrupt nature of the GCPD. This led her to leave the force and take on the mantle of a vigilante, The Question. Montoya's journey is one of self-discovery and growth. She starts as a relatively straight-laced cop, but she gradually realizes the system is broken and that sometimes you must take matters into your own hands. This makes her an intriguing and complex character to explore in film.

8 Vixen

Vixen
DC Comics

At DC Comics, there are plenty of powerful women. Vixen is one of them. This superheroine can mimic the powers of any animal that has ever lived. Despite her impressive abilities, Vixen has largely been relegated to a supporting role in the DC Universe. She's had a few solo adventures here and there, but for the most part, she's been content to help out the Justice League occasionally. She had a brief time to shine in the Justice League Unlimited animated show. Vixen would make for an excellent lead character in a movie for many reasons: she's an African-American woman, and we don't have enough representation in the current slate of superhero films. There's also the fact that her powers are uniquely suited for an exciting action movie, with endless possibilities to explore by being able to take on the abilities of any animal imaginable.

7 Plastic Man

Plastic Man
DC Comics

Plastic Man is a character who has been around since the 1940s but has never really had a decent film portrayal. He was initially a crock named Patrick "Eel" O'Brian, who was doused with chemicals during a raid on a criminal hideout. The chemicals allowed him to stretch his body like plastic, and he used this power to fight crime as Plastic Man. Patrick is a bit of an oddball character, but that makes him great. He's not your typical superhero; his adventures are always wacky and fun. A film with Plas can go either way: a family-friendly adventure or a raunchy comedy filled with potty humor and tons of action. Plastic Man would make for a great lead in his film with his unique powers and personality. It's about time this DC mainstay character got the spotlight he deserves!

6 Zatanna

zatanna zatara
DC Comics

Zatanna is one of the most powerful sorceresses and most skilled magicians in the DC Universe. She was born into a family of magicians and has used her powers to fight evil since she was a child. She's been a member of the Justice League and a close ally of Batman for many years. In her solo adventures, she's seen battling powerful foes such as Black Adam and Doctor Destiny. Zatanna's power levels are on par with the mystic entities of the DCU, honed to perfection over the years and only limited by her imagination or the ability to speak the enchantments. She can perform sorcery to fly, use telekinesis, and time travel. She's had time to shine in many animated films, but we firmly think she would make an excellent addition to the new DC Extended Universe in her standalone movie.

5 Mister Miracle

DC_MisterMiracle
DC Comics

Mister Miracle is a little-known but fascinating character from the DC Universe. Created by Jack Kirby as part of the Fourth World universe, Scott Free is a master escape artist using his skills to fight crime and help those in need. He's been a member of the Justice League and husband to Big Barda, another powerful buff woman in the DC Universe. Mister Miracle may not be as well-known as some other DC characters, but he's a fascinating figure with a rich backstory. His unique abilities and the fact he nurtures a healthy marriage make him a compelling hero. Most of his adventures are team-ups with other heroes, which are always enjoyable to watch. He recently was revamped with a darker tone by the creative mind of Tom King, who explored previously unseen facets of the character.

4 The Atom (Ryan Choi)

DC's The Atom (Ryan Choi)
Warner Bros.
DC Comics

Ryan Choi is another creation of Morrison's. This superhero and scientist specializes in nanotechnology, leading him to take over the mantle of the Atom after the death of his mentor, Ray Palmer. We already had a glimpse of him in Zack Snyder's Justice League. Still, this character is ripe for having his adventures developed on film and increasing Asian representation in the process! Such as it happened with Palmer, Choi's costume consists of a suit that can shrink him to subatomic levels. He uses these powers to fight crime and protect the innocent as a member of the Justice League and the Teen Titans.

3 Black Canary

DC_Black Canary
DC Comics

Black Canary is a fascinating character with a rich history in the DC Universe. She's been a part of many iconic stories and worked alongside some of the most famous heroes in the DC Universe. She's also a skilled fighter with unique abilities, making her a powerful ally and formidable opponent. Some of her best adventures have been as part of the team Birds of Prey or alongside her main squeeze Green Arrow. We nearly got a Black Canary film in the former DCEU, but after the Birds of Prey film underperformed, the project went into limbo. A Black Canary film would be an opportunity to explore her origins and relationships with other characters and her place in the DC Universe. Only a few heroes have voice enhancement-based powers, so it would be an interesting take to see on the big screen.

Related: James Gunn Says He Plans to Work With Margot Robbie On Future Projects

2 Red Tornado

Red Tornado
DC Comics

Most people are familiar with the big seven of the Justice League, but the team has had other members in many eras. One prominent mainstay is Red Tornado, an android created by the mad scientist T.O. Morrow, who was initially designed to be a weapon for the Cold War but eventually turned against his creator to become a hero. He has been a member of several teams, including the Justice Society of America and the Justice League International. He doesn't carry the same name recognition as some of his teammates, but Red Tornado is a powerful superhero in his own right. His synthesized body grants him super strength, speed, durability, and the ability to control the weather with his mind. He's also a skilled fighter and strategist, making him a valuable asset to any team he's on.

1 The Creeper

DC_The Creeper
Warner Bros. Animation

The Creeper is a DC Comics character who first appeared in Showcase #73 in 1968 and was created by Steve Ditko. He is a former news photographer named Jack Ryder who was transformed by an experimental serum. The Creeper is known for his outrageous fashion sense and broken psyche. The character has appeared in several comics over the years, as well as in The Batman Animated Series, which increased his profile and made him known to the masses. Despite being a popular comic character, he has yet to get a film. That's a mistake Warner needs to fix ASAP. The Creeper is unique, with a visually striking design. His ties to Gotham City are ripe for exploration on the big screen—and let's not forget that he's just plain fun!