In terms of DC villains that are translated to the screen in live-action, the universe definitely has its favourites. We have seen multiple versions of characters such as The Joker, General Zod, Catwoman, Two-Face, Amanda Waller, Lex Luthor, The Penguin, and even Bane, and at least one version of such delights as Mr. Freeze, Scarecrow, Deadshot (on TV), Reverse-Flash, Captain Cold and Poison Ivy.
We’ve even seen a version of the iconic Doomsday in Smallville. But the DC universe is a vast and sprawling place, with many dark, dank corners, filled with disturbing, villainous types. As DC heads toward a time of epic universe expansion on screen, we inevitably wonder who among these shadowy figures we might eventually meet.
It is clear that, with projects such as Suicide Squad on the horizon, DC is keen to shine a light on some of its darker elements. With that film alone, we will meet Harley Quinn, Enchantress, Captain Boomerang, Deadshot, Killer Croc, El Diablo and Slipknot – among others – all for the first time on the big screen. With more superheroes making their big screen debuts, too (such as Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Cyborg), the scope for a broader range of onscreen villains is ever-widening.
There is much speculation as to the identity of the ‘Big Bad’ that will be faced in Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice, and also in Suicide Squad. Rumours include the appearance of Brainiac, Darkseid, and even Doomsday (the killer of Superman). While these are all exciting prospects, they are by no means the only options for those mining the source material for nefarious opponents.
So, who are these mysterious foes – lurking in the pages of DC comic books, patiently awaiting their moment in the sun? Here, we meet six of the greatest, who have never before been seen in live-action. They are powerful, sinister, and determined in their respective quests for villainous supremacy. They are also characters that would prove to be deeply compelling – and more than a little scary – on television and in film. They have complex origins, stories and motivations, and they would provide more than a challenge for any of the DC live-action superheroes – current or planned.