The conversation around the James Gunn DCU Dr. Fate possibilities intensified when Pierce Brosnan, who played Dr. Fate in “Black Adam,” suggested his character could return in upcoming DC projects, including possible appearances in a new Superman film. Brosnan’s comments rapidly captured fans’ imaginations, though James Gunn quickly disputed these rumors on Threads, stating,
My opinion is I’ve never heard a Dr Fate rumor!
— James Gunn, Filmmaker. Despite the immediate debunking, the support for Brosnan’s Dr. Fate remains strong among DC enthusiasts.
While Dwayne Johnson positioned “Black Adam” as a launchpad for his own vision of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), the film found limited success at the box office and failed to move the larger cinematic universe forward, notably impacting both Johnson and Henry Cavill, who made a late cameo as Superman. However, the standout element identified by many viewers and critics was Brosnan’s portrayal of Dr. Fate. According to Collider’s review, his character provided a fresh and charismatic addition to the Justice Society of America, stealing scenes through a blend of wisdom and gravitas. Unfortunately, Brosnan’s role was restricted by minimal screen time and a lack of deeper character development.
Even in a supporting part, Brosnan managed to bring depth and a sense of seasoned heroism to Dr. Fate and Kent Nelson. His performance hinted at years of experience beyond what was shown, making viewers wish his character had been given more to do. However, the film ultimately closed the door on Dr. Fate’s future by having him sacrifice himself to save Hawkman, played by Aldis Hodge. This decision was widely regarded as a missed opportunity in a film with several questionable creative choices.
Why James Gunn Should Consider Brosnan’s Dr. Fate for the DCU
The apparent finality of Dr. Fate’s fate need not be the end. Superhero stories routinely find ways to resurrect characters, especially those skilled in magic. Bringing Pierce Brosnan into the evolving DCU would add a well-established actor with a definitive take on an iconic character. Brosnan’s Dr. Fate set a high standard—echoing the way Christopher Reeve’s Superman established a lasting legacy decades ago.
Though James Gunn and Peter Safran have favored emerging talent in the DCU’s key roles, they have also included well-known actors, such as Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan in the upcoming “Lanterns” series and Nathan Fillion’s portrayal of Guy Gardner in “Superman.” This blend of fresh faces and experienced performers enriches the franchise and demonstrates that high-profile names are not out of place in the evolving cinematic universe.
Integrating Brosnan’s Dr. Fate would not just honor a memorable performance, but also help smooth the transition from the earlier DCEU to the new DCU. With characters like Jennifer Holland’s Emilia Harcourt making appearances in both “Peacemaker” and “Black Adam,” there is precedent for blurring the boundaries between series. Similarly, Djimon Hounsou’s Shazam connects “Black Adam” to the “Shazam!” films, offering practical ways for Dr. Fate to cross over without major narrative leaps. While resurrecting Dr. Fate would require some creative work, it is far from an insurmountable obstacle in the superhero genre.
The strongest argument for bringing Dr. Fate into the DCU, though, lies in the character’s appeal and its alignment with Gunn’s creative strengths. Gunn is known for elevating lesser-known comic figures in both DC and Marvel projects, breathing new life into characters few moviegoers previously knew well. Dr. Fate, despite his long comic history, remains underexplored in popular media, a situation that “Black Adam” only began to remediate. Gunn’s creative flair—previously seen with Kurt Russell’s Ego in
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2”
—could bring out the mystical possibilities of Dr. Fate in new and engaging ways, especially with an actor like Brosnan capable of balancing gravitas with subtle humor. Despite Gunn’s public denial of the current rumors, the excitement stirred by Brosnan’s comments indicates significant audience interest, suggesting there may be value in listening to the ongoing demand.
The Path Forward for Brosnan’s Dr. Fate and the DC Universe
Besides creative continuity, reintroducing Brosnan as Dr. Fate would contribute to the broader cohesion of the DCU, building a bridge between legacy properties and Gunn’s fresh vision. As the DCU pushes forward—possibly with projects like “Man of Tomorrow” and cast members such as Aldis Hodge’s Hawkman, Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner, and Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan—Brosnan’s Dr. Fate could play a pivotal supporting or mentoring role. This would serve new fans and longtime DC followers alike, satisfying the desire to see elite actors inhabit legendary comic roles.
“Black Adam” remains available to stream on HBO Max in the U.S., allowing fans and newcomers to witness Brosnan’s take on Dr. Fate. As the fate of the character hangs in the balance, it is clear that the passion among viewers and the potential for impactful storytelling have kept pressure on James Gunn to consider his return. Whether Dr. Fate is destined for a show, a major appearance in the next Superman film, or another unexpected avenue, the demand for more of Brosnan’s mysterious sorcerer speaks to the ongoing evolution and growing complexity of the DC cinematic universe.
