The HBO Max series Booster Gold, one of the highlights from DC Studios’ 2023 slate reveal, remains in development as rumors persist that Kumail Nanjiani is still connected to the project’s lead role. The Kumail Nanjiani Booster Gold rumors, supported by various industry sources, suggest that while no official casting has been announced, the actor is still considered for the titular superhero as production momentum continues to slowly build.
Background: DC Studios’ Ambitious Plan for Booster Gold
Announced as part of a broad slate, Booster Gold centers on Michael Jon Carter, a discredited 25th-century football star who journeys to the past using advanced technology, hoping to reinvent himself as a legendary superhero in the DC Universe. The character’s story offers a blend of redemption and science fiction, making it an intriguing addition for HBO Max and the ever-expanding DC Universe.
Following the show’s initial announcement, speculation increased when reports suggested comedian and writer Danny McBride would be crafting the story. Kumail Nanjiani, acclaimed for his performances in Silicon Valley and Eternals, quickly became a hot topic, with numerous rumors claiming he was cast as the lead. Despite the buzz, updates on the series have been inconsistent, with production seemingly delayed and only intermittent news surfacing, such as the project securing a new pilot writer and prospective showrunner planned for mid-2025.
Current Status: Rumors and Insider Information Suggest Ongoing Progress
Recently, renewed interest emerged following a rumor from industry insider Apocalyptic Horseman, who addressed questions about the show’s progress and Nanjiani’s involvement in a Q&A session on X (formerly Twitter).
“Nah. Unfortunately still being developed. Kumail is still Booster, las I heard.”
— Apocalyptic Horseman, Scooper
This statement echoes previous sentiments and continues to affirm that, although the Booster Gold series has not yet advanced to active production, Nanjiani remains attached based on the scooper’s latest knowledge. Notably, there has still been no official casting announcement from DC Studios.
Further Evidence and Ongoing Speculation About Kumail Nanjiani’s Casting
The persistent rumors connecting Kumail Nanjiani to Booster Gold mainly stem from both industry reports and comments made by those close to DC properties. In July 2024, Nexus Point News claimed that the actor had signed on for the role, followed by coverage from The Cosmic Circus recounting statements from Xolo Maridueña—Blue Beetle actor—during GalaxyCon Raleigh 2024.
“[When] I asked about the Booster Gold rumors that were circulating, Xolo Maridueña told me that Kumail Nanjiani is indeed cast as Booster Gold. He briefly mentioned his excitement at the prospect of a future team up between Blue Beetle and Booster Gold in the DCU.”
— Xolo Maridueña, Actor
Adding to the swirling speculation, an image circulated in August 2025 showcasing Nanjiani hugging DC Studios co-chair James Gunn. This fueled expectations after Apocalyptic Horseman commented on the matter:
“Oh it’s happening” — Apocalyptic Horseman, Scooper
Evolving Creative Team: New Writers and Showrunner Announced
As development moves ahead, creative shifts have shaped the project’s trajectory. In July 2025, Deadline reported that David Jenkins, creator of Our Flag Means Death, had been chosen to write the pilot episode, with the possibility of serving as the show’s showrunner if the series moves to production. Jenkins confirmed his involvement and cited his enthusiasm for working with both James Gunn and inheriting the project from Danny McBride.
“It’s true y’all! I’m writing a pilot about this lovable goofball for [HBO Max]!! Honored to work for James Gunn, and very happy to inherit this project from Danny McBride, two of my creative heroes.”
— David Jenkins, Writer & Showrunner
James Gunn Shares Official Perspective on Booster Gold’s Progress
James Gunn, DC Studios co-chair and creative lead, addressed the Booster Gold series directly in a 2024 appearance on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast. He provided insights into the pace of the show’s development and offered cautious commentary regarding the rumors of Nanjiani’s casting.
“I mean, we’re not quite there yet, in terms of Booster Gold. We’re not quite there yet. We’re just not quite there in terms of, the scripts aren’t quite where I want them to be. From the beginning, I’ve made it clear that the one thing that we’re gonna do at DC is, no matter what, we’re going to wait until the screenplays and the teleplays are ready before we shoot them. And I’m not going to shoot anything until I’m happy with it.”
— James Gunn, DC Studios Co-Chair
This approach highlights Gunn’s commitment to quality and his reluctance to rush into production without satisfactory scripts, which may contribute to the perceived slow progress on Booster Gold.
What Lies Ahead for Booster Gold and Kumail Nanjiani
Currently, Booster Gold lacks an announced release date, and DC Studios is poised to launch its next major TV series, Lanterns, on HBO Max in 2026. In the meantime, anticipation and speculation continue as fans await more concrete updates about the series and the fate of the Kumail Nanjiani Booster Gold rumors.
For now, DC Studios, James Gunn, and the growing creative team maintain a careful pace, aiming to ensure the superhero’s television debut matches the excitement generated by its announcement. Fans and industry observers will no doubt watch closely for new developments, hoping for confirmation regarding Nanjiani’s involvement and the project’s progression within the DC Universe.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Let’s do a quick QnA until I gotta go out with my family
— Apocalyptic Horseman (@ApocHorseman) December 25, 2025
Nah unfortunately still being developed. Kumail is still Booster last I heard
— Apocalyptic Horseman (@ApocHorseman) December 25, 2025
Oh it’s happening
— Apocalyptic Horseman (@ApocHorseman) August 17, 2025
