In a moment that truly confirms my career (and possibly my life) has peaked, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Peacemaker star Chukwudi Iwuji replied to my fan-casting video suggesting he should play Martian Manhunter in James Gunn’s DCU.
“Let’s do lunch when I’m next in London,” Chukwudi commented. “And I can slip you the envelope for this pitch.” First of all: lunch. With Chukwudi Iwuji. Second of all: the envelope?! This isn’t just a casual nod of approval… This is shadowy DCU dealmaking with appetisers.
Look, if an envelope is being slipped across a table in Soho House or a Pret in Paddington Station, I’m telling you now: it contains nothing less than the green-lit origin story of J’onn J’onzz, starring Chukwudi in full telepathic, shape-shifting glory. This is how power moves are made. One sandwich at a time.
So, James Gunn, if you’re watching: the pitch is in play, the envelope is ready, and the nachos are optional. Cast Chukwudi Iwuji as Martian Manhunter, before Marvel comes sniffing around again and we all miss our chance.
He’s Already Conquered the MCU and the DCU Once…
Of course, Chukwudi is no stranger to playing iconic comic-book characters. Most recently, he went full space-psycho as the High Evolutionary in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, a maniacal genius hellbent on creating a ‘perfect’ society by any horrific means necessary. It was chilling, theatrical, and, let’s be honest, Oscar-worthy for villainy.
Before that, he was the enigmatic Clemson Murn in Peacemaker, leading the team with cold logic and surprising compassion. (Also: surprise alien butterfly inside his body.) His performance brought real weight to a series that otherwise featured lovable eagles and a man named Vigilante doing backflips for attention.
What makes Chukwudi so good is that he always plays the truth of a character, no matter how outlandish the premise. It’s what makes him terrifying as a supervillain, moving as a conflicted commander, and, yes, perfect for Martian Manhunter, a character constantly torn between two worlds.
His ability to go from explosive to introspective, from sharp-witted to soulful, makes him uniquely suited to the role of J’onn J’onzz. And honestly? I already know he looks good in a long cape.
Brainiac? Darkseid?
While Martian Manhunter may be my personal pick, DC fans have also floated Chukwudi as two other iconic villains: Brainiac and Darkseid.
Brainiac is a cybernetic superintelligence with a God complex and a shrink-ray problem. He’s Superman’s coldest, cruelest foe, a collector of civilisations and destroyer of worlds. He’d be a killer role for any actor, but Chukwudi’s ice-cold stare and razor-sharp delivery would take it to new heights.
Then there’s Darkseid, the actual god of evil in the DC mythos. He rules Apokolips with an iron fist, shoots Omega Beams from his eyes, and makes Thanos look like a mildly annoying uncle at Christmas. Could Chukwudi play him? Absolutely. Would he make him terrifying? No doubt.
But there’s something about Martian Manhunter, a character full of empathy, restraint, and otherworldly wisdom, that fits Chukwudi perfectly. He’d bring elegance to the role. Mystery. And just the right amount of loneliness.
Plus, we’ve already started planning lunch. So let’s not complicate things.