DC enthusiasts discussing potential candidates for the first Thanos-like figure in the DC Universe
In the upcoming DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, fans can expect the return of two iconic villains – Sinestro and Vandal Savage – alongside other notable adversaries like Lex Luthor, The Engineer, and Clayface [2][3].
Sinestro, a former Green Lantern and mentor to Hal Jordan, has become one of the biggest threats in the universe. His powerful presence as a Lantern Corps commander promises an exciting cosmic confrontation. On the other hand, Vandal Savage, an immortal tyrant with invulnerability and healing powers, could potentially fly under the radar of the average consumer, satisfying comic fans with his intricate backstory [1].
Vandal Savage made his debut in a confrontation with Green Lantern Alan Scott in 1943. His immortal nature and acquisition of powers after coming into contact with a meteorite during the prehistoric era set the stage for potential exploration of time travel concepts [1].
Aaron Pierre is set to play John Stewart in the upcoming Lanterns series, with Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Ulrich Thomsen as Thaal Sinestro [6]. The series is scheduled to start in early 2026 [7].
The fanbase is eager to see which villain will challenge the DC heroes, similar to Thanos in the MCU. One fan suggested that Sinestro could be a wildcard villain, similar to Loki, while another proposed Vandal Savage as an interesting choice [8][9].
Clayface, for example, is being developed as an R-rated horror movie villain with an emphasis on body horror, differentiating it from typical superhero fare [4][5]. This approach, inspired by Star Wars and Game of Thrones, promises a fresh, morally complex storytelling approach for these villains.
Compared to villains in the Marvel Cinemotic Universe (MCU), DCU’s Chapter One villains tend to be more varied in tone and style. While the MCU’s villains often focus on a mix of relatable motives and global threats with a consistent mainstream tone, the DCU seems to be exploring a broader spectrum of genres and darker takes [3][4][5].
As DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters unfolds, these villains are poised to captivate audiences with their combination of classic menace and novel reinterpretations within a mature and diverse storytelling universe, setting them apart in tone and narrative depth from many MCU antagonists.
[1] Total Film Newsletter (Date not provided) [2] IGN (Date not provided) [3] Den of Geek (Date not provided) [4] Comic Book Resources (Date not provided) [5] Screen Rant (Date not provided) [6] Variety (Date not provided) [7] Deadline (Date not provided) [8] ComicBook.com (Date not provided) [9] Screen Rant (Date not provided)
- Fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Sinestro and Vandal Savage, two iconic villains, along with others like Lex Luthor, The Engineer, and Clayface, in DCU's Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.
- The upcoming series, Lanterns, will feature Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, and Ulrich Thomsen as Thaal Sinestro, scheduled to premiere in early 2026.
- The fanbase is divided on whether Sinestro or Vandal Savage will be the wildcard villain, drawing comparisons to Loki from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
- Clayface is being reimagined as an R-rated horror movie villain, focusing on body horror, offering a contrast to typical superhero narratives.
- DCU's Chapter One villains are more varied in tone and style compared to those in the MCU, exploring a broader spectrum of genres and darker narratives.
- The immortal tyrant Vandal Savage, who made his debut opposing Green Lantern Alan Scott in 1943, could potentially offer intricate backstories that satisfy comic fans.
- Sinestro, a former Green Lantern, has become a significant threat in the universe, promising an exciting cosmic confrontation in his role as a Lantern Corps commander.
