Animal Man in the DCU: How James Gunn Could Turn DC’s Weirdest Underdog Into the Next Iron Man

The Unlikely Rise of Animal Man in James Gunn’s DCU

James Gunn’s vision for the DC Universe has quickly become one of the most fascinating shake-ups in modern superhero storytelling. From his fresh take on icons to bringing forgotten faces back into the limelight, Gunn leans into a multicolored spectrum of characters, genres, and creative risks. Already, the inclusion of B-list heroes like Mr. Terrific and Metamorpho in upcoming projects signals a willingness to break away from decades-old formulas. But few underdogs have the potential to explode onto screens quite like Bernhard «Buddy» Baker—Animal Man.

From C-list to Cult Icon: The Animal Man Renaissance

For decades, Animal Man lingered on the margins of DC Comics, remembered mostly for his quirky Silver Age roots—until the late ‘80s when Grant Morrison transformed him into a surreal, metaphysical lightning bolt. Buddy Baker’s power set lets him tap into the abilities of any animal, anywhere, at will. Yet, Morrison’s run elevated Animal Man far beyond a punchline. It turned him into a hero wrestling with existential crises, family life, questions of reality, and the haunting responsibilities of fictional existence.

This postmodern depth resonated with mature readers, setting a precedent for later runs—most notably Jeff Lemire’s acclaimed take, which amped up the horror and body politics, intersecting with other strange corners of the DCU like Swamp Thing in the jaw-dropping «Rotworld» saga. Both story arcs showcase Animal Man as a perfect fit for Gunn’s love of eccentricity, emotional storytelling, and genre-mixing.

Why Animal Man Is Ripe for a Cinematic Breakthrough

The case for Animal Man isn’t just about comic prestige. His story offers something rare: a superhero journey that’s both intensely personal and absolutely bonkers in scope. Audiences have already embraced lesser-known characters in projects like Peacemaker and Guardians of the Galaxy, and Gunn has proven that with the right blend of humor, pathos, and style, even the oddest heroes can steal the show. In a landscape saturated with familiar faces, Animal Man has the potential to shock, provoke, and even move viewers in ways no other DC character can manage. Imagine a narrative that seamlessly slides between family drama, meta-fictional weirdness, and biological horror.

Harnessing Rotoscope: A Visual Language for Metafiction

Here’s where innovation enters the picture. For Animal Man’s mind-bending adventures, traditional CGI or animation might not cut it. The technique of rotoscoping—tracing over live-action to create uncanny, graphic novel–style images—has brought films like «A Scanner Darkly» and music videos like A-ha’s «Take On Me» to legendary status. Rotoscoping would allow filmmakers to blur the lines between reality and fiction, echoing Animal Man’s comic journeys beyond the page, and immersing audiences in his shifting perceptions. This technique is underutilized in mainstream superhero films and could become the very thing that distinguishes Animal Man’s cinematic debut from every other cape-and-cowl epic.

Major Themes: Family, Ethics, and the Nature of Fiction

Much of Animal Man’s emotional resonance lies not just in superheroics, but in his life as a husband and father—a man constantly torn between the needs of his family and his cosmic responsibilities. Morrison’s take also fearlessly tackles uncomfortable issues such as animal rights and the ethics of experimentation, all while twisting the knife with existential revelations about the nature of storytelling itself. There are raw, tear-jerking moments where Buddy Baker realizes just how much he and those he loves are at the mercy of their creators. These are stories tailor-made for a filmmaker wanting to upend audience expectations and move the genre forward.

The Streaming Series Opportunity: Animal Man and the Legacy of 52

While a feature film would be a bold introduction, the limited series format offers a playground for even bigger ideas. The celebrated «52» comic event, a sprawling, multi-perspective saga, positions Animal Man alongside underappreciated heroes during a year where the trinity of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman are missing. Written in collaboration by legends like Geoff Johns, Greg Rucka, and Mark Waid, «52» shows Buddy Baker’s growth as a hero, confronting cosmic-level dilemmas and even channeling powers from extraterrestrial animals. A streaming adaptation would allow these rich storylines to breathe, exploring everything from high-concept sci-fi to human vulnerability and sacrifice.

What’s Next for DCU’s Deep Cuts?

If James Gunn’s DCU is truly committed to exploring the vast, uncharted territory of the DC mythos, Animal Man represents an irresistible next step. Whether as an experimental standalone film using rotoscoped visuals, or as a linchpin of a character-driven streaming saga, Buddy Baker is ready to break out and become the surprise cultural icon that nobody saw coming—much in the way Tony Stark did for Marvel years ago.