Mortal Kombat Star Eyes Nightwing/Red Hood in DCU: What It Means for the Bat-Family

The DC Universe is gearing up for a whole new era under James Gunn and Peter Safran, and fans are buzzing about who might fill some of the most iconic roles. Turns out, one actor from a popular martial arts franchise is making it clear he's ready to jump into the Gotham fray.

TL;DR: The Essentials for Batman's Sidekicks in the DCU

• Lewis Tan, known for his role in Mortal Kombat, has openly expressed his strong interest in portraying either Nightwing (Dick Grayson) or Red Hood (Jason Todd) in the DCU.
• The potential appearance of these characters, especially with Damian Wayne confirmed for The Brave and the Bold, signals an already established Bat-family in the new DC Universe.
• While fan speculation is high, including for other actors like Asher Angel, no official casting decisions have been made for Nightwing or Red Hood, making this an exciting, albeit unconfirmed, prospect.

A Fan-Favorite Actor Sets His Sights on the DC Universe

Imagine this: the smoke clears from a brutal martial arts fight, and standing triumphant is an actor who could easily transition from battling Outworld forces to patrolling the rooftops of Blüdhaven. That's the scenario Lewis Tan, known for playing Cole Young in the Mortal Kombat movies, seems to be envisioning for his career. In a recent interview, Tan didn't just hint; he outright declared his passion for two major DC characters: Nightwing and Red Hood.

His excitement isn't just a casual mention. When asked about the fan-casting buzz around him as Nightwing, Tan's response was enthusiastic. "I saw some of the [Nightwing] fancast. I'm very appreciative of it," he told ComicBook. "I love that character. That would be one of the characters I would want to play. Nightwing is an incredible character, that I could bring something unique to." But he didn't stop there. He also threw his hat in the ring for another iconic Bat-Family member, adding, "I also like Red Hood. I think I could make a darker, more violent version of that one day. I love those characters." (Source: ComicBook.com, "Batman: Mortal Kombat Star Hopes to Play DCU’s Nightwing or Red Hood," November 6, 2025).

"Nightwing is an incredible character, that I could bring something unique to. I also like Red Hood. I think I could make a darker, more violent version of that one day. I love those characters."

– Lewis Tan, Actor

Why Lewis Tan's Vision for Nightwing and Red Hood Makes Sense

Tan's appeal to fans for these roles isn't just about his enthusiasm. The man has some serious chops that line up perfectly with what these characters need on screen. For starters, his extensive martial arts background, clearly displayed in Mortal Kombat, makes him a natural fit for the physically demanding roles of Dick Grayson and Jason Todd. Both Nightwing and Red Hood are agile, highly skilled combatants, and Tan's ability to execute complex action sequences would be a huge asset.

Beyond his physical prowess, Tan is also no stranger to the superhero world, having dipped his toes into Marvel projects like Iron Fist, Deadpool 2, and the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine where he played Shatterstar. This experience means he understands the unique demands of genre filmmaking and the fan expectations that come with beloved comic book characters. James Gunn, known for allowing actors to cross between DC and Marvel projects, might find Tan's existing superhero pedigree appealing.

The Significance of Nightwing: The Original Robin's Evolution

Dick Grayson, the original Robin, holds a special place in the hearts of Batman fans. His journey from the bright-eyed sidekick to the independent, acrobatic hero Nightwing is a cornerstone of the Bat-family lore. His transition represents growth, moving out from under Batman's shadow to protect his own city, Blüdhaven, which, notably, was even name-dropped in Peacemaker Season 2 – a subtle hint that the city exists within the DCU's consciousness. (Source: SuperHeroHype, "Batman: Mortal Kombat Star Hopes to Play DCU’s Nightwing or Red Hood," November 6, 2025).

Bringing Nightwing to the big screen means showcasing a different side of the Batman mythology. It implies a seasoned Dark Knight, one who has already mentored and seen his proteges evolve. This dynamic offers rich storytelling opportunities, exploring themes of legacy, independence, and the diverse ways heroes can operate within a shared universe. Brenton Thwaites previously brought Nightwing to life in the live-action Titans TV show, marking the first time the character headlined a series, further fueling the desire for a prominent live-action film portrayal.

Red Hood's Potential: Embracing a Darker, More Violent Path

Jason Todd, the second Robin, offers an entirely different, more volatile energy. After a brutal demise and resurrection, he takes on the Red Hood mantle, operating with a much darker, often violent, approach to justice than Batman or Nightwing. His inclusion would introduce a morally complex character, challenging the traditional heroic narrative and exploring the consequences of trauma and rage within the Bat-family.

Tan's desire to "make a darker, more violent version" of Red Hood aligns perfectly with the character's comic book portrayal. The DCU, under Gunn, seems willing to explore edgier content, as seen with upcoming projects like Clayface. An R-rated Red Hood story could finally give this misunderstood vigilante the gritty, uncompromising big-screen adaptation fans have long yearned for, a space where his unique brand of justice could truly shine without pulling punches.

Current Breadcrumbs and Future Speculation for the Bat-Family's Arrival

While Tan's comments are exciting, it’s important to remember that no official casting for Nightwing or Red Hood has been announced. However, the DCU is dropping tantalizing hints. The most significant of these is the confirmation that Andy Muschietti’s The Brave and the Bold will feature Batman and his son, Damian Wayne, as Robin. Damian is canonically the fifth Robin, which strongly suggests that Dick Grayson (Nightwing) and Jason Todd (Red Hood) have already had their time as Robin and moved on to their current identities within this DCU timeline.

Further fueling the speculation, "The Flying Graysons" posters were reportedly seen as set props for the upcoming Clayface movie (Source: CBR.com, "Shazam! Actor's New Photo Begins DC's Nightwing Casting Speculation," November 3, 2025). This direct nod to Dick Grayson's circus family practically confirms his existence in the new universe, making his appearance as Nightwing a logical next step. A potential Teen Titans movie, currently being written by Ana Nogueira, could also, if set in the past, explore Dick's time as Robin before his Nightwing transformation, though it's not yet greenlit.

Another Contender: Asher Angel's Nightwing Tease

Lewis Tan isn't the only actor causing a stir among Nightwing hopefuls. Shazam! star Asher Angel recently posted a picture on X (formerly Twitter) wearing a long-sleeve shirt featuring the Nightwing logo (Source: CinemaBlend.com, "Shazam! Star Asher Angel's Halloween Post Has Fans Hoping He'll Play A New Role In The Burgeoning DCEU," November 2, 2025). This "goodnight" post, seemingly innocuous, instantly ignited fan speculation, with comments ranging from "Please be Nightwing in DCU" to "Bro Nightwing baiting."

This highlights a crucial aspect of DCU casting: fan enthusiasm often starts long before official announcements. While Angel's post could be a pure coincidence or a playful nod, it demonstrates the widespread desire among the fanbase to see Nightwing finally get his due on the big screen, and the many talented actors being considered for the part.

It's a classic Hollywood "chicken or the egg" scenario: do actors generate buzz for roles, or does fan interest push actors to express interest? In this case, it seems to be a bit of both, creating a lively pre-casting conversation. The tradeoff here is that while fan buzz is great for engagement, it can also lead to disappointment if their top picks aren't chosen. However, it also shows studios the immense passion for these characters.

Example: The Online Fan Discussion

Imagine a typical fan forum after Asher Angel's tweet. "Did you see Asher's post?" someone types frantically. "He totally wants to be Nightwing! He's buff now, too!" Another fan responds, "Yeah, but Lewis Tan has the martial arts experience already, and he said he wants it. Plus, he's done Marvel stuff. Gunn likes that." This back-and-forth isn't just noise; it’s a genuine, organic vetting process by the audience, showcasing the varying merits and appeals of different actors for the same beloved role.

The Larger Picture: An Established Bat-Family in the DCU

The consistent thread through all this speculation is the strong indication that the DCU's Batman will not be a rookie. With Damian Wayne as Robin in The Brave and the Bold, we're looking at a Dark Knight who has already lived through years of crime-fighting, mentorship, and perhaps even tragedy. This means the DCU will likely skip the origin stories for Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, introducing them as already-established heroes (Nightwing) and anti-heroes (Red Hood).

This approach has a few key implications. On one hand, it allows the DCU to jump straight into more complex narratives, exploring the mature dynamics of the Bat-family without needing to re-tread familiar ground. On the other, it means fans who want to see the "origin" of Nightwing's split from Batman or Red Hood's rebirth might have to settle for implied backstories or potentially prequels down the line. It's a strategic choice by Gunn and Safran to push the narrative forward, focusing on the current state of these heroes rather than their beginnings.

For Lewis Tan, whose current project is Mortal Kombat II (arriving May 8, 2026), these conversations are likely just a part of the daily grind of an actor looking for their next big role. But for DC fans, it's a window into the exciting, evolving future of Gotham City and its beloved vigilantes.

Practical Takeaways for Following the DCU's Bat-Family News

• Keep an eye on official DC Studios announcements regarding The Brave and the Bold and other Batman-related projects.
• Follow social media hints from actors and creators, but remember to take them with a grain of salt until officially confirmed.
• Understand that an "established" Bat-Family implies rich existing lore, which might mean fewer origin stories for characters like Nightwing and Red Hood.
• Look for clues in set photos and script leaks, like the "Flying Graysons" poster for Clayface, as they often foreshadow future character introductions.
• Consider the implications of potentially R-rated projects within the DCU for characters like Red Hood, whose violent nature could finally be fully explored.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Nightwing and Red Hood in the DCU

When will Nightwing or Red Hood officially appear in the DCU? There's been no official announcement yet. However, The Brave and the Bold featuring Damian Wayne suggests they are already active characters. Set hints from Clayface also point to Dick Grayson's existence. Will Nightwing's origin story be shown in the DCU? Given Damian Wayne's presence as Robin, it's highly likely the DCU will feature an already-established Nightwing, skipping his traditional origin story for a more mature narrative. A potential Teen Titans movie could, however, explore his Robin days. Could Red Hood get an R-rated movie in the DCU? Lewis Tan expressed interest in a "darker, more violent version" of Red Hood, and the DCU is exploring projects like Clayface that hint at mature ratings. It's a strong possibility for the character's unique tone. What's the significance of Blüdhaven being named-dropped? Blüdhaven is Nightwing's primary operating city. Its mention in Peacemaker Season 2 serves as a subtle confirmation that Nightwing's world exists within the broader DCU, even if he hasn't officially appeared yet.

Sources

• ComicBook.com - "Batman: Mortal Kombat Star Hopes to Play DCU’s Nightwing or Red Hood" (November 6, 2025)
• SuperHeroHype - "Batman: Mortal Kombat Star Hopes to Play DCU’s Nightwing or Red Hood" (November 6, 2025)
• CBR.com - "Shazam! Actor’s New Photo Begins DC’s Nightwing Casting Speculation" (November 3, 2025)
• CinemaBlend.com - "Shazam! Star Asher Angel’s Halloween Post Has Fans Hoping He’ll Play A New Role In The Burgeoning DCEU" (November 2, 2025)
• ScreenRant - "Batman: Mortal Kombat Star Hopes To Play DCU's Nightwing Or Red Hood" (Undated, similar content to ComicBook)