Despite missing out on Supergirl, Meg Donnelly could still find a role in the DC Universe as another hero. Her casting as another hero would be welcomed by fans and has precedent in the DCU, with several actresses playing iconic roles in the franchise.
Meg Donnelly could still join the DCU as one of the few exciting heroes despite not being cast as the Supergirl.
Despite losing out on the role of Supergirl, that does not mean that Donnelly is done with the DCU. The actress received a lot of praise from fans during the casting process for Supergirl, showing that her casting as another hero would be welcome. Besides, the DCU has already set a precedent for that. Nicholas Hoult first auditioned for Superman, also screen-testing for the role like Donnelly did for Supergirl, before David Corenswet was cast as Clark Kent. Hoult then became Superman: Legacy's Lex Luthor. The same could happen to Donnelly, who could be perfect for multiple DCU characters.
Meg Donnelly could perfectly embody the charming and earnest nature of DCU's Stargirl. Having graced the screens for three seasons with Brec Bassinger, Donnelly's portrayal could introduce the Justice Society of America into the DCU. Her charisma and captivating presence could effortlessly capture the essence of the beloved character.
While Donnelly was not a part of the DCU's Superman family of characters, she could move on to join Batman's corner of the DCU. Batman will debut in The Brave and the Bold, directed by The Flash's Andy Muschietti. Gunn has confirmed that The Brave and the Bold will include the Bat-Family, and Donnelly could deliver a great version of Miss Martian, bringing the wit, grit, confidence, and charm of the character to life in the DCU.
The DCU will be teeming with life from the outset. Superman: Legacy will not delve into the origins of Kal-El's superpowers, with Corenswet's Clark Kent assuming the mantle of Superman for a considerable period. The film will feature an ensemble cast of DCU heroes, hinting at the potential crossover events with the Justice League, The Terrifics, and other teams. Donnelly, as Miss Martian, will ensure a well-rounded representation for the younger generation of the DCU. With her bubbly personality, Donnelly's portrayal of M'gann M'orzz will contribute to the vibrant world-building of the DCU.
Donnelly's The Winchesters and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series roles offer a nice look at the range she has to play Cassie Sandsmark — DC Comics' second Wonder Girl. The Supernatural spinoff showed Donnelly's ability to nail Cassie's authentic personality, confidence, and strong will. However, the High School Musical series saw Donnelly portray the same energetic, outgoing, and charming persona that this version of Wonder Girl is known for. With the Paradise Lost prequel series and Wonder Woman villain Circe confirmed for Creature Commandos, Wonder Girl could be part of the DCU's Wonder Woman plans.While Donnelly's Starfire lost the DCU's Supergirl role to Alcock, there is a way for both actresses to portray different versions of the same character and even interact onscreen. The multiverse's popularity in superhero adaptations allows Donnelly to portray Starfire in the DCU when characters like Superman or the Flash visit Earth-2. Starfire's secret identity is Kara Zor-L, the Earth-2 version of Supergirl.
The DCU will heavily focus on world-building, a secret advantage noted by Gunn. This will allow them to introduce diverse cosmic heroes throughout Chapter One, with Donnelly potentially playing either the warrior or naive sides of the Starfire character depending on the DCU's vision for the character. Additionally, the introduction of the Teen Titans could elevate Starfire to a significant leadership position within the Justice League, echoing the dynamic of the Starfire character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Jurnee Smollett's stellar performance as Black Canary in the DCEU's Birds of Prey was met with acclaim. However, similar to the fate of Sasha Calle's Supergirl, it is unlikely that Smollett's Black Canary and her planned solo movie will translate into a major role in the DCU. This could pave the way for Donnelly to play a younger version of the iconic character, potentially serving as a mentor to Green Arrow. With Black Canary's potential to unite with Green Arrow on the big screen and join the Justice League, it becomes evident why Donnelly's role in The Winchesters showcased her exceptional fighting prowess and deep emotional range, which could seamlessly transfer to the DCU.
Meg Donnelly could potentially be the lead in DC Comics' Magic Corner, showcasing her dramatic range in handling such a heavy topic. With her ability to charm viewers with her acting prowess, she could make Dearden a hero that viewers would find impossible not to root for in the DCU.
Meg Donnelly would be an ideal choice for the role of Ice in the DC Universe. Her captivating portrayal of Zatanna from DC Comics suggests that she possesses the charm, intelligence, and confidence necessary to bring the character to life on-screen. With the DCU's desire to align itself with the rich storytelling of the comics, a magical/supernatural corner is a key element that will be integral to the DCU.
Finally, Meg Donnelly could become a great casting choice to play Ice in the DCU. The character played an integral role in DC Comics' The Human Target limited series, which was written by Tom King, one of the architects of the new DCU, and has been highly praised by James Gunn.
Key Release Dates
Joker: Folie a Deux Release Date: 2024-10-04 Superman: Legacy Release Date: 2025-07-11 The Batman - Part II Release Date: 2025-10-03