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Summary
As James Gunn’sDC Universeprepares for takeoff with the much-awaitedSupermantrailer, it’s not too early for fans to start thinking about long-term franchise plans. Considering the new DC CEO’s love for quirky, offbeat heroes, there’s a character from the comics that’s just begging to be adapted to the screen — with the perfect actor available and interested in playing the role.
Calling Plastic Manthe DC equivalent of Deadpoolwould be reductive, but it’s still the closest comparison. Having first appeared in 1941 and reintroduced by DC Comics in 1966, the small-time crook-turned-stretchable-superhero is practically an icon for bringing slapstick humor into mainstream action storytelling. And there’s no better time than now to bring this entertainer into theDCU, thanks to genuine interest fromSonic the Hedgehog’s voice actor, Ben Schwartz.
Ben Schwartz As Plastic Man In The DCU
Sonic Actor Expresses His Dream
In arecent interview with ComicBook.com, Ben Schwartz opened up about his wish to play Plastic Man in the DCU. The 43-year-old actor drew a compelling parallel to the Marvel Cinematic Universe withRyan Reynolds' Deadpool. And this wasn’t the first time Schwartz has been vocal about his dream to play this comedic hero from DC’s comic library. During thepremiere ofRenfieldin 2023, the actor clearly expressed his intention to make his way into DC’s roster.
I’m actually friends of James. Got to love James Gunn and can’t wait for his Superman too. […] I, of course, love the Marvel Universe, but DC has a character named Plastic Man. You and I have chatted about it. Maybe if we do it enough times. But I always thought that he could be like the Deadpool, that universe.
And it’s not just because ofJames Gunn’s involvement. Schwartz has been making his wishes known since as far back as 2019, whenShazam!was touted as DC’s Deadpool replacement. He’s also shared his interest on social media many times.
Even if Ben Schwartz hadn’t openly announced his dream ofplaying Plastic Man, he would still be the ideal fit for the character. In addition to headlining all threeSonic the Hedgehogfilms as the voice of the titular blue creature, he has proven his comedic chops in live-action through numerous roles.
A Filmography Of Proven Comedic Roles
Ben Schwartz is synonymous with his firecracker role as Jean-Ralphio Saperstein onNBC’s cult-classic sitcomParks and Recreation. He has also made his presence felt with lead roles in series likeHouse of Lies,Space Force, andThe Afterparty. Schwartz’s history with voice acting includes credits likeRandy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja,DuckTales, andRise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. His excellent track record as a comedian, using his physical flexibility and eccentricity to his advantage, makes him the best candidate to play Plastic Man.
Who Is Patrick O’Brian AKA Plastic Man?
For the uninitiated, Plastic Man’s superpowers are much like those ofReed Richards (Mr. Fantastic)or Elastigirl fromThe Incredibles. However, he starts out as a crook named Patrick ‘Eel’ O’Brian. In the original comics by Jack Cole, he gains his powers when he falls into a vat of chemicals. Once he discovers his superhuman stretchability, Patrick denounces his life of crime and takes the side of law and order, becoming the hero Plastic Man. But his change of heart didn’t mean the character lost his signature slapstick humor. In this way, he is much like Deadpool.
Plastic Man Is A Great Fit For James Gunn’s DCU
Gunn’s Love For Offbeat DC Characters
James Gunn’s DCU is expected to give equal importance to unconventional supporting DC heroes as it does to Batman or Superman-level characters. His treatment ofThe Suicide Squadand thespin-off seriesPeacemaker, as well as his blockbuster work in the MCU with theGuardians of the Galaxytrilogy, proves this notion. As a director, Gunn can easily extract a once-in-a-lifetime performance from someone as talented as Ben Schwartz.
Comic Relief In The Justice League
DC is known for its dark and serious heroes and themes, so including a funny character like Plastic Man in the Justice League would work as immense comic relief. The DCU is already taking steps in this direction with the introduction ofMichael Holt (Mr. Terrific) in the upcomingSupermanmovie, played by Edi Gathegi. Mr. Terrific is part of DC’s group calledThe Terrifics, which includes himself, Phantom Girl, Metamorpho, and, of course, Plastic Man. This means that the latter could find his way into the franchise this way, or even through Peacemaker season two, if it isn’t too late.
Has Plastic Man Been In Any DC Film/TV Show?
Previous Appearances And Attempts
So far, there hasn’t been much luck in trying to bring Plastic Man to the big screen, despite multiple attempts to incorporate his character in TV and film. However, he’s been a prominent presence in some animated series as well as video games. Tom Kenny has voiced the rubbery hero in shows likeBatman: The Brave and the Bold. In recent times, actors like John Mulaney were reportedly in consideration for the character.
The Right Actor For The Right Hero
The importance of the right actor finding the right character in a large superhero franchise cannot be understated. Examples like Robert Downey Jr. playingTony Stark (Iron Man)and Ryan Reynolds playing Deadpool have practically built entire sagas by themselves and brought in billions of dollars to the IP. Like Reynolds, who fought hard to getDeadpoolmade, Schwartz' interest and enthusiasm could contribute to the success of a Plastic Man movie.
As it stands, Ben Schwartz playing Patrick O’Brian (Plastic Man) seems like a match for the ages.DCUexecutivesshould take note of the actor’s desire, and not let the potential go to waste.
DC
DC is a brand of superhero comics, television shows, movies, video games, merchandise, and more. The company owns the rights to popular characters like Batman, The Suicide Squad, Green Arrow, Wonder Woman, and many more.
