5 Actors Who Should Play Brainiac In The DCU
By Jay Burdett
December 6th, 2025
Casting is probably one of the most overlooked processes of a film/television show’s development in terms of appreciation from those outside the business.
When casting is done wrong, we kind of shrug it off. Instead we focus our attention on other more glaring reasons why the movie/TV show sucked, like the quality of the acting or the cinematography, seemingly forgetting that casting probably played a part in the dismal performance of the film/TVshow.
And when casting is done right, we normally all gather round the actor and congratulate them on a fantastic performance and interpretation of that character. These aren’t empty flowers, those praises are well deserved, but then where is that same love for the casting agent who found them and knew that performance was in the actor.
For example, it's pretty safe to say that Marvel nails its casting choices for heroes, only ever recasting two actors due to changing their mind on that actor's performance, but can you tell me the person who cast all these actors perfectly into their roles? No? Her name is Sarah Halley Finn and you should go on social media now and give her a digital hug for the work she has done helping to shape and build your favourite characters and films.
Like I said, casting is an art. So, with the new DCU taking successful fresh steps forward, James Gunn confirming that SUPERMAN: MAN OF TOMORROW is currently more than just an idea in his head now, and with the big hint from his photos that BRAINIAC is going to be the villain of the film, that’s got me wondering; Who should play Brainiac?
James Gunn is also a person who has a knack of casting the right person for the right role, however, he likes to stick to a certain portfolio of actors in his contact book, so the first person that comes to mind is…
When casting is done wrong, we kind of shrug it off. Instead we focus our attention on other more glaring reasons why the movie/TV show sucked, like the quality of the acting or the cinematography, seemingly forgetting that casting probably played a part in the dismal performance of the film/TVshow.
And when casting is done right, we normally all gather round the actor and congratulate them on a fantastic performance and interpretation of that character. These aren’t empty flowers, those praises are well deserved, but then where is that same love for the casting agent who found them and knew that performance was in the actor.
For example, it's pretty safe to say that Marvel nails its casting choices for heroes, only ever recasting two actors due to changing their mind on that actor's performance, but can you tell me the person who cast all these actors perfectly into their roles? No? Her name is Sarah Halley Finn and you should go on social media now and give her a digital hug for the work she has done helping to shape and build your favourite characters and films.
Like I said, casting is an art. So, with the new DCU taking successful fresh steps forward, James Gunn confirming that SUPERMAN: MAN OF TOMORROW is currently more than just an idea in his head now, and with the big hint from his photos that BRAINIAC is going to be the villain of the film, that’s got me wondering; Who should play Brainiac?
James Gunn is also a person who has a knack of casting the right person for the right role, however, he likes to stick to a certain portfolio of actors in his contact book, so the first person that comes to mind is…
Dave Bautista
Dave is an extremely versatile actor with a body of work boasting roles as different as his famously silly ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ role (that links him to Mr Gunn), to his egotistical influencer Duke Cody character in ‘Glass Onion’, to what some are calling an Oscar worthy dramatic performance as Eddie in ‘The Last Showgirl’.
Dave certainly looks the part already with his smooth topped dome and imposingly stoic face. And don't forget how intimidating this man can be. Having already worked with James Gunn I believe a fantastic portrayal of the obsessive, hyper intelligent villain could certainly be pulled out of Dave and be put onto our screens. For me, Dave is a fairly safe bet but he may be too safe an option. Unlike my wildcard pick...
Dave certainly looks the part already with his smooth topped dome and imposingly stoic face. And don't forget how intimidating this man can be. Having already worked with James Gunn I believe a fantastic portrayal of the obsessive, hyper intelligent villain could certainly be pulled out of Dave and be put onto our screens. For me, Dave is a fairly safe bet but he may be too safe an option. Unlike my wildcard pick...
Alan Tudyk
Not much is known about how Brainiac will be portrayed but there is certainly an argument for a heavy amount of CGI or an animatronic model to physically portray the robot villain, leaving plenty of options open for voice actors.
Following in the footsteps of actors in James Gunn’s little black book, we have Alan Tudyk. This man is a brilliant chameleon when it comes to acting, especially his voice acting roles. Here are some DC characters he has already voiced:
And he is also the voice of K-2SO in STAR WARS. Look at that range, man. And let’s not forget his actual acting chops. His most notable role being his portrayal of Harry in ‘Resident Alien’ for 4 seasons. An alien with the sole purpose to destroy the human race who hides amongst humans and begins questioning the morality of his mission. This series alone should show you how well he would fit the part of a non-human entity interacting with humanity and being completely removed to the issues he is causing.
Listen to his darkest moments playing Doctor Phosphorus or Mr Nobody. Alan can channel a cold, unfeeling being that sends shivers down my spine. With that vocal versatility he would actually be my personal top choice for the part out of the James Gunn book.
Following in the footsteps of actors in James Gunn’s little black book, we have Alan Tudyk. This man is a brilliant chameleon when it comes to acting, especially his voice acting roles. Here are some DC characters he has already voiced:
- Superman
- Superman Robot 4/Gary
- The Flash
- Green Arrow
- Mr Nobody
- Joker
- Clayface
- Doctor Phosphorus
And he is also the voice of K-2SO in STAR WARS. Look at that range, man. And let’s not forget his actual acting chops. His most notable role being his portrayal of Harry in ‘Resident Alien’ for 4 seasons. An alien with the sole purpose to destroy the human race who hides amongst humans and begins questioning the morality of his mission. This series alone should show you how well he would fit the part of a non-human entity interacting with humanity and being completely removed to the issues he is causing.
Listen to his darkest moments playing Doctor Phosphorus or Mr Nobody. Alan can channel a cold, unfeeling being that sends shivers down my spine. With that vocal versatility he would actually be my personal top choice for the part out of the James Gunn book.
Chukwudi Iwuji
Further into the little black book of fantastic actors at Mr Gunn’s disposal is Chukwudi Iwuji. I have thrown his name into the running for a simple reason; he has played this part before in a James Gunn film.
In Guardians of the Galaxy 3 Chukwudi plays ‘The High Evolutionary’. An alien-cyborg scientist seeking to forcibly enhance all living beings to his standard. He lacks sympathy, empathy and only sees his vision as correct, not remotely hesitant in causing mass genocide to try and solve any small issue he has. Brainiac is parallel to all of these things in his own character.
Chukwudi has played another alien for James Gunn as Ik Nobe Lok, the black ops agent possessed by a rogue alien butterfly who wishes to stop the takeover of Earth by his race, and he absolutely steals the show in that first season of ‘Peacemaker’. Chukwudi would thrive in this part and already has something none of the other picks on this list have; proof that they can play this role.
Now, let’s put the book down and look outside of James Gunn’s usual casting net. I have a couple of choices that I would like to put forward as my picks for Brainiac.
In Guardians of the Galaxy 3 Chukwudi plays ‘The High Evolutionary’. An alien-cyborg scientist seeking to forcibly enhance all living beings to his standard. He lacks sympathy, empathy and only sees his vision as correct, not remotely hesitant in causing mass genocide to try and solve any small issue he has. Brainiac is parallel to all of these things in his own character.
Chukwudi has played another alien for James Gunn as Ik Nobe Lok, the black ops agent possessed by a rogue alien butterfly who wishes to stop the takeover of Earth by his race, and he absolutely steals the show in that first season of ‘Peacemaker’. Chukwudi would thrive in this part and already has something none of the other picks on this list have; proof that they can play this role.
Now, let’s put the book down and look outside of James Gunn’s usual casting net. I have a couple of choices that I would like to put forward as my picks for Brainiac.
Matt Smith
This guy. This guy took over the role of The Doctor in ‘Doctor Who’ off following David Tennant, who is probably the best portrayal of The Doctor ever, and Matt made an extremely strong case as to why he should be considered the best portrayal of the role. He has this ability to be multiple things at once. Young and old. Joyful and full of rage. Empathetic and completely detached.
Since that role I think he has been done dirty by the movie industry appearing in some awful films, however there are parts he has been given where we can see the versatility of this great actor. Jack in 'Last Night in Soho' is a fantastically scary character who flips from good to bad in a matter of seconds. It could be argued his 2 season run as Philip in 'The Crown' is also a good example of an alien detached from the reality of the people of planet Earth.
Smith has the unusual advantage of being someone most known for playing a great childhood hero. If he were then to be pivoted into being an infamous childhood villain that would automatically peak a lot of people’s interest in the film and add another layer to his performance. And ask any fan of Matt Smith, they wouldn’t be watching to see if he could do it, they would be watching to just see how he would do it.
Since that role I think he has been done dirty by the movie industry appearing in some awful films, however there are parts he has been given where we can see the versatility of this great actor. Jack in 'Last Night in Soho' is a fantastically scary character who flips from good to bad in a matter of seconds. It could be argued his 2 season run as Philip in 'The Crown' is also a good example of an alien detached from the reality of the people of planet Earth.
Smith has the unusual advantage of being someone most known for playing a great childhood hero. If he were then to be pivoted into being an infamous childhood villain that would automatically peak a lot of people’s interest in the film and add another layer to his performance. And ask any fan of Matt Smith, they wouldn’t be watching to see if he could do it, they would be watching to just see how he would do it.
Hugh Laurie
Age is but a number and I think a 66 year old national treasure like Hugh Laurie can certainly take on this part…and my singular argument for this is ‘HOUSE MD’.
I’m not saying he should just play the part of Greg House as Brainiac. Greg is a wise cracking, funny, manipulative drug addict. But what Greg also is, is intelligent and cold. The most memorable moments of the series are when Greg somehow successfully argues his point on how to treat a patient, showing complete apathy to the dangerous implications and side effects his method would have on the patient’s wellbeing and quality of life. He has a knack of making you understand and consider a terrible choice which, on paper, you would normally dismiss. Now put that through an alien robot that wants to experiment on entire planets.
I think Hugh’s unique selling point to the role is that he would actually make us consider Brainiac’s choices as reasonable on some level. This is something that DC do very well historically (go watch Batman: The Animated Series), so he slides well into their brand and universe’s themes. And what with #ThanosWasRight trending a few years ago, maybe the film could bring about a discussion on who is right? Brainiac or Superman?
Which of these would you have play Brainiac? Or do you think there’s a better casting choice? Let us know in the comments below.
I’m not saying he should just play the part of Greg House as Brainiac. Greg is a wise cracking, funny, manipulative drug addict. But what Greg also is, is intelligent and cold. The most memorable moments of the series are when Greg somehow successfully argues his point on how to treat a patient, showing complete apathy to the dangerous implications and side effects his method would have on the patient’s wellbeing and quality of life. He has a knack of making you understand and consider a terrible choice which, on paper, you would normally dismiss. Now put that through an alien robot that wants to experiment on entire planets.
I think Hugh’s unique selling point to the role is that he would actually make us consider Brainiac’s choices as reasonable on some level. This is something that DC do very well historically (go watch Batman: The Animated Series), so he slides well into their brand and universe’s themes. And what with #ThanosWasRight trending a few years ago, maybe the film could bring about a discussion on who is right? Brainiac or Superman?
Which of these would you have play Brainiac? Or do you think there’s a better casting choice? Let us know in the comments below.
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