9 Directors Who Could Superpower The DCEU

Joel Edgerton
Best known for: “The Gift”
Intriguing properties: “Justice League,” “Justice League Dark”
Making the case: Edgerton surprised many with his already underrated original thriller “The Gift” in 2015. He was impressive enough that Focus brought him on board to helm their highly anticipated adaptation “Boy Erased” for 2018. The Aussie has shown little interest in jumping into the true studio system as a director (he’s also co-written the independently financed “The Rover” and “Jane Got A Gun”), but after “Erased” perhaps he’d consider it for creative reasons? It’s unclear if a “JL” sequel will ever happen, but his talents would certainly make his take on “Justice League Dark” worth being invested in.
Availability: He’s currently free after “Erased” is completed, but he is still prolific in front of the camera having filmed three movies over the past year or so before his return to directing.

Alex Garland
Best known for: “Ex-Machina”
Intriguing properties: “Justice League Dark,” “Cyborg,” “New Gods”
Making the case: Garland has his adaptation of “Annihilation” arriving in February which is his second sci-fi film as a writer/director in a row. Of course, he’s also set the stage as a screenwriter with “28 Days Later” and “Never Let Me Go” to his credit. Many consider “Ex-Machina” a modern classic so, like Christopher Nolan with “Batman Begins,” WB may have to offer him a property he can create his own world with to get him into the fold. Something like a “New Gods” movie might intrigue him, but like many on this list WB would have to really let him have (somewhat) free reign. (And if he could bring along recent producing partner Scott Rudin to have his back? That probably wouldn’t hurt either.)
Availability: Seemingly available.

Justin Simien
Best known for: “Dear White People” (movie and TV series)
Intriguing properties: “Cyborg,” “Justice League Dark,” “Birds of Prey,” “Green Lantern Corps”
Making the case: Simien may seem like a strange choice having only the original “DWP” movie and a season of the Netflix television adaptation under his belt, but underestimating him would be a mistake. Simien already joined rare company in transforming his original creation into something even more impactful in its second iteration. He’s also already a master at weaving multiple storylines, drawing out multi-layered characters in just a few scenes and balancing the necessary elements for a good dramedy. “Cyborg” is probably a little too on the nose (unless he welcomes the challenge), but any ensemble movie such as “Dark,” “Prey” or “GLC” is right up his alley.
Availability: It’s been announced that Simien will write and direct the horror satire “Bad Hair” that will likely film after season two of “Dear White People” wraps. Is he free following that? Or after a third “DWP” season? Can’t hurt for WB to ask.

What do you think of these potential DCU auteur directors? Who would you add to the mix?