In a bombshell development that’s rippling through Tinseltown and comic book circles alike, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has extended an official invitation to Shazam! star Asher Angel to don the iconic Nightwing suit in the burgeoning DC Universe. The move, whispered about in fan forums and industry backchannels for months, has catapulted the 22-year-old actor into the spotlight once more, but his response—a mix of humble enthusiasm and unexpected candor—has left Hollywood insiders scratching their heads and fans buzzing with a cocktail of excitement and disbelief.
Gunn, the visionary behind the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise and the architect of the DCU’s ambitious reboot, has been methodically assembling his roster of heroes since taking the reins at DC Studios alongside Peter Safran. Nightwing, aka Dick Grayson—the acrobatic former Robin turned independent vigilante—looms large in the Bat-Family lore, with expectations high for his debut in projects like the long-gestating The Brave and the Bold or a potential Teen Titans adaptation. Angel, who first captured audiences as the youthful Billy Batson in the 2019 Shazam! and its 2023 sequel Fury of the Gods, has long been a fan-favorite fancast for the role. His boyish charm, athletic build, and prior DC experience make him a natural fit, especially as Gunn has signaled openness to repurposing DCEU talent in fresh capacities, much like Jason Momoa’s pivot from Aquaman to Lobo.
The invitation reportedly came during a private meeting shrouded in secrecy, where Gunn pitched Angel on embodying Grayson’s evolution from circus acrobat to Gotham’s dark knight successor. Sources close to the production describe the encounter as electric, with Gunn praising Angel’s potential to bring a youthful vigor to Nightwing’s blend of optimism, leadership, and brooding intensity. But it was Angel’s reply that truly stunned the room. “Nightwing’s my dream role—I’ve been watching fancasts obsessively, and yeah, that’s the one,” he reportedly said, before pausing dramatically. “But only if I can flip like a real gymnast, no CGI crutches. And honestly? I’d kill to team up with a Batman who’s got that classic edge, not some watered-down version.”
Fans erupted online, flooding X (formerly Twitter) with reactions ranging from ecstatic memes to heated debates. “Asher as Nightwing? Gunn’s cooking something legendary,” one user posted, while others fretted over his DCEU ties potentially clashing with the DCU’s clean slate. Insiders, speaking off the record, were equally floored by Angel’s bold stipulations. In an era where green screens dominate superhero spectacles, his demand for authentic acrobatics harks back to the practical stunt work of classics like the 1990s Batman films, signaling a performer unafraid to push physical boundaries. “It’s jaw-dropping because it’s so refreshingly real,” one executive noted. “Most actors would jump at the gig without questions; Angel’s reply shows he’s thinking legacy.”
This isn’t Angel’s first flirtation with the role. Back in May 2024, he ignited speculation by posting a Nightwing GIF on social media, fueling rumors of inside knowledge. More recently, in September 2025 interviews, he doubled down, admitting Nightwing tops his wishlist amid a sea of actors like Derek Luh and Drake Rodger vying for the part. Gunn’s track record—reviving Peacemaker and delivering a Superman that nods to Nightwing lore via subtle Easter eggs—suggests he’s listening to fan desires while crafting interconnected narratives.
Yet, the shockwaves extend beyond casting chatter. Angel’s comments subtly shade potential Batman iterations, echoing fan frustrations with past portrayals that strayed from the source material. As The Brave and the Bold inches toward production under director Andy Muschietti, questions swirl: Will Angel’s conditions reshape Nightwing’s introduction? Could this lead to crossovers blending Bat-Family dynamics with broader DCU threats? Hollywood’s rumor mill churns with possibilities, including a Bludhaven-set solo outing or Teen Titans team-up that showcases Angel’s flips firsthand.
For Angel, this could redeem his Shazam arc, which suffered from sequel backlash and superhero fatigue woes. “I’m open to anything DC throws my way,” he’s said previously, but his “dream role” retort elevates the stakes. Fans and insiders alike are speechless, not just at the invite, but at how Angel’s unfiltered passion might redefine DC’s future. As Gunn’s DCU hurtles forward—post-Superman triumph and amid Chapter One’s “Gods and Monsters” rollout—this Nightwing saga promises flips, drama, and perhaps a hero who soars higher than expected. Stay tuned; Gotham’s shadows are about to get a lot more acrobatic.
