One DCEU villain deserves another chance in theDCUafterThe Suicide Squadkilled them off unceremoniously. The DCU’s worldbuilding is moving forward at a rapid pace with James Gunn’sSupermanandPeacemakerin 2025, followed byCraig Gillespie’sSupergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, James Watkins’Clayface, andLanternsin 2026. Dozens of new characters are establishing themselves in this new universe, anda few DCEU portrayals have found a new homein the DCU.
Speaking toScreenRant’s Liam Crowley,Captain Boomerang actor Jai Courtney expressed a strong interest in returningas a DC character if given the chance, though he also confirmed that he hasn’t discussed a DCU role with James Gunn.While open to playing a different role in the DCU, Courtney admitted he was“sad to give [Boomerang] up”and would gladly reprise the part. If that were to happen, then Courtney would return as Digger Harkness at least five years after his last appearance.
Jai Courtney’s Captain Boomerang Portrayal Was Surprisingly Good
The DCEU’s Captain Boomerang Was A Highlight Of Suicide Squad
David Ayer’sSuicide Squadmarked the live-action, big-screen debut of several DC villains and anti-heroes. Will Smith’s Deadshot, Cara Delevigne’s Enchantress, and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje’s Killer Croc were all inspired portrayals, but Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn and Jai Courtney’s Captain Boomerang stole the spotlight.Aside from their strong performances, Robbie’s Harley and Courtney’s Boomerang perfectly matched the film’s comedic tone.
Jai Courtney leaned into Captain Boomerang’s chaotic nature and gave the character a playful edge that helped him stand out amid a crowded ensemble. Courtney’s Boomerang struck a balance between menace and comic relief in a way that Jared Leto’s Joker struggled, and he captured the essence of a dangerous but human criminal who thrives on anarchy without tipping into caricature. Even though he had limited screentime, Courtney put forward a memorable first portrayal of a Flash villain on the big screen.
The DCEU Largely Wasted Jai Courtney’s Captain Boomerang
Captain Boomerang Was Killed Off In Minutes During His Second Appearance
Despite being one of the highlights of David Ayer’sSuicide Squad, Captain Boomerang had little impact on the plot.“Boomer” repeatedly skipped Task Force X’s battles until the Squad’s battle against Incubus and Enchantress forced him to take his duties seriously.Birds of Preyrevealed he escaped Belle Reve off-screen, and he then joined Amanda Waller’s second Task Force X, only to die at the beginning of their first mission duringThe Suicide Squad’s opening sequence. What’s worse,Jai Courtney’s Captain Boomerang only met Ezra Miller’s Flashin a briefSuicide Squadflashback scene.
Captain Boomerang barely got to use his iconic weapons inSuicide SquadandThe Suicide Squad.
Captain Boomerang is one of the most frequently recurring members of the Suicide Squad in the source material, and he’s one of the most prominent members of the Flash’s rogue gallery. Digger Harkness is usually an interesting team player, as he’s a strong asset despite his lack of metahuman powers and his simple gimmicks, but he’s often a treacherous villain with selfish intentions. Since Captain Boomerang isn’t particularly powerful, it’s his cunning that makes him a threat to the Flash and the Suicide Squad’s enemies.
Jai Courtney’s Captain Boomerang Fits James Gunn’s Plans For The DCU
Captain Boomerang’s Return Wouldn’t Interfere With The DCU Reboot
Jai Courtney’s Captain Boomerang met a brutal end inThe Suicide Squad, and the DCU is moving away from the DCEU. However, several DCEU actors are reprising their roles in the DCU as slightly altered versions of their former characters, despite the continuity reboot.Projects likeCreature Commandos,Peacemaker, andWallermay imply that the events ofThe Suicide Squadstill hold weight in the new timeline, much likeThe Suicide Squadsubtly acknowledgedSuicide Squad. But with both films’ canon status left deliberately vague, Captain Boomerang’s death could be retroactively changed or reinterpreted as well.
The DCU is laying the groundwork for a sprawling universe from its very first chapter. Captain Boomerang doesn’t need to be reintroduced through theSuicide Squad; he could appear elsewhere with a similar backstory and skill set. While Rick Flag Jr. appears to have died in the DCU timeline too, Jai Courtney’s Boomerang could exist as a survivor from a past version of Task Force X under Amanda Waller, as well as a long-standing Flash villain.
