Rainn Wilson Reveals Who He Wants To Play In The DC Movie Universe; And He’s Already Reached Out To James Gunn

In the ever-expanding landscape of superhero cinema, where every comic book character seems destined for their moment on the big screen, one unlikely champion has emerged for one of DC’s most underrated heroes. Rainn Wilson, beloved for his portrayal of the eccentric Dwight Schrute on The Office, has set his sights on bringing Plastic Man to life—and he’s already making his case directly to the man who could make it happen.

Rainn Wilson On Plastic Man

Speaking at Fan Expo Chicago in August, Wilson revealed his passionate pitch for a character that captured his imagination as a young comic reader. “I’ve hinted to James several times, like, ‘Hey man, you’ve got to do something with Plastic Man,'” Wilson shared with the enthusiasm of someone who’s clearly given this considerable thought. “He’s one of my favorite DC characters, and I loved him growing up.”

Wilson’s connection to Plastic Man runs deeper than casual fandom. The character, created by Jack Cole in 1941 and later acquired by DC Comics, centers on Patrick “Eel” O’Brian—a former criminal whose life changes dramatically after a chemical plant accident grants him the ability to stretch his body like rubber. It’s a classic redemption story wrapped in rubber-band physics and generous helpings of humor.

What drew Wilson to the character wasn’t just the fantastical abilities, but the tone that set Plastic Man apart from more serious superhero fare. “He had a wicked sense of humor,” Wilson explained. “The Plastic Man comics were very, very funny. That would be a fun one to unearth.”

The Gunn Connection

Wilson’s pitch isn’t just wishful thinking—he has a direct line to the decision-maker. His friendship with James Gunn, now co-head of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, stems from their collaboration on the 2010 dark comedy Super. In that film, Gunn wrote and directed Wilson as Frank Darbo, a religious short-order cook who becomes the violent vigilante known as the Crimson Bolt.

That project showcased Wilson’s ability to blend comedy with superhero elements, creating a character who was simultaneously sympathetic and unhinged. The film’s exploration of what drives ordinary people to don costumes and fight crime provided a perfect testing ground for Wilson’s superhero acting chops—and demonstrated his chemistry with Gunn’s irreverent approach to the genre.

Now, with Gunn in charge of shaping DC’s cinematic future, Wilson sees an opportunity to revisit that creative partnership with a character perfectly suited to both their sensibilities.

Perfect Timing for an Imperfect Hero

The timing for a Plastic Man movie couldn’t be better. Gunn’s vision for the new DC Universe has already shown a willingness to embrace humor and heart alongside spectacular action, as evidenced in his recent Superman reboot. Wilson, who has seen the film, praised Gunn’s approach: “I thought that the LexCorp or LuthorCorp or whatever in the movie was great, how James created that as a big, monolithic, corporate entity. That was pretty cool.”

Plastic Man represents an untapped vein in superhero storytelling—a character whose abilities are inherently comedic but whose story carries genuine emotional weight. The transformation from criminal to hero offers rich material for character development, while the stretching powers provide endless opportunities for visual comedy that would benefit from Gunn’s knack for balancing humor with heart.

Wilson’s enthusiasm extends beyond just wanting to play the role himself. “I would be a fan even if I wasn’t in it,” he admitted. “I would love to watch that… And play him.” This genuine love for the character suggests Wilson understands what makes Plastic Man special—it’s not just about getting a superhero role, but about bringing a unique comic book creation to life in a way that honors its comedic roots.

The Case for Comedic Heroics

In a superhero landscape increasingly dominated by world-ending stakes and cosmic threats, Plastic Man offers something different: street-level heroics with a smile. The character’s criminal background provides built-in conflict and relatability, while his rubber-based powers open up storytelling possibilities that no other hero can offer.

Wilson’s comedy background makes him an ideal candidate to navigate the tonal challenges such a project would require. His experience creating memorable characters who are simultaneously ridiculous and genuine—from Dwight’s beet-farming intensity to Frank Darbo’s misguided heroism—demonstrates his ability to find humanity in extreme personalities.

A Fan’s Passionate Advocacy

What makes Wilson’s campaign for Plastic Man particularly compelling is its authenticity. This isn’t a calculated career move or an attempt to jump on the superhero bandwagon. Instead, it’s a lifelong fan advocating for a character he genuinely loves, backed by the creative relationships and proven track record to potentially make it happen.

Wilson’s repeated hints to Gunn show the kind of persistent enthusiasm that great projects often require. Sometimes the best pitches come not from boardrooms or formal meetings, but from friends who share a vision for bringing something special to audiences.

The Broader Implications

A Plastic Man movie would represent more than just another entry in the DC canon—it would signal the studio’s commitment to exploring the full range of their comic book catalog. Characters like Plastic Man prove that superhero stories don’t all need to follow the same template, and that comedy can coexist with heroism without diminishing either.

Wilson’s pitch also highlights the importance of matching the right actor with the right character. His combination of comedic timing, dramatic range, and genuine passion for the source material creates the kind of perfect storm that often leads to memorable superhero portrayals.

As Gunn continues building his vision for the DC Universe, Wilson’s enthusiasm for Plastic Man serves as a reminder that sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected places. Whether or not the pitch succeeds, Wilson’s advocacy for this rubber-bodied hero demonstrates the kind of creative passion that makes superhero storytelling special.

In a genre that can sometimes take itself too seriously, perhaps what we need is more heroes who can literally bend over backward to save the day—and make us laugh while doing it. Rainn Wilson clearly thinks so, and frankly, his enthusiasm is pretty stretchy… in the best possible way.