There’s been lots of talk about who’s playing Batman in the new DCU, though one DC Comics has weighed in on a different vigilante whom many online view as “uncastable”, citing how hard it’s going to be to get the character right. However, one fan-cast for none other than Nightwing is admittedly quite exciting (and Tom Taylor agrees).
Naturally, Nightwing fans want to see the perfect balance of his charm, athleticism, leadership, and emotional depth in live-action. For many, that has made Nightwing feel “uncastable” in live-action (Brenton Thwaites’ version of Nightwing on HBO’s Titans arguably came close, but wasn’t quite there). However, perhaps this new fan-cast for Nightwing supported by Tom Taylor, could hit the mark.
Tom Taylor Likes The Idea Of Manny Jacinto As The DCU’s Nightwing
As the DC Comics writer most associated and credited with the depiction of Nightwing in modern-day, Tom Taylor feels like a pretty good authority on who could play a good Dick Grayson in the DCU.
As such, it was pretty exciting to see Taylor in support of a recent fancast calling for actor Manny Jacinto to play Nightwing in the newly rebooted DC Universe on Threads (the idea first coming from user @babsdraws).
The “uncastable” label given to Nightwing online primarily comes from the long list of expectations fans have based on how Dick Grayson has long been depicted on the page.
He’s gotta look like a handsome and charismatic Olympic gymnast, fight just as good as Batman, inspire like Superman, lead like Captain America, and have both the wit and moves of Spider-Man…but not too bright or positive at the same time.
That said, Manny Jacinto may indeed have what it takes to provide the Nightwing fans are looking for (and Taylor’s endorsement is pretty great to have).
Why Manny Jacinto Would Be Perfect As Dick Grayson aka Nightwing
Physically, Manny Jacinto already checks a lot of the boxes fans have for Nightwing. He’s tall, athletic, good-looking, and carries himself with natural confidence.
More importantly, he moves well and has proven that he can tackle very physical roles. That matters for Nightwing quite a bit. After all, Dick Grayson’s combat style as Nightwing is all about speed, agility, and athletics, given his circus past as a trapeze artist.
Jacinto’s recent Star Wars role as The Stranger in The Acolyte proved he can handle intense, physical choreography. Likewise, the darker role showed that Jacinto can bring the right amount of emotional intensity, while also being dynamically charismatic, having been viewed as one of the show’s most engaging characters.
Combined with his other beloved role as Jason Mendoza on The Good Place, Jacinto has also proven he can balance brighter and more humorous moments as well, with Dick Grayson’s more positive personality compared to Batman’s. All things considered, Manny Jacinto does seem like a solid solution to the “Nightwing is uncastable” arguments online, and Tom Taylor clearly agrees.
Source: Threads/@tomtaylormade
- Created By
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Edmond Hamilton, Curt Swan, Marv Wolfman, George Perez
- Alias
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Dick Grayson
- Alliance
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Teen Titans, Titans, Outsiders, Justice League, Batman Inc., Birds of Prey, Young Justice
- Race
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Human
- Franchise
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D.C.
