In the ever-evolving landscape of James Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe (DCU), a persistent and intriguing rumor has resurfaced among fans and insiders: the possibility that Rick Flag Jr., the fallen military leader from The Suicide Squad, could return from the dead—not as himself, but transformed into one of DC Comics’ most powerful heroes, Captain Atom. This bold twist would merge two distinct characters, leveraging the government-controlled origins of both to create a new dynamic in the franchise.
Rick Flag Jr., portrayed by Joel Kinnaman in the previous DCEU, met his end in James Gunn’s 2021 film The Suicide Squad, killed by Peacemaker (John Cena) under Amanda Waller’s orders. His death was confirmed as canon in the current DCU, with Gunn emphasizing that the character is “dead” in this continuity. However, the franchise’s interconnected nature—spanning live-action films, HBO Max series, and animation—has fueled speculation that Flag’s story isn’t over. Fan theories, circulating on platforms like Reddit and X since as early as 2022 and gaining traction again in 2025-2026, propose that a government agency (likely tied to Waller or a rival faction) recovers Flag’s body and subjects it to experimental resurrection. This process would transform him into Captain Atom, a metallic-skinned powerhouse capable of manipulating quantum energy, absorbing massive power, and posing a threat even to Superman.
The idea draws from Captain Atom’s comic book origins. Nathaniel Adam, the primary version of the character, was a U.S. Air Force officer who volunteered for a secret experiment involving an alien ship and nuclear detonation. The blast fused him with quantum energy, granting him near-limitless power, flight, energy projection, and invulnerability—but also trapping him in a metallic shell. Over time, Adam became a reluctant government asset, often used as a weapon against other heroes. The rumored twist would repurpose Flag’s military background and tragic death to serve as the catalyst for this rebirth, with false memories or implanted directives turning him into a controlled metahuman enforcer.
This concept aligns with several ongoing developments in the DCU. Creature Commandos, the animated series that kicked off the franchise in late 2024, features Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo) leading a black-ops team of monsters and metahumans under Waller’s command. Season 1 explored government mistrust of uncontrolled superhumans, a theme echoed in Peacemaker Season 2 (2025) and Superman (2025). Recent rumors from late 2025 indicate that Creature Commandos Season 2 (in production as of early 2026) will introduce Captain Atom as a recurring character—specifically the Nathaniel Adam version—potentially setting up a live-action debut. Gunn’s emphasis on tight continuity between animation and live-action suggests the voice actor for Captain Atom could transition to the big screen.
Adding fuel to the fire, Gunn has publicly expressed admiration for Captain Atom on social media. In responses to fan questions and posts sharing comic covers (like a recent Superman vs. Captain Atom one-shot), he has called himself a longtime fan without outright confirming plans. This has sparked discussions about Captain Atom’s role as a government counter to uncontrollable heroes like Superman, especially amid rising tensions between metahumans and authorities in the DCU. Some speculate that Flag’s resurrection as Captain Atom could tie into larger storylines, such as a potential Justice League International formation or conflicts involving The Authority.
The appeal of this twist lies in its narrative efficiency and thematic depth. Flag’s death highlighted Waller’s ruthless pragmatism and the expendability of even loyal soldiers. Reviving him as Captain Atom would create a tragic anti-hero: a man who once fought alongside misfits now becomes a symbol of government overreach, his identity erased or altered, his power weaponized. This could explore themes of identity, control, and redemption—core elements in Gunn’s storytelling, seen in Peacemaker and The Suicide Squad. It would also introduce one of DC’s most powerful characters early, capable of challenging Superman in potential future confrontations while tying into Charlton Comics heritage (Captain Atom originated there, like Peacemaker and Blue Beetle, both already in the DCU).
Casting speculation adds another layer of excitement. With Alan Ritchson (Reacher) frequently mentioned as a fan-favorite choice for Captain Atom due to his physique and intensity, the role could be a major get for the franchise. If the rumor holds, Flag’s transformation would require a new actor (or heavy effects) to portray the metallic, quantum-powered hero, distancing him from Kinnaman’s portrayal.
While Gunn has not commented directly on the resurrection theory, the absence of denial—combined with his enthusiasm for Captain Atom and the character’s rumored debut in Creature Commandos Season 2—keeps the speculation alive. The DCU’s interconnected approach means small details in animation could foreshadow massive shifts in live-action projects.
If true, this move would dramatically alter the DCU’s future. Captain Atom’s power level introduces a new tier of threats and allies, potentially reshaping team dynamics, government-hero relations, and even the path to a full Justice League. For now, it’s a rumor that captures the imagination, blending beloved characters in unexpected ways and proving Gunn’s DCU is full of surprises.
As the franchise expands—with Superman setting the stage and animated series building the foundation—fans eagerly await official confirmation. Until then, the idea of Rick Flag rising as Captain Atom remains one of the most tantalizing “what ifs” in superhero storytelling.
