The DC Universe (DCU) is home to a vast array of heroes, villains, and complex characters, but not all of them leave a lasting impression. While some roles in DC films have earned iconic status, others fade into cinematic obscurity due to rushed introductions, lackluster development, or simply poor execution. The success or failure of a superhero movie is often tied to how well its characters are portrayed, yet the DC cinematic landscape is littered with forgettable figures who didn’t make the impact they deserved.
Here’s a look at 10 of the most forgettable characters from DC movies, who were overshadowed by better-developed roles or merely suffered from unfortunate writing and direction.
10. Katana – Suicide Squad (2016)
In one of the most controversial entries in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), Suicide Squad introduced a host of colorful characters, but Katana’s role barely made a mark. Played by Karen Fukuhara, Katana was introduced with an awkwardly forced line from Rick Flagg: “This is Katana, she’s got my back. I would avoid not getting killed by her; her sword traps the souls of its victims.” Sadly, that over-explanation ended up being her biggest moment in the film. With minimal screen time and little impact on the plot, Katana quickly became one of the film’s most forgettable characters.
9. Slipknot – Suicide Squad (2016)
Another underwhelming character from Suicide Squad, Slipknot (played by Adam Beach), is barely a footnote in the film. Introduced as “the man who can climb anything,” he serves no greater purpose than to act as the first to meet his demise when he tries to escape the team, leading to his bomb being detonated. With no character development and a role reduced to a mere plot device, Slipknot’s brief and forgettable appearance did little to add to the movie.
8. Ross Webster – Superman III (1983)
In Superman III, Ross Webster, played by Robert Vaughn, serves as a corporate villain with a confusing and unoriginal scheme. Webster’s character, a villainous CEO who squares off against Superman, pales in comparison to the far more memorable Lex Luthor. His presence in the film is overshadowed by Richard Pryor’s comic relief character and the more intriguing subplot of Superman turning evil. Ross Webster ultimately joins the ranks of forgettable DC villains.
7. Laurel Hedare – Catwoman (2004)
Catwoman, a notorious failure in the DC film catalog, features Sharon Stone as the villain Laurel Hedare. A beauty industry magnate, Hedare’s convoluted plot involves framing the titular character for murder after being replaced by a younger woman. Though she is portrayed as having super-durable skin, her overall role and powers are not enough to make her memorable. The film’s chaotic tone and reliance on absurd CGI sequences leave Hedare as just another forgettable antagonist in a poorly executed movie.
6. Victor Zsasz – Batman Begins (2005)
Victor Zsasz is a well-known Batman villain in the comics, but his portrayal in Batman Begins is disappointing. Cast as one of Carmine Falcone’s henchmen, Zsasz is a clinically insane serial killer with a penchant for marking his kills, yet the film offers little exploration of his character. His role is reduced to a generic thug, leaving fans wishing for a more faithful, compelling version of the character.
5. Renee Montoya – Birds of Prey (2020)
Birds of Prey features a large ensemble cast, yet Renee Montoya, played by Rosie Perez, is one of the most underdeveloped characters in the film. Despite her origins as a standout character in Batman: The Animated Series, Montoya is reduced to a cynical, alcoholic detective with a generic personality. With Harley Quinn stealing the spotlight, Montoya’s role feels inconsequential, leaving her as one of the least memorable members of the Birds of Prey.
4. Batgirl – Batman & Robin (1997)
Batgirl, portrayed by Alicia Silverstone in Batman & Robin, is an unfortunate casualty of the film’s campy and incoherent narrative. Introduced at the last minute, Batgirl is re-imagined as Alfred’s niece rather than Commissioner Gordon’s daughter, with no real motivation or background. She lacks the training and experience typically associated with the character, and her role seems more like an afterthought than a meaningful inclusion in the story.
3. Mongal – The Suicide Squad (2021)
James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad featured a massive roster of villains, and while many characters had standout moments, Mongal failed to leave a lasting impression. Despite her status as one of the most powerful members of the team, she barely receives any character development. Mongal rushes into battle, only to meet her end without much fanfare or personality. In a film filled with eccentric characters, Mongal was sadly one of the most forgettable.
2. Lilah Black – Jonah Hex (2010)
Jonah Hex is one of the most obscure DC films, and Lilah Black, played by Megan Fox, epitomizes its forgettability. A prostitute and Jonah Hex’s love interest, Lilah serves little purpose other than to be kidnapped, driving the plot forward as a mere plot device. Megan Fox’s performance was widely criticized, and Lilah Black failed to make any lasting impact on the film, cementing her place as one of DC’s most forgettable characters.
1. Mary Bromfield – Shazam! (2019)
In Shazam!, Mary Bromfield is one of Billy Batson’s foster siblings who gains superpowers when the wizard Shazam splits his magic staff. However, as the oldest sibling, Mary is overshadowed by her more charismatic brothers and sisters. Her personality remains fairly subdued, and her Shazam-powered form doesn’t offer anything particularly unique or memorable. As a result, she becomes one of the most forgettable members of the Shazamily.
While these characters may have had potential, they were either overshadowed by other roles or underdeveloped in their respective films. In the expansive DC Universe, not every hero or villain manages to make the impact that fans hope for, leaving these figures to fade into the background of cinematic history.
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