Why Hawkman Wasn't Included in the Justice League Movie

The absence of Hawkman in the Justice League movie is a subject of curiosity and discussion among fans. Despite his presence in various comic book series and in animated series, the filmmakers made the decision to exclude him from the DCEU (DC Extended Universe) lineup. This article delves into the reasons behind this decision, examining character recognition, story focus, and creative vision.

Character Recognition

One of the primary reasons for the exclusion of Hawkman was his lower level of recognition among mainstream audiences. Characters such as Batman and Wonder Woman, who were selected for the Justice League film, have a well-established fan base and higher visibility. Hawkman, while a significant character in the comics, has not achieved the same level of cultural recognition. This perceived lack of familiarity could have made it challenging to maintain audience interest and engagement if he were included.

Story Focus

The plot of the Justice League movie was intricately designed to center around a specific storyline that would resonate with the audience and keep them engaged. Introducing an additional hero like Hawkman could have added complexity to the narrative and potentially detracted from the main story. The filmmakers needed to ensure that the narrative remained cohesive and manageable within the constraints of a feature film.

Development of Other Characters

At the time of the Justice League movie's release, the filmmakers were prioritizing the development of other characters in their own films or within the extended Justice League lineup. Aquaman and The Flash, who were highly popular in their own right, were given center stage, leaving less room for Hawkman in the immediate cinematic landscape. Moreover, the absence of Batman in the DCEU (Earth-Prime timeline) also played a role in the decision to focus on more prominent and established heroes.

Creative Direction

The DCEU had a specific creative vision and the filmmakers made choices that aligned with this vision. The team and its dynamics were central to the portrayal of the Justice League. Hawkman, while a respected hero, was not deemed to fit this vision. The filmmakers may have felt that incorporating him would have affected the team's chemistry and cohesiveness, thereby undermining the overall narrative structure.

Alternative Options for Hawkman

Instead of being part of the Justice League, Hawkman is often portrayed as part of the Justice Society, a team that predates the Justice League. This suggests that his role in the DCEU might be better served in a different context. Additionally, there is a pending plan to introduce Hawkman in a standalone show, which could serve as a more suitable platform for developing his character and storyline.

Green Arrow's Significance in the DCEU

While we explore Hawkman's absence, it is also worth noting the considerable importance of Green Arrow (Oliver Queen) within the DCEU. According to the comic book universe, Green Arrow might not be as central, but in the cinematic universe, he is undoubtedly a key figure. In the CW's Arrow series, Green Arrow has repeatedly saved the world, playing a more significant role than many might assume. In the DCEU's Earth-Prime timeline, he saved not just Earth, but the entire Multiverse from the Anti-Monitor in Crisis on Infinite Earths. Oliver Queen's actions in the Dawn of Time were pivotal, effectively rebooting and remaking the Multiverse. This feat makes him a character of utmost importance in the DCEU, potentially even more critical than Superman, as his contributions were literally the foundation upon which the DCEU was built.

Therefore, it is clear that while Hawkman's absence from the Justice League film was a strategic decision, Green Arrow's significance and the stories he tells within the DCEU cannot be underestimated. Both characters have distinct roles and importance within the broader universe of DC comics and films.