Comic book writer Scott Beatty has thrown actor Hudson Williams into the conversation for one of DC's most coveted unfilled roles, urging DC Studios co-chief James Gunn to consider casting the Heated Rivalry star as Nightwing in the new DC film universe.
The suggestion, shared through a post on Beatty's personal blog dated 18 February, has quickly gained traction among fans online, reigniting speculation about when — or whether — the character of Dick Grayson will make his cinematic debut under Gunn and producer Peter Safran's leadership. No official casting process or project announcement has been made by DC Studios.
Beatty Backs Hudson Williams For Nightwing Role
In his post, Beatty, who co-wrote the acclaimed Nightwing: Year One comic run alongside Chuck Dixon, addressed Gunn directly: 'James, I think you should give Hudson your active consideration when casting the new DC film universe's Dick Grayson.'
He went on to add that he would be 'more than okay' if the studio adapted Nightwing: Year One as Grayson's cinematic introduction — a storyline depicting the former Robin's transformation into his own hero, away from Batman's shadow.
Beatty's endorsement followed online interest that began after Williams shared a cryptic social media post, reportedly fuelling speculation among fans that he might be eyeing the role. Several entertainment outlets amplified the discussion in the days following Beatty's remarks.
As of Tuesday, DC Studios had not issued a comment or confirmed any casting movement for Nightwing. Gunn, who is known for engaging with fan speculation on social media, has also not publicly acknowledged Beatty's post.
Heated Rivalry Star's Rising Profile
Hudson Williams has gained increasing attention after starring in Heated Rivalry, a Canadian-produced hockey-themed drama that premiered on Crave before being picked up by HBO Max for the US and Australia.
The six-part series follows two rival players whose professional and romantic lives intertwine, with Williams playing one of the central characters, Shane Hollander. The role has been identified by industry publications such as The Hollywood Reporter as a breakout moment for the young actor, whose previous credits were largely in independent films and Canadian television.
Online responses to Beatty's suggestion have been mixed but animated, with fans debating both the actor's suitability and whether Gunn's reshaped DC Universe will even include Nightwing in early phases.
Nightwing's Film Prospects Remain Uncertain
Warner Bros first announced plans for a live-action Nightwing film back in 2017, attaching The Lego Batman Movie director Chris McKay and screenwriter Bill Dubuque to the project. Despite positive early fan reaction, the film never materialised. In 2021, McKay told IGN that the studio had not cancelled the project outright but had placed it on indefinite hold while broader franchise plans were reassessed.
With Gunn and Safran now overseeing a complete relaunch of the DC Universe, several previously announced projects have been re-evaluated or abandoned altogether. Gunn has said that his vision involves building an interconnected world across film, television, and animation — with a 'detailed world map' of DC lore under development, including key settings such as Gotham and Blüdhaven, Nightwing's fictional home city.
Beatty's blog post did not claim any knowledge of current studio plans. However, his reference to Nightwing: Year One pointed out the storyline's value as a potential blueprint, charting Dick Grayson's emotional and ideological separation from Batman and his struggle to establish a new identity.
Industry observers note that Beatty's comments, while not an official endorsement from DC Studios, carry symbolic weight given his authorship of one of the character's best-known modern arcs.
What's Confirmed — And What Isn't
No DCU film or television project has been officially announced for Nightwing, and Gunn has not indicated publicly that casting for Dick Grayson is under way. Beatty's comments, while notable because of his authorship credit on Nightwing: Year One, remain an endorsement rather than evidence of any studio decision.
For now, the only clear, attributable development is Beatty's public recommendation of Williams and his openness to seeing Nightwing: Year One adapted as a film introduction for the character. Whether DC Studios acts on that suggestion is unknown.
