Billy Magnussen Discusses Booster Gold Fan-Casting: “There’s this weird red tape around it”

The DC Universe has numerous projects in the pipeline, including a TV series centered on Booster Gold. Currently, we have little information about the show other than its announcement, but James Gunn has stated that just because something is announced doesn’t guarantee it will be released.

A few months ago, credible sources began reporting that Eternals star Kumail Nanjiani was cast in the role, which disappointed some fans who felt he didn’t physically match the character.

This speculation is particularly heightened given that fans have favored actors like Antony Starr and Chris Pratt for the role. Nanjiani has frequently been seen with James Gunn and the Superman cast at various events, fueling further rumors.

Recently, James Gunn shared an image showcasing the confirmed roles for the DC Universe, which included Nanjiani as Booster Gold. When asked if this was a confirmation of Nanjiani’s casting, Gunn responded with a clear “no.”

Currently, the status of Booster Gold remains uncertain. However, one frequently fan-cast actor, Billy Magnussen, recently shared some disappointing news regarding his own casting rumors.

Magnussen, known for his roles as Prince Anders in Disney’s Aladdin (2019) and A.C. in The Many Saints of Newark (2021), has demonstrated his versatility in both musical and dramatic roles. He has also appeared in notable films and series like Game Night, Into the Woods, and Sorry for Your Loss.

Currently starring in HBO’s The Franchise, Magnussen discussed the Booster Gold role during an appearance on The Kristina Harloff Show. Given his connection with HBO, which is owned by Warner Bros., he revealed something surprising:

Yeah. That’s funny. I’ve been aware of Booster, probably at the beginning of the whole superhero movement. I’m trying to make a push.

When asked if he was actively pursuing the role, Magnussen admitted that he isn’t pushing for it at the moment, as he doesn’t feel particularly connected to that world.

I’m not in that world. There’s this weird red tape around it to get into it. It’s really weird. I don’t know. I’ve just never been able to crack that nut with it.

The actor also revealed that he has never discussed the role with James Gunn and isn’t even sure if Gunn is aware of his existence.

I don’t even know if [Gunn] knows I exist so… […] I think there’s been an opportunity when I was younger. That was like, again, if you get a chance to put on a cape, I think you should be specific about it. You only get one really. Unless you’re like Chris Evans. How do they keep repeating them? Even Doom and stuff like that.

Magnussen concluded the interview by remarking on how Hollywood is a tightly-knit community, emphasizing that once you’re in, it’s much easier to stay, but getting in can be quite challenging if you’re on the outside.

What are your thoughts on Magnussen as Booster Gold? Share your opinions in the comments below!