Summary:
- Kumail Nanjiani to play Booster Gold in a new DC Universe series.
- Booster Gold is a time-traveling hero with comedic and self-serving tendencies.
- The series promises humor and explores themes of identity and heroism.
DC Studios announced today that actor Kumail Nanjiani will portray Booster Gold in a new series for the DC Universe streaming platform. Nanjiani is the latest addition to the expanding DCU cast, joining previously announced projects such as Superman (2025).
Nanjiani is a celebrated actor known for his comedic roles in HBO‘s Silicon Valley and the critically acclaimed film The Big Sick. He will now take on the mantle of Michael Jon Carter, also known as Booster Gold, a character with a unique origin story.
Created by writer and artist Dan Jurgens in 1986, Booster Gold is a former athlete from the future who travels back in time to present day. While his aspirations are to become a celebrated hero, Booster Gold’s motivations are often driven by self-promotion and personal gain. This inherent tension between heroism and self-interest is a core element of the character’s appeal.
In a previous announcement, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn described the Booster Gold series as a “superhero story of imposter syndrome” highlighting the character’s struggle to live up to the expectations of a hero. Gunn also referred to Booster Gold as a “loser from the future,” hinting at the show’s potential for humor alongside its exploration of identity and purpose.
The Booster Gold series is currently under development for HBO Max and is part of DC Studios’ “Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters” initiative. The writing team for the series includes Danny McBride, John Carcieri, and Jeff Fradley, veteran comedic minds known for their work on the HBO series The Righteous Gemstones. Their experience in crafting comedic narratives augurs well for a Booster Gold series that promises to be both humorous and insightful.
Nanjiani’s casting and the assembled creative team suggest an exciting direction for the Booster Gold series. Fans can look forward to this fresh take on the character when the series premieres on the DC Universe streaming platform.
