DC must be trying to capture a little bit of that Game of Thrones magic, because they just cast a second Game of Thrones actor in Justice League. The Wrap revealed Ciaran Hinds will play the villainous Steppenwolf in Justice League. The role is a major one, since Steppenwolf is rumored to be the big bad the Justice League will assemble to face off against during their first team up. Hinds joins the previously cast Jason Momoa, who plays Aquaman, in representing Westeros in the DC universe.
You have to look no further than Hinds' role as Wildling leader Mance Rayder to understand why he will be the perfect Steppenwolf. While most people know Steppenwolf as a rock band, in the DC universe Steppenwolf is one of the New Gods who serves Darkseid (he is Darkseid's uncle in the comics). He is known for his military expertise, impressive strength, and strategic mind. He also has an army of giant, rabid dogs at his disposal, so he is not a guy — err, alien — to be trifled with.
A deleted scene from Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice revealed Lex Luthor speaking with Steppenwolf about the three mother boxes, and although it did not make it into the final cut of the film, the scene will prove crucial to the Justice League plot. These boxes are the DC universe's equivalent to infinity stones and whoever holds all three will gain immense power. With Steppenwolf after the mother boxes, the Justice League have the perfect excuse to team up and save all of their respective realms.
Thanks to Game of Thrones, Hinds has experience playing a charismatic leader with excellent tactical instincts. As Mance, Hinds had to gather a group of people who were notorious for resisting leadership of any kind, and mobilize them to attack The Wall. If he brings the same strength to the role of Steppenwolf, then the Justice League is in for a major fight.
Do not go into Justice League expecting to see Hinds himself onscreen, though. The role of Steppenwolf is motion captured since the character is not human. He is meant to be physically large, imposing, and alien, so Hinds will have to convey the character's menace through his booming voice. I suspect that will not be a problem for Hinds whose career is full of characters who exude strength an authority.
In addition to Game of Thrones, Hinds has also starred in There Will Be Blood, Munich, and Road to Perdition. Hinds has played both heroes and villains, so he should have no trouble with Steppenwolf. The only downside is, it is unclear if Steppenwolf will make it past the first movie. Eventually, the Justice League will have to face off against the more famous Darkseid, but that's no reason not to enjoy Hinds' Steppenwolf while you can.
Images: HBO; Giphy
