The Justice League’s roster is about to look very different in 2026, as DC takes a major swing. In the wake of one of the most brutal crossover events, the DC Universe’s most prominent team of heroes is going to see some pretty big changes.
Led by Batman and Wonder Woman, DC is already teasing a new roster for the Justice League that will eventually be revealed in March of next year. While there are some expected members, the list of potential candidates is pretty surprising, all things considered.
The Justice League’s 2026 Roster Is Adding Supervillains (Yes, Really)
Mark Waid and Clayton Henry’s Justice League Unlimited #17, releasing on March 25th, confirms that Batman and Wonder Woman will assemble a brand-new Justice League in the aftermath of the ongoing DC K.O. event. Based on the newly revealed cover art and synopsis, a handful of supervillains will be considered for membership:
“SUPER VILLAINS ON THE JLU?! In the aftermath of DC K.O., the Justice League has to work even harder to protect mankind — and that means it’s time for new blood to face new challenges! Who will join Wonder Woman and Batman to lead the new JLU?”
The cover features a strong lineup of expected heroes, including Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Aquaman, Plastic Man, and Red Tornado. However, Lex Luthor, Harley Quinn, Lobo, King Shark, and Cheetah are also prominently featured.
It’s worth noting that each of these foes was or is a current combatant in the King Omega Tournament (some have made it further than others). As such, perhaps Batman and Wonder Woman are considering these particular villains for that very reason.
This upcoming status quo change for the Justice League isn’t exactly unprecedented. After all, Lex Luthor was a temporary member during The New 52 era, though the addition of multiple foes to the League’s roster does feel pretty extreme. That said, we don’t yet know which of these candidates will end up on the official Justice League roster in 2026.
The Current “DC K.O.” Event Is Going To Have Some Lasting Changes On the DC Universe
From the beginning, DC K.O. has positioned itself as a story about major consequences for the entire DC Universe, with heroes and villains fighting each other in the hopes of receiving enough power to reshape the world and take on Darkseid himself.
While there are still more rounds to be seen, there have already been teases that some characters (and even their powers) will have some long-term changes post-K.O. As such, the new Justice League roster looks to be just the latest upcoming change we can expect.
If some more traditional heroes are gone or compromised in the wake of DC K.O. (like Superman), it makes sense that the Justice League is being forced to adapt, hence the consideration to add former/current villains to the team’s new roster in 2026.
Justice League Unlimited #17 releases on March 25th from DC Comics.
