We have exclusively learned that Kumail Nanjiani has landed the role of Booster Gold in the DC Universe. Nanjiani is currently set to portray the character in the upcoming DC Studios’ series, Booster Gold, one of the upcoming entries of the highly anticipated DCU. Nanjiani is best known for his roles as Dinesh on HBO's Silicon Valley, his fictionalized take on himself in his semi autobiographical feature, The Big Sick, and as Kingo in Marvel Studios’ Eternals.
Booster Gold, or Michael Jon Carter, first appeared in DC Comics in Booster Gold #1 in 1986, created by writer and artist, Dan Jurgens. Carter was a star quarterback at Gotham University until his estranged father came back into his life and made him throw his games to win bets. After being exposed, he was kicked off the team and expelled from Gotham University, leading him to take on a position as a museum night guard. After stealing a robot sidekick, named Skeets, a power suit, a Legion of Super-Heroes flight ring, and a time sphere, he traveled back in time to present day to make a new name for himself as a superhero.
Booster Gold was first announced in DC Studios’ initial announcement video in January 2023, presented by Co-CEO, James Gunn. Gunn described the series as “the superhero story of imposter syndrome” and the character as “loser from the future.” Since its announcement, there have been no updates on the project from DC Studios.
In February of 2024, @DanielRPK reported on X, that Booster Gold had been cast. Last month, Nexus Point News reported that multiple writers had come onboard to write the series. As reported, the writing team will consist of Danny McBride, John Carcieri, and Jeff Fradley, frequent collaborators who are best known for their work on The Righteous Gemstones. Nanjiani, a friend of Gunn’s, recently quoted an image of the official Superman (2025) logo, replying with “In.” which fueled speculation regarding a potential role in the DCU for him.
Booster Gold is currently being developed for Max by DC Studios, as part of Chapter 1 - Gods and Monsters of the DC Universe.