With its four-hour run time, Zack Snyder's Justice League had the space to follow more plotlines, explore more backgrounds and motivations, and include more characters. One of those characters was scientist Ryan Choi, also known in DC comics as Atom. Ryan Choi, played by actor Zheng Kai, was introduced as a research scientist at STAR Labs in Central City. He then appears in the film's epilogue in his Atom suit, fighting in the dark future alongside Batman, Cyborg, Deathstroke, and Mera. These scenes were not included in the 2017 theatrical cut of Justice League.
Although the character had little screen time, Zack Snyder originally had big plans for Ryan Choi. Snyder stated that he had been pitching an Atom movie to Warners that would star Zheng Kai as Ryan Choi in China. His goal was to make a Chinese-cast superhero movie. Since the Atom was cut from the theatrical release, it seems like WarnerMedia did not go for the pitch. Ideally, with the release of Zack Snyder's Justice League, this idea could be revisited and go into development. But if this is not the case, this version of the Atom could and should still be part of the DCEU.
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In the comics, Ryan Choi is the assistant of the first Atom, Ray Palmer. In working with him, he also learns how to use Ray's size-altering technology. When Ray goes missing and needs help, Ryan uses the technology, called the Bio-Belt, to take up the mantle of the Atom. He eventually is invited to join the Justice League. In terms of powers, Ryan has a genius-level intellect and uses the Bio-Belt, which allows for size alteration, mass alteration, superhuman strength and durability, and the power of flight.
Ryan Choi has appeared on screen in the Arrow-verse, portrayed by Osric Chau. He had a notable role in the "Crisis on Infinite Earths" crossover event as one of the Paragons of Humanity, and has been briefly mentioned on The Flash. He's said to be a big fan of Ray Palmer, the original Atom as portrayed by Brandon Routh in Legends of Tomorrow, but there has been no further set up for a possible future as the second Atom thus far. Zheng Kai in Zack Snyder's Justice League is the first appearance of the Atom in the DCEU.
Given that the first Atom, Ray Palmer, does not exist in the DCEU, Ryan Choi could take on some of his storylines from the comics. This would give the character more options in terms of relationships and plotlines. For example, Hawkman and Ray Palmer's Atom share a strong friendship and allyship in the DC comics universe. Hawkman will be introduced in the upcoming Black Adam film, played by Aldis Hodge. The introduction of Hawkman to the DCEU could provide an opportunity to use the Atom in a post-Black Adam project, transferring Ray Palmer's friendship with Hawkman to Ryan Choi's version of the Atom.
One of the other confirmed upcoming DC projects is The Flash movie, starring Ezra Miller's Barry Allen. The movie is said to be following the famous Flashpoint storyline from the comics, which will involve time travel and the possibility of permanently altering the current DC continuity. With Ben Affleck already returning as Batman, the door is open for other Justice League characters to make an appearance. Ryan Choi works at STAR Labs, providing the perfect opening for him to be included in the film. While Kai is currently not confirmed as a cast member in The Flash, the movie is sure to have many surprises, especially when using the Flashpoint storyline. Ryan Choi appearing as Atom is not out of the realm of possibility.
Further possibilities for the Atom are difficult to discuss. Following Zack Snyder's Justice League, the future of the DCEU is uncertain, with the development of many projects stalled or in flux. If a Batgirl or Nightwing project goes forward, these could provide opportunities for the Atom to make an appearance, especially if Ben Affleck is willing to return. In one comic continuity, Ryan Choi is murdered by Deathstroke. If Joe Manganiello's Deathstroke returned in either his own movie or in a Batgirl or Nightwing film, Ryan Choi could easily be included in the cast of characters.
Of course, a solo Atom movie starring Ryan Choi, and possibly even a DCEU version of Ray Palmer, would be an ideal option. The DCEU has yet to include a movie that stars an Asian superhero and has definitely not had one with a largely Asian cast, as was the original pitch. While Zack Snyder has not ruled out a return to the DCEU, it seems unlikely for the immediate future, meaning a Ryan Choi Atom movie as he imagined it is also unlikely to go into development anytime soon. But with so much up in the air for the DCEU right now, hopefully a proper appearance by the Atom, even if not in his own film, is still to come.
Zack Snyder's Justice League is currently streaming on HBO Max.