Hudson Williams is officially tossing his name into the cape-and-cowl conversation. The Heated Rivalry star made a bold, very public pitch this week, letting director James Gunn know he’s ready to suit up as Nightwing in the new DC Universe.
Williams shared an Instagram Story showing himself holding a Nightwing comic with the caption: “James Gunn let’s grab coffee.” The simple message immediately set social media ablaze, with fans speculating whether the actor is campaigning for the role of Dick Grayson as Gunn and Peter Safran continue shaping their new DCU slate.
The move comes as Williams’ profile continues to rise, thanks in part to his breakout role in Heated Rivalry, a queer sports-drama series that has developed a passionate fanbase. The show follows two rival hockey players whose long-standing on-ice tension masks a slow-burn romance off the rink. Williams stars as one of the leads, earning praise for his emotional range, chemistry with his co-star and the show’s thoughtful LGBTQ+ storytelling. The series has become a staple among queer audiences, celebrated for its blend of athletic grit, intimate character work and unapologetically romantic narrative.
With Heated Rivalry boosting his visibility, Williams’ playful pitch to Gunn feels perfectly timed. Nightwing, often regarded within queer fan communities as one of DC Comics’ most beloved and “queer-coded” heroes, is a role many young actors covet. As the original Robin who steps out of Batman’s shadow to become a hero in his own right, Dick Grayson has long been portrayed as charismatic, athletic and emotionally complex, traits that align naturally with Williams’ on-screen presence.
Gunn has not publicly responded to the coffee invitation, though he is known for being active on social media and receptive to fresh casting ideas. His DCU is expected to introduce the Bat-family in upcoming projects, making the timing of Williams’ post even more intriguing.
Fans quickly rallied behind the actor, noting that his physicality, charm and proven ability to carry a fan-favorite series make him a compelling contender for the role. Others applauded him for shooting his shot in the most modern way possible, by tagging one of Hollywood’s most influential comic-book filmmakers on Instagram.
Whether a coffee meeting is brewing remains unknown. But one thing is clear: Hudson Williams has officially entered the Nightwing conversation, giving DCU fans plenty to talk about as the next era of superhero storytelling takes shape.
