Fans have been speculating about the identity of the character Patrick J. Adams will be playing on Legends of Tomorrow, and a moment from “Last Refuge” seems to give a hint.
We previously reported on Legends of Tomorrow casting Adams as a “beloved superhero from the DC canon” whose agenda serves as “a launching off point for season 2.” Additionally, the mystery character the Suits star will be playing is described as a “fun character the fans will love.” He’s expected to appear in the season 1 finale, season 2 premiere, and perhaps beyond.
The common theory has been that Adams will be playing Booster Gold due to the time travel connection and the character’s description of “fun.” Booster Gold is portrayed as a shameless self-promoter and is often the butt of other superheroes’ jokes, such as calling him “Buster,” likely because his obsession with fame and wealth irritates them.
So, just who is Booster Gold? Michael Jon Carter was born in the 25th century, and he became a star football player. However, he was caught gambling on his own games in order to earn enough money to pay for medical treatments his mother required. Following her treatment, he was arrested. After being released from prison, he took a job at the Metropolis Space Museum, where he was fascinated by the images of 20th century superheroes.
Wanting to change his fate and become a legend like those heroes, he stole some artifacts and traveled back in time (using Rip Hunter’s Time Sphere, appropriately) to use his advanced technology to become a hero. Since his appearance in the 20th century, he’s been a member of the Justice League, the Conglomerate and even the Time Masters.
Oh, and he’s also Rip Hunter’s father. While Rip knows this in the comics, Booster is apparently unaware.
We learn in Legends of Tomorrow season 1, episode 12, “Last Refuge,” that the name Rip Hunter is an alias — which is also true in the comics, where his true name is a mystery. Rip uses an alias to prevent anyone from learning his true identity and traveling back in time to kill him as a child. On Legends of Tomorrow, however, his birth name is revealed to be Michael.
Like Booster Gold.
The Legends version of Rip grew up in an orphanage for future Time Masters. Before arriving there, he was a pickpocket who did what he needed to in order to survive. Rip tried for a long time to move beyond that history, but he remains unable to do so. Bringing in his biological father would be intriguing development.
Interestingly, Booster Gold also has a connection to Maxwell Lord, who currently appears on Supergirl as her sometimes enemy, sometimes ally. We’ve been told the Waverider can travel across worlds, so it would be interesting to perhaps see him cross shows as well.
Moreover, Geoff Johns told ComicBook.com, “You’ll see [Booster Gold] very soon, and there’s talks about… there’s actually a lot of plans for Booster Gold, one of my favorite characters. But yeah, Booster Gold fans, you will definitely be happy with what we’ve got coming up in the years ahead.”
Of course, this could be referring to something other than an appearance on Legends, but we can dream.