When James Gunn and Peter Safran took over DC Studios, they were clear about having different plans for Superman. Now it sounds like Gunn is closing in on who will play the new Kryptonian hero in his upcoming movie Superman: Legacy.While the animated show Creature Commandos will officially kick off the first chapter in the DCU in 2024, Gunn's Superman: Legacy will mark the DCU's theatrical debut. It will focus on a younger Clark Kent and forgoes Gunn's signature comedic style to tell a more grounded story about the hero. Since the announcement that Henry Cavill will no longer portray Superman, fans have wondered who will take on the mantle. In previous conversations, Gunn has been guarded about Superman casting information and hasn’t let much slip regarding which actors he’s looking at, supposedly because the studio was in the early stages of casting. Now, it sounds like he’s made some progress. In an interview with Variety, Gunn confirmed that DC Studios has formally begun the casting process, saying, "...we actually have some really great choices, which I’m excited about." Gunn then discussed what he was looking for and what potential actors must bring. "It has to be somebody who has all the humanity that Superman has, but he’s also an alien. It’s gotta be somebody who has the kindness and compassion that Superman has. And it has to be somebody that you’d want to give you a hug." Gunn then took a moment to praise the actors who have portrayed Superman in the past, saying, "You know, all the Supermen have been good, so we just have to add to that story."
Gunn's idea for Superman harkens back to the days of Christopher Reeve's Superman - charming, gentle, and kind. While Cavill's portrayal embraced the darker side of Superman often present in stories like Injustice and The Death of Superman, it sounds like Gunn's Superman embraces the more classic aspects of the character that make him so lovable. Gunn's words paint a picture of a youthful, optimistic Superman who will do anything to protect humanity, which in and of itself presents some interesting opportunities for character growth down the line.
Although Gunn has been careful not to drop names, fans have taken it upon themselves to speculate about who will lead the charge in Gunn's DCU. Names like Jacob Eldori, Austin Butler, Dacre Montgomery, and Adam DiMarco have been thrown around since Gunn revealed that Superman: Legacy would focus on a young, fresh-faced Superman. Some have also wondered if Will Poulter could be attached to the project since he and Gunn have already worked together on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and Poulter falls into the right age range. While the official announcement of who will play Superman has not yet been made, it sounds like Gunn is getting fans ready for one to be made soon.
Superman: Legacy is set to hit theaters on July 11, 2025.
Source: Variety/Twitter