And the next Superman is...
James Gunn's upcoming DC Studios film, Superman: Legacy, is still searching for its leading man. While the production team is considering some "really great choices", Gunn says that they have not yet found the perfect fit for Clark Kent. However, he did explain what qualities the ideal candidate should possess and the Internet might have some answers.
Hunt for the next Superman
In an interview with Variety at the Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3 premiere, Gunn stated that the next Superman must embody all the humanity of Clark Kent while also portraying an alien. He added that the actor should exude kindness and compassion, qualities that make Superman so beloved by fans.
Gunn emphasised that the actor should be someone who audiences would want to give a hug to.
James Gunn reveals what he's looking for in the next Superman at the premiere of #GuardiansoftheGalaxyVol3. https://t.co/G3QElsKbUh pic.twitter.com/GkWRmVy5Pq
— Variety (@Variety) April 28, 2023
Despite rumours that Gunn might consider Guardians star Chris Pratt for the role, the director clarified that Pratt is not in the running (and after his recent escapades as a popular Italian plumber, thank god). Gunn joked that if Pratt were a few years younger, he might be considered.
Fans have been actively speculating about who could be the next Superman, with many taking to Twitter to share their thoughts. Some suggestions have been seemingly perfect, while others have been downright absurd:
Waystar Royco CE-Bro Kendall Roy AKA Jeremy Strong himself, seems to be one such popular pick from the lot...
Jeremy Strong pic.twitter.com/vFun0OAYWs
— Radifah Kabir (@Astro_Radifah) April 29, 2023
And Scott Pilgrim himself - Michael Cera - seemed to be another lighthearted nomination...
Michael Cera has been cast as Superman/Clark Kent in James Gunn’s ‘SUPERMAN: LEGACY’.
— DisbussingFilm (@DisbussingFilm) April 22, 2023
“There’s only one Superman. And to me, it’s Michael.”
(Source: @JamesGunn) pic.twitter.com/vxyieuQHsL
While others had a certain recent Academy Award for Best Actor in mind...
Make it so pic.twitter.com/VyQxiHrz6T
— T-Rex 2099 (@TheRex2099) April 28, 2023
Some seem convinced that Gunn let the person best suited for the role slide away...
We already had one 🥺 pic.twitter.com/VUfQGYqt9Z
— DynestiGTI (@ItsDhanushka) April 28, 2023
While others feel that Cavill was out of touch with the character and Gunn was prospecting over the shelf-life for the role...
I love that people that say he's so out of touch with his character don't realize they might be out of touch just as much. You really want to know why Henry was recast? Because they want someone who can stick around as the character as long as a young guy like Tom Holland.
— Blue Streak (@Caleb261994) April 28, 2023
Yet others felt inclined to bring up the late Superman, Christopher Reeve himself, as the only appropriate option for the role..
Christopher reeve only gave that feeling pic.twitter.com/f3IJYhGWLB
— Señor Nathak (@NathakB) April 29, 2023
Meanwhile, otakus shared a moment in the limelight with their own nominee...
— iTz Neva Baby (@itznevababy) April 28, 2023
And AI software also pitched in to the efforts...
#SupermanLegacy predictions 🎞 @JamesGunn pic.twitter.com/zlFKaRPsZ0
— Reel Moments AI 🎞 (@reelmomentsAI) April 7, 2023
Though overall, the sentiment behind Gunn's inspiration for the character seems to be boding well with fans...
Ways to do it in my opinion. Superman taking care of the little things. Helping elder ladies cross the street. Help fire rescues. Actually converse with citizens on the daily. Have heart to heart with teenagers who seem sad. Help struggling mom with groceries for her kids.😁
— Lobowatcher (@AlvarezJoel25) April 28, 2023
Gunn's involvement in the project was announced in December, with his role as the director confirmed in March. He recently revealed that production is underway, with costumes and production design in progress.
While the search for the next Superman continues, fans eagerly await news of who will take on the iconic role. With Gunn's vision and the DC Universe's rich history, there is no doubt that the film will be a hit among fans.