James Gunn has officially begun to re-mold the DC Universe into an entirely new shape. The announcement that a new Superman film was being written by the Guardians of the Galaxy writer/director sent shock waves through Hollywood and fandom alike, with the accompanying confirmation that Henry Cavill had been ousted from the role. The next DCU iteration of the Superman will focus on a younger Clark Kent, working as a fledgling reporter in Metropolis. With Henry Cavill no longer donning the red and blue tights, what new actor could take over the role?
There’s more than a few actors out there who would love to have their name thrown into discussions, and certainly no shortage of square-jawed Wonder Bread types in Hollywood. But given the nature of James Gunn’s seemingly square-one approach to the DCU, there’s definitely room for a new take. It would be wonderful to see a person of color assume the role of America’s biggest boy scout, or to see the opportunity given to a slightly more arthouse-y name in lieu of an established star. With that in mind, here’s four actors worthy of slapping that iconic “S” on their chest.
Ross Butler Could Give Clark Kent Some CW-Style Dreaminess
Ross Butler is the oldest performer on the list, but considering his break-out roles in 13 Reasons Why and Riverdale had the 32-year-old actor portraying high school students, his ability to play younger isn’t much of a concern. The biggest question surrounding Ross Butler is regarding his dramatic chops. His two most popular performances are in soapy teen dramas. While this doesn’t mean he isn’t capable of rising to the occasion, the ceiling for Butler’s performative talents are a bit of an unknowable quantity at the moment. That being said, the CW heartthrob certainly has the right physicality for Superman. The new DCU could do worse than to take a flier on the teen drama star.
Tye Sheridan Has the Skills to Take Superman to a New Level
Tye Sheridan is a young actor that’s already been teetering on the verge of an A-list breakthrough for some time. Despite starring roles in films like Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One, Sheridan has yet to skyrocket into the kind of Hollywood domination he’s been primed for since childhood. Having cut his acting teeth in critically adored art-house fare like Tree of Life and Mud, Tye Sheridan has all the technical bona fides to knock Kal-El out of the park. The key point of contention when it comes to Tye Sheridan’s potential turn as Superman is whether he can headline a blockbuster with James Gunn’s trademark tonal zaniness. The Son of Krypton can be steely-eyed and iron-willed, but Clark Kent is a bit of a bumbler. Tye Sheridan can pull off awkward, but can he be funny doing it?
Jacob Elordi Physically Fits the Bill
One name sure to pop up on a number of lists is Euphoria star Jacob Elordi. His towering physique and chiseled good looks make him a natural fit for the Man of Steel. The Australian actor’s dramatic chops seem to be there, his compelling performance as Nate Jacobs continually walking a tightrope between villainous and sympathetic. Elordi has yet to secure a role that catapults him into the celebrity stratosphere, but it seems something of an inevitability. James Gunn’s upcoming Superman reboot is bound to do boffo box-office, and Jacob Elordi could be the perfect performer to carry it there.
Shameik Moore Could Give Superman a New Power - Supercharged Charisma
As the voice of Miles Morales in the widely beloved Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse/ soon to come Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Shameik Moore already knows what it takes to play a superhero. His glowing charisma and megawatt smile make him the perfect candidate to add a dollop of inherent likeability to a character that often runs the risk of being pretty staid. Similar to Chris Evans’ challenge with Captain America, Superman’s total commitment to boy scout level virtuosity presents a unique hurdle. How does a performer make a character without conflict interesting? Shameik Moore has the built-in magnetism to make that potential detraction an asset. On top of everything else, the young actor has the comedic timing to carry James Gunn’s sensibility perfectly.
It’s early days yet when it comes to James Gunn’s new vision of Superman and the DCU at large. But, one thing is for certain, whoever ends up donning the cape in the end, the DCU is in good hands with James Gunn.