Val-Zod is another version of Superman from an alternate Earth with a similar yet uniquely different backstory than his Kryptonian brethren, Kal-El, the primary Superman. Most notably, Val-Zod is a Black Kryptonian so his look is quite different from the traditional Man of Steel.
With so many talented Black actors in Hollywood today, there are dozens that could do an excellent job at portraying Val-Zod in his silver screen debut. However, some of the more likely candidates may already be tied up in too many other projects to even be considered for the role. Additionally, there are some sleeper picks that people wouldn't initially consider, but considering their track record, would make sense.
10 Tyler James Williams, Who Portrayed A Young Chris Rock
While many fans would write off Tyler James Williams as a baby-faced actor with no physique, he could surprise a lot of people if given the opportunity. It's worth noting that Val-Zod was hidden away for many years before finally stepping out into the world, so a less jacked physique could make sense, at least initially.
Most people would probably recognize him from his younger days on Everybody Hates Chris. However, since growing up, he has also landed more serious characters and roles in shows like The Walking Dead and Criminal Minds. Given his ability to adapt to new roles, he could make an excellent candidate for Val-Zod.
9 Could Jaleel White Do That?
Who in their right mind would pick Urkel as a potential Superman? Well, it isn't quite as crazy as it may seem. Despite the goofy façade and nerdy attire, White is a fairly attractive guy, as seen when he would change into his Stefan Urquelle persona on Family Matters.
Considering Superman is typically a rather handsome guy, regardless of his skin color, White should be considered. While he hasn't had much of a career since his days on Family Matters outside of some voice acting, he has done a few low-budget action films, and sometimes taking a chance can pay off. After all, Marvel was completely against RDJ as Iron Man, and look how that turned out.
8 Former Football Player & Old Spice Guy, Terry Crews
While Terry Crews is mostly known for his comedic roles in not only movies and TV shows, but also commercials, he does have the potential to play more serious characters. He also has an incredibly strong physique which certainly helps him look the part of Superman.
He also has some experience in the superhero world after a brief cameo in Deadpool 2. Assuming Crews could tap into his more serious side, and perhaps tone down the facial expressions, he could certainly become a formidable Val-Zod.
7 Michael B. Jordan Would Be A Shoe In If He Wasn't Already Rumored As A Different Black Superman
Michael B. Jordan has become one of the most well-known young actors in Hollywood, most notably because of his work with Stallone in the Creed movies. However, Jordan also has some experience in the superhero genre having played the latest movie iteration of the Human Torch as well as the villain in Black Panther, Erik Killmonger.
Fans would likely welcome Jordan with open arms as the actor to play Val-Zod. However, there are rumors suggesting that Jordan is already being selected in J.J. Abrams' Superman reboot to portray the titular hero as Calvin Ellis, instead of Clark Kent. Jordan is good, but no one is good enough to play two different Supermen in the same franchise in the same stretch of movies. Though if he isn't in Abrams' film, Val-Zod would be a logical pivot.
6 Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Has Experience With How DC Does Things
Abdul-Mateen II has been around for a few years and has experience with multiple roles already in not only superhero films, but specifically DC superhero films. Due to this fact, he may run into similar issues as Jordan during a casting call.
However, considering he's never played (and isn't rumored to play) Superman, it shouldn't be as significant. While he did appear as a villain in the DCEU Aquaman movie, Val-Zod would likely exist in a different universe than his previously portrayed characters. Additionally, Marvel recently recast an actor who played a tertiary villain in new a leading role, so why can't DC do the same?
5 The Star of Get Out & T'Chala's Best Bud-Turned-Frenemy, Daniel Kaluuya
Daniel Kaluuya isn't the strongest looking guy, but he has a friendly and cheerful demeanor which would be important to have for such a naive Superman who has lived most of his life as a recluse to avoid the alleged dangers of the outside world.
Kaluuya has also shown that he can successfully lead a film as the star in Get Out. He's also no stranger to the superhero genre, having played a fairly significant role in the critically acclaimed Black Panther film. With a strict workout regimen, Kaluuya could be an excellent Val-Zod.
4 Jonathan Majors Is Hot Right Now & Has Some Experience In The Genre
Majors is another actor who has spread like wildfire after only a short amount of time. His performance in The Last Black Man in San Francisco is likely what led to his starring role in Lovecraft Country. Having already dealt with weird themes and crazy monsters in that show, Marvel has shown interest and appears to have brought him on as the next Big Bad, Kang The Conqueror.
With his experience in serious roles as well as his current and future roles involving the more wild and unknown side of things, Majors could easily land himself in the role of Val-Zod in the DCEU. If not Val-Zod, pending his performance as Kang, he could find himself there eventually.
3 Idris Elba Has Experience As A Hero & Has Inadvertently Claimed To Be "Black Superman"
Idris Elba is easily one of the best actors of the last 10 years and many of his roles have become fan-favorites due to his superb portrayals. Most notably, fans have come to love Elba as Asgard's all-seeing gatekeeper, Heimdall. Coincidentally, his character from Hobbs & Shaw refers to himself as "Black Superman."
However, despite his phenomenal acting chops, he is getting older. With the current trend of actors portraying superheroes for more than a decade, Elba may not want to be locked into such a physically demanding role through his late 50s or early 60s. Sure, he already has a role in The Suicide Squad, but Marvel movies double-dip sometimes so why can't DC?
2 John David Washington Is Talented, Athletic, & Gaining Popularity
John David Washington is the talented son of none other than Denzel Washington. Since joining the acting scene, he has starred in several big-time shows and movies. He has been a part of HBO shows such as Ballers, and even in some blockbuster hits such as Tenet or soon-to-be cult classics like BlacKkKlansman.
As indicated above, he is also heavily rumored to appear in the upcoming Green Lantern reboot as the earth-based lantern, John Stewart. While this could cause some similar issues to the ones Michael B. Jordan and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II may experience, Val-Zod being from an entirely different earth than John Stewart could keep the door open for Washington.
1 Social Justice Activist & Clone Turned Pseudo-Jedi, John Boyega
John Boyega has come onto the scene with ferocity and fans have come to support him in his fight against injustice in the real world. With a person that lives by the tenets of justice for all, making the leap to Superman, who is a founding member of the Justice League wouldn't be that difficult.
He also has some experience in the fantasy/sci-fi/hero realm with his portrayal of Finn in the latest Star Wars Trilogy. Despite the trilogy receiving backlash from fans, they had nothing but good things to say about Boyega. Many fans could see Boyega as a truly inspiring Superman that could hopefully help the DCEU finally get off the ground.