DC may be looking to cast an unknown actor for its upcoming Superman reboot that will see the Man of Tomorrow played by a Black actor. Prolific writer Ta-Nehisi Coates is set to pen the screenplay, returning to the world of superheroes after his highly acclaimed run writing Black Panther comics. J.J. Abrams is in the producer's chair of the film which will adapt Superman's classic origin story from the comics. DC has already brought Superman to the big screen in the DCEU, with Henry Cavill in the role.
Cavill's future as Superman remains unclear, though, as Warner Bros. looks to move away from the SnyderVerse. Michael B. Jordan was rumored to be playing Superman, but the actor has played coy when asked if he would take on the role. While there are several big names that have also been in the running, it seems that DC wants to take a different approach to casting their next Man of Steel.
THR reports that DC Films could be looking for an unknown actor to take on the role of Kal-El in the film, similar to when Brandon Routh played Clark Kent in 2006's Superman Returns. Coates' script likely won't be turned in until December, giving the studio plenty of time to find the perfect actor to play the role. Conversely, while the studio may be looking for an unknown actor to play the role, Warner Bros. is reportedly hoping to hire a big name as the director of the film.
Casting an unknown actor may be the best route for the film. A name like Jordan's or various other actors puts high expectations on a role that already comes with outsized anticipation. Still, Superman films haven't necessarily had solid track run with unknown faces. Routh's turn as Kal-El in 2006 only netted $391 million at the global box office, dashing hopes of a potential sequel. Similarly, Cavill's debut as Superman, Man of Steel, was considered to be a box office disappointment by some. Instead of Cavill returning in a solo sequel, his Superman has only appeared alongside other DCEU characters in films like Batman v Superman and Justice League.
With DC looking to the future of their slate, a new look entirely could do well for the struggling franchise. While Marvel typically bags big name actors for their prominent roles, they've also done some dabbling in hiring unknowns, especially when it comes to their upcoming projects. DC has followed a similar pattern depending on the character and with Superman already such a prolific character, it almost feels antithetical to hire a celebrity in the role. Going the route of the unknown makes the upcoming reboot all the more exciting.
Source: THR