With Henry Cavill retiring the role of Superman, the next actor to don the iconic "S" on their chest will be younger, according to James Gunn. This presents DC Studios with the opportunity to tell a different DCU Superman story. There are several versions of Superman and DC Studios should consider the least conventional version going forward.A younger Superman can even go the Smallville route and forgo the traditional suit and cape, at least for a while. This also opens the door for a person from an underrepresented cultural group to assume the role depending on the version of Superman to be depicted in the DCU's bold future, not unlike J.J. Abram's upcoming Black Superman movie. Aside from physical characteristics, the new DCU Superman can champion a new life for the hero onscreen just as Jon Kent does in the comics when he reveals he's bisexual.
Joshua Orpin
The candidate with the most qualifications would be Joshua Orpin, who portrays Titans' Superboy. Joshua plays Connor Kent, not the typical Clark Kent. Superboy's story could continue after Titans by graduating to the big screen to become the next Superman without entirely rebooting the DCU Superman in the process.
Superboy's origin story is already told in Titans. Also, Joshua as Superboy holds cachet with pre-existing market value. Therefore, it would be simpler and smart to vertically integrate a character from the popular Arrowverse to bolster the DCU reboot, while keeping the door for DC's own Superman No Way Home open.
Skyler Gisondo
If DC Studios is looking for a more down to Earth version of Superman, Skyler Gisondo could be a great choice. His portrayal of quirky yet lovable nervous wreck characters could give Superman the charm of an honest anti-social butterfly who just happens to be an alien trying to fit in. That would be a natural contrast from every previous actor who's played Superman as socially adaptable, only pretending to be a blundering dunce as Clark Kent. Skyler would deliver a more comical, less confident Superman with room to grow.
For Superman to retain those insecurities and introvert traits of the Daily Planet reporter Clark Kent would add the layer of superhero awkwardness that comes with learning to be comfortable in one's own skin, which can be difficult in a pair of tights. The fact that Skyler is also not of the typical broad athletic build would make his Superman more relatable as well. If eschewing the classic Superman story, DC Studios could revamp the Superman Red/Blue storyline for Skyler. Pitting an insecure introverted Superman Blue against the confident extroverted Superman Red could illustrate Clark's struggle to accept and integrate his other half.
KJ Apa
Archie as Pureheart the Powerful may sound like another Superman clone, but KJ Apa does justice as Pureheart in season 4, episode 4 of Riverdale. Going in the opposite direction of Henry Cavill's Superman, KJ offers the boy next door with "hero hair" look along with a solid dramatic performance as a teen vigilante grieving the death of his father in Riverdale. If DC Studios were inclined to move forward with a lighter tone for Superman, KJ Apa's talent could provide the balance somewhere between Henry Cavill's Man of Steel and Christopher Reeve's Superman.
The New 52 version of Superman may the best version for a KJ Apa Superman. This Superman isn't as dark as Henry Cavill's and isn't as wide-eyed or pure as Christopher Reeve's. In fact, the New 52 Superman is a bit obnoxious and overzealous. He's the kind of Superman who fights the good fight and openly enjoys it. This is where KJ's boyish charisma could shine as a younger Superman who's full of himself and in over his head.
David Mazouz
David Mazouz, like Titans' version of Superman, would continue the conventional white male trend. However, David could be a front-runner for Jon Kent, Clark's bisexual son who takes up the mantle. David's enthralling performance as a young Bruce Wayne struggling to overcome his fears and strong desire for the truth is precisely the kind of performance that could be expected of a young Superman struggling to be open about their identity and sexuality and tries to be a fierce reporter like their mother, Lois Lane.
Jon's story could be very different from previous Superman stories. The pressure of living up to his mother's and father's achievements while finding and carving out an identity for himself would seem insurmountable yet necessary. David Mazouz is an actor who could convey such an emotional journey thanks to his role in Gotham as Bruce who tried to uphold his parents' legacy while forging his own identity.
Millie Bobby Brown
No stranger to sci-fi, Millie Bobby Brown of Stranger Things fame could give Superman a fresh spin as Superwoman from Earth-11. Technically, Superwoman is simply gender-swapped as she has the same origin and powers as the conventional Superman. Millie, however, as Superman's female alternate would grant this version of the hero with a wider range of emotions and new opportunities for storytelling. Focusing on her younger years as a woman in the workplace is a more pertinent and poignant story for a character who could literally tear down the patriarchy but may consider choosing to effect change by being the better person/reporter.
Millie's role as Enola Holmes shares a similar tale of a progressive woman who had to fight to become a detective and defy gender norms. Millie's intelligent and vulnerable heroine would convey a much more emotionally compelling version of Superman by becoming Superwoman. She's not what many would expect DC's strongest hero to look or act like, but maybe that could be all the more reason Millie Bobby Brown would be a great choice. Heroes need not be defined by their physical traits. Millie's performance as Eleven in Stranger Things is indicative of how captivating and powerful heroes can be despite her gender or physique.
If the Superman mantle is going to be passed on, it should go to an actor that can fulfill a version of Superman that reflects the generation DC Studios hopes to inspire. The conventional Superman's physical traits need not necessarily apply, nor his typical story. A fresh start for Superman is worth defying the conventional trend and leading the next, hopefully diverse, generation of heroes joining the new DCU.
