James Gunn's Superman: Legacy received a flurry of news recently, as the casting process, villain choice, and more received updates. Now that Gunn is done with the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise and Marvel Cinematic Universe, his full attention can turn toward the DC Universe and his new position as co-CEO of DC Studios. In addition to working on several other projects, his primary focus for the immediate future will be on Superman: Legacy. He is writing and directing the DC Universe's first movie set for release in 2025 and starring a new Superman actor replacing Henry Cavill.With roughly two years to go until Superman: Legacy hits theaters, updates are starting to arrive as the movie speeds through development before filming begins in early 2024. The biggest questions circulating the movie, though, revolve around who will be in front of the cameras. Updates on Superman: Legacy's casting process for Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Lex Luthor has started to provide an idea of who audiences could expect to see tackle the iconic roles. Here is a complete rundown of the recent Superman: Legacy casting news and more movie updates.
12 Multiple New Superman Actor Candidates Have Been Revealed
The first major update for Superman: Legacy's casting is that multiple candidates for who could play Superman in the DC Universe have been revealed. The original report from THR revealed that Pearl star David Corenswet is among the "top contenders" to land the role after advancing to the screen test stage of the process. Other actors confirmed to be in the running to play the DC Universe's Superman include Tom Brittney (Greyhound) and Andrew Richardson (Extrapolations). Brittney and Richardson were described as being in the "early mix" for the role by THR, while Deadline reiterated Richardson is in contention but did not mention Brittney.
11 Two More Actors Are Also In Contention For Superman, But Their Identities Are Unknown
The Superman: Legacy casting news is being heavily guarded by Gunn, DC Studios, and Warner Bros., making who is in the mix still quite secretive. This includes THR noting that there are two other actors who are "contenders" and "in the mix" to play the DC Universe's new Superman. However, their identities are not known. Based on the other names that have come to light at this stage, it would appear that James Gunn is looking for a tall, white actor in his late 20s or early 30s to play Superman. Corenswet is 29 years old and 6'4, Brittney is 32 and 6'2, and Richardson is 31 and 6'1.
10 There Are Conflicting Reports About Jacob Elordi Being Up For Superman
Euphoria star Jacob Elordi has been a popular fan cast to be Gunn's Superman, but the Superman: Legacy casting updates brought conflicting information about his potential involvement. THR noted that his name did surface in discussions for the role but that Elordi never submitted an audition tape for the role. This seemingly ruled out the popular fan cast until other trades began weighing in on the news. Both Deadline and The Wrap noted that Jacob Elordi was among the names "in the mix" to get the lead role. At this point, it is unclear if the Euphoria star is up to join the DC Universe or not.
9 4 Actresses Are Reportedly In The Running For Lois Lane
Casting Lois Lane is another focus for the Superman: Legacy casting updates. Four actresses have risen to the top of the candidates to play the Daily Planet reporter and main love interest for Clark Kent. This includes Emma Mackey (Sex Education), Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Phoebe Dynevor (Bridgerton), and Samara Weaving (Ready or Not). All four actresses are in their late 20s or early 30s, making them similar in age to the actors in contention to play Clark Kent. While Mackey, Brosnahan, Dynevor, and Weaving have all been discussed, it is not known which of them are advancing to screen tests.
8 Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane Audition Was Reportedly "Outstanding"
If there is a potential front-runner for Superman: Legacy's Lois Lane casting, Rachel Brosnahan might be the closest to arise through the news. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel's star reportedly delivered an "outstanding" audition and is the only actress named so far to receive some level of praise for how she has done in the process. The idea that Brosnahan would be an excellent Lois Lane will not come as a surprise to those who have watched her turn in Emmy-winning performances on the Prime Video original series. However, she is also reportedly on the older side of the casting age range Gunn is looking for.
7 Nicholas Hoult Could Play Superman Or Lex Luthor
Nicholas Hoult is another name who has surfaced during the Superman: Legacy casting news, but the role he is up for is a bit unclear. THR originally mentioned that Hoult's name has been linked to the film in recent weeks as a potential Lex Luthor casting choice. However, Deadline and The Wrap mentioned Nicholas Hoult for Superman, not Lex. Hoult does fit the same age range as the other rumored Superman actor contenders, while he also has the build to play the hero with his 6'3 height. The confusion could come from Hoult possibly being ruled out as an option for Superman and Gunn reconsidering him as Lex.
6 A Guardians Of The Galaxy Actor Was Being Looked At For Lex Luthor
Another intriguing update to come is that a Guardians of the Galaxy actor was in discussions to play Lex Luthor in Superman: Legacy. Deadline reporter Justin Kroll mentioned on Twitter that Gunn discussed the possibility with an actor while on the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 press tour. That could mean Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Will Poulter, or Chukwudi Iwuji were the actor Gunn was considering for the role. Kroll mentioned that it is "probably not happening" so whoever he spoke to seemingly decided against playing Superman: Legacy's villain.
5 Superman: Legacy's Villain Could Be Apex Lex Luthor
There is another aspect of the Lex Luthor Superman: Legacy rumors that came to light in the reporting. The villain role has the code name "Apex" for the audition process, which could be a hint at Superman: Legacy using the Apex Lex Luthor version of the comic character. Apex Lex Luthor is a version of the villain who has the powers of Martian Manhunter and connections to the multiverse. The possibility of Apex Lex Luthor being Superman: Legacy's villain opens up several different opportunities for James Gunn's movie to deliver a version of Lex vs Superman that has not previously been explored in the films.
4 James Gunn Is Seeing Black Actors To Play Lex Luthor In Superman: Legacy
The Lex Luthor casting process for Superman: Legacy includes a wider demographic than normal for the Superman villain. According to The Wrap, James Gunn is seeing Black actors to play Lex Luthor. No Black actors in contention for the role have been revealed at this point. If James Gunn does ultimately cast a Black Lex Luthor, it will be the first time the villain has been portrayed as a person of color in the movies.
3 New Superman Actor Screen Testing To Take Place Late May Or Early June
These Superman: Legacy casting updates do not mean that an announcement for who will play the DC Universe's Clark Kent is imminent. THR stated that the screen testing phase of the process will not begin until after Memorial Day or possibly even early June. This would mean that James Gunn is still going to take some time to watch more audition tapes and narrow down his potential casting list. Assuming the screen testing process takes a few weeks to reach a final decision on Superman (as well as Lois Lane), that could mean the DC Universe's new Superman casting announcement will be ready for San Diego Comic-Con 2023.
2 Superman: Legacy Will Have Many DC Characters
Another intriguing Superman: Legacy update teased that Superman, Lois, and Lex will be far from the only DC characters to appear. James Gunn has already confirmed supporting characters like Krypto and Jimmy Olsen will be included, but THR noted that it "will be populated by many faces as it will seek to introduce DC heroes that are already established in the movie’s setting." This indicates that other heroes from across DC's comics will be making an appearance in Superman: Legacy. This could include anyone from Batman, Wonder Woman, members of The Authority, or Lobo.
1 Superman: Legacy Has Already Cast One Unexpected Role
One surprising piece of Superman: Legacy news came directly from James Gunn, as he confirmed that someone has already been cast in an unexpected role for the movie. He revealed this on Twitter by noting the only person cast in the film "isn’t any of the regular players in the Superman world." Gunn playfully included a merman emoji at the end, prompting speculation it is a new Aquaman or Jason Momoa playing Lobo. This Superman: Legacy casting and the character's identity are still a mystery for now.