While the most popular version of Superman is Kal-El/Clark Kent, there are many other heroes who have taken up the mantle of Superman in DC comics. One such example is Kong Kenan, nicknamed the "Superman of China." First introduced in New Super-Man #1, the character is a human-Kryptonian hybrid with magical powers, along with Superman's usual strength and skills.
As Michael B. Jordan gears up for a take on the Earth-2 Superman, Val-Zod, it only makes sense for the DC Extended Universe to experiment with other Supermen. In this case, it seems only right that Kong Kenan should make his screen debut in the coming years.
It Would The Monotony Of Kal-El
The classic version of Superman has had a constant presence in DC properties that include comics, films, animated and live-action shows. Even his pre-Superman years have been fleshed out in Smallville. As for the Superman movies centered around Clark Kent, three actors have already donned the iconic blue suit.
Hence, fans are well aware of Superman's Kryptonian origins, his relationship with Lois Lane, and other associated storylines. It would be interesting to surprise audiences with a fresher story, like that of Kenan's -- a 17-year-old high-schooler who accidentally receives the life force of a dead Superman.
His Added Magical Powers
Superman's powers are synonymous with his name and include heat vision, super flight, X-Ray vision, and other abilities that find their place in every interpretation of Clark Kent. Kong Kenan would serve as a good break from these usual powers, as he not only possesses them but has additional powers too.
In the comics, he is also seen as the embodiment of the dualist forces "yin and yang." This allows him to control magical powers like energy blasts, interdimensional travel, and light and darkness manipulation.
It Would Be A Gateway To New Characters
If a Kong Kenan adaptation gets greenlit, then the DCEU can open its doors to more such characters that deserve popular recognition. Instead of sticking to just one Superman, they can explore films centered upon Superboy, Supergirl, and many other characters related to the Kryptonian superhero.
Just take DCEU's competitor, the MCU, as a case in point. While the Phase One movies of the MCU focused on mainstream characters like Iron-Man and Captain America, now the Universe is ready to focus on lesser-known heroes, like Shang-Chi and Moon Knight.
He's An Unexplored Hero
Debuting in 2016, Kong Kenan is a fairly recent character and this might explain why he has had no media appearances so far. But this is a perfect opportunity to give the Chinese Superman a full-fledged cinematic opportunity.
While comic-book fans might be aware of him, many casual DC fans won't even know about his existence. So, it would be interesting to take audiences back with a whole new version of Superman. The success of films like James Gunn's The Suicide Squad proves that minor characters can also be popular, so long as the film is executed well.
Superman Is Always Marketable
Be it in any form, Superman can be a marketable asset for DC for its paramount importance in the history of comics. For decades, Superman has set the standard for the modern, American superhero.
With Michael B. Jordan's alternate Superman project also in the works, it is safe to assume that any character remotely related to Superman has marketing potential. In the case of Kong Kenan, here's hoping that he receives the same popularity as Spider-Man: Into The Spiderverse's lead character, Miles Morales. Despite Peter Parker's Spider-Man being as popular as Clark Kent's Superman, Morales has his own fanbase and upcoming film franchise.
It Would Mean More Asian Representation In The DCEU
Other than a brief appearance by Ryan Choi (Atom) in Zack Snyder's Justice League, the DCEU has not had any Asian representation when it comes to its superheroes. In all his on-screen adaptations, Superman is always depicted as a white male. With characters like Val-Zod and Kong Kenan, it would be possible for DC to diversify its casting and introduce new versions and character arcs to the Superman mythos.
Coming back to the aforementioned MCU, Disney and Marvel featured Shang-Chi as their first Asian superhero this year. It's high time that Warner Bros and DC catch up.
He Has An Unconventional & Personal Story Arc
Superman's (Clark Kent) origin story always portrays him as an ideal and responsible person, right from the start. Even before becoming a superhero, he was always ready to help those in need.
Kong Kenan, on the other hand, has a more intense backstory with a highly cinematic quality. He had a strained relationship with his father and often bullied his neighbor's child as a means of coping with his mother's death. He crosses paths with an unexpected villain and an organization that transfers a recently-deceased Superman's life force into him. In this way, Kong Kenan was never meant to be Superman but has no other option but to carry his legacy.
Critics Love The Comics
The New Super-Man comic series and the character of Kong Kenan have usually drawn positive reviews from comic book critics. Many reviews praise the transformation that he undergoes from being a bratty teenager to a likable hero. The arcs involving the creation of a Justice League of China similarly garnered positive reactions.
Kong Kenan is already a well-received choice, critically. So, a comic-accurate movie adaptation of his story might prove to be a feasible move. Battling a mixed track record with the critics, a Kong Kenan film might be able to help the DCEU win over both critics and audiences alike.
It's A Chance For WB To Right Their Wrongs
WB has somewhat of a negative reputation among DC fans when it comes to their treatment of Superman. While Man of Steel drew a cult status, Henry Cavill's Superman turned him into an unintentionally hilarious character in the theatrical cut of Justice League (largely due to the digital removal of Cavill's mustache).
As of now, it is highly unlikely for the actor to reprise his role. The Snyderverse was also canceled by the studio this year, even though it could have continued Superman's story in the future. With no news about the next Clark Kent, a good Kong Kenan film might serve as WB's shot at redemption.