A new report states that Superman: Legacy writer-director James Gunn is looking at Black actors to possibly play a superpowered Lex Luthor in the DC film.
According to The Wrap, Black actors are being considered for a version of the Superman nemesis sources label as “Apex.” This points to Superman: Legacy possibly adapting DC Comics’ “Apex Lex,” Luthor’s human/Martian form he had while in service to the god-like entity Perpetua, creator of the Multiverse. This form was seen throughout DC’s Year of the Villain saga and titles like Year of the Villain: Hell Arisen. Because it turned Luthor into a Martian hybrid, it gave him powers much like those of Martian Manhunter.
Who May Play Superman and Lois Lane?
The new report also updates earlier stories regarding who the film may be eying for the roles of Superman and his love interest, The Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane. Just a day prior, David Corenswet (Pearl) was said to be a top contender to play Superman Clark Kent, and that Euphoria star Jacob Elordi had never entered the race despite other rumors. Conflicting reports also stated that X-Men actor Nicholas Hoult was up for either Superman Clark Kent or Luthor in the movie. The Wrap’s sources now say that Hoult, Corenswet and even Elordi are all in the mix for Superman, adding in Andrew Richardson (A Call to Spy) too.
As for Lois, sources say that The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel star Rachel Brosnahan gave a “strong” audition for the role. The new details also mention that Emma Mackey (Sex Education) and Samara Weaving (Ready or Not) are going for the part as well. These actors were three of four listed in the prior casting report, along with Phoebe Dynevor (Bridgerton).
Gunn is both writing and directing Superman: Legacy, and he has responded to reports about who is in the running for Clark Kent and Lois Lane. Gunn tweeted, “For all of you asking, I would never comment on who is or isn’t AUDITIONING for a role. That’s the actor’s business only & isn’t something I’d make public unless they did it first after the fact.” Gunn has previously debunked rumors about who may be the live-action DC Universe’s new Superman, like actors Luke Eisner and Logan Lerman, but this time, he chose to not comment on or share who may be auditioning.
The DCU Is Being Remapped
Along with Peter Safran, Gunn officially became a co-CEO of DC Studios in Nov. 2022. The two are now charting a new course for a remapped DCU, which Superman: Legacy is set to kick off. With actor Henry Cavill out as Superman following his post-credits cameo in Black Adam (2022), the hunt is on for who will don the red boots and cape next.
Set to begin filming in Jan. 2024, Superman: Legacy flies into theaters July 11, 2025.
Source: The Wrap
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