Casting Call: Superman Legacy

 

The reboot of the DC Cinematic Universe is in pre-production now.  Very soon they will begin filming their flagship movie: Superman Legacy.  

From what I'm gathering it will be less of an origin story and more about the effect Superman has on the world.  One of the things I am heartened by is that James Gunn recognize the purity and nobility of Superman, who stands for Truth, Justice, and the American Way.

Here are some thoughts I have about casting.  I would invite all of you to either comment or participate in my online poll.

SUPERMAN

Chris Pratt

Pratt is a bit older than most people who take up the part, but I think he would actually be the best choice.  He is used to playing comical characters, but in recent years I have noticed him really honing his dramatic talents.  

He is physically fit enough for the part and can darken his hair.  His age would actually be helpful for the idea of him being a bit of an elder statesmen in the DCU, in the same way that Affleck was when he was cast as Batman.

On top of that, Pratt can embody the idealism of the character without feeling false or cynical.

Ryan Gosling

He is one of the most versatile actors working today.  If you don't believe me, watch him transform between Lars and the Real Girl and Crazy Stupid Love.  Playing Superman would be a challenge for him, but he could rise to the occasion.

Gosling has never done the "big franchise" route.  But he has the chance to shape a new version of a classic character.  He could bring a level of calm and cool to the character that would be a new interpretation to the character.

Taron Egerton

This is the youngest person I am considering.  When he first came onto the scene with Kingsman, I wasn't terribly impressed.  But he is someone who has worked hard over the years to develop as an actor.  The last two things I saw him in (Blackbird and Tetris) have only confirmed his growth as an actor.

We know he can do the action required of the part.  He has grown in his ability command the respect that Superman commands.

John Kransinski

photo by MTV International

Like Pratt, Kranskiski has great comic instincts, but he has also established himself as a strong dramatic actor and action hero.  Also like Pratt, Kransiski has built up a lot of good will in the audience where people intuitively like and trust him.  Kransinski has the stature, both in physicality and character, to pull off the part.

LOIS LANE

Alison Brie

Since leaving Community, Brie has taken up a great deal of dramatic parts.  She has loads of charisma and could embody the spirit of the intrepid reporter.

Kristen Bell

I have been a big fan of Bell since her Veronica Mars days.  I can see her portrayal of Lois as an extension of her Veronica Mars.  With that level of aggressive intelligence, you could see her going toe-to-toe with both Superman and Lex Luthor.

Emily Blunt

This is not simply a case where it would be great to see Blunt and Krasinski working together again on screen.  Blunt is a fantastic actress who would bring great maturity and charisma to the part.  If they are going to cast the part as slightly more mature, she would be an excellent choice.  She was able to match the power and talent of Tom Cruise in Edge of Tomorrow and could bring that level of intensity to Lois.

LEX LUTHOR

Bryan Cranston

This was the casting that everyone wanted for Batman v. Superman.  Cranston turned in one the best television performances of all time.  We know that he could not only play someone with the presence, intensity, and evil of Luthor, he could also infuse him with a level of humanity we haven't seen in other portrayals.

Giancarlo Esposito

As we've seen in Breaking Bad and The Mandalorian, Esposito commands respect on the screen.  At the same time he could believably order the deaths of millions without blinking an eye.  You could imagine the Man of Steel getting into his face and not blinking an eye.

JIMMY OLSEN

Justice Smith

Justice Smith/ Greg2600

I really liked him in Dungeons and Dragons.  His chemistry with Pratt was very reminiscent of the sidekick energy that he could bring to the part.

Gaten Matarazzo

He is easily one of the best parts of Stranger Things and he is no old enough to play the part of the cub photographer.  He could bring a sense of innocence and wonder to the part.

Thoughts?

Please participate in our online poll here.  The results will be posted on this blog.  CLICK HERE. 

(photos by Gage Skidmore)