The CW network announced recently that in the Arrow-verse crossover both Tyler Hoechlin and Brandon Routh will suit up as the iconic superhero from Krypton.
And yes, you read that right, Routh, who starred in the film “Superman Returns” will wear the cape again, likely in a flashback as a younger Man of Steel since Hoechlin is established as part of the current timeline in CW’s “Supergirl.”
Now it seems that Warner Bros may recast the role of Superman for a future film in the DC Expanded Universe. Check out the pop culture odds at SBR’s top rated sportsbooks to recast this and other super hero roles..
Will Henry Cavill return? Is it time for new blood? Do you even care?
According to published reports, Warner Bros has a list of movies underdevelopment, on the drawing board, or at least on the list for the DC Extended Universe and one-offs with DC adaptations of non-mainstream characters that we’re not used to seeing on the big screen.
At the top, is “Joker” with Joaquin Phoenix which opens in October. Also in the works: “Birds of Prey” starring Margot Robbie which opens in February, “Wonder Woman 1984” starring Gal Gadot opening June 25, and, of course “The Batman” which recently picked “Twilight” star Robert Pattinson to wear the cowl. The Matt Reeves-directed movie is on the list to open June 25, 2021. Add to that “The Suicide Squad” in August 2021 and “Aquaman 2” in 2022.
Way down the list and we mean waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay down the list is “Untitled Man of Steel Sequel”; Release Date: TBA; Status: In Development; Director: TBA; Cast: Henry Cavill (?)
A lot of unknowns with this movie, heck, is it really being made? And if so, it looks as if Cavill may not be in it. Note to self, if your name has a question mark behind, it’s probably not a good thing.
Less than a year ago, is when Cavill’s hold on the role became tenuous. Over a 48-hour period in September, The Hollywood Reporter published that Cavill was unlikely to appear as the iconic superhero in any future Warner Bros. movies after discussions regarding a cameo in the “Shazam!” broke down.
Entertainment Weekly reported the story a bit differently, saying that Warner Bros. was putting its focus is on a new “Supergirl” movie, putting Superman and Cavill on a Kryptonite hiatus. This corresponds to the said DCEU list which does list a “Supergirl” movie in development about 10 spots above “Man of Steel 2.”
Then Cavill posted a cryptic video with a Superman action figure that really confused things. The actor’s manager told fans to chill saying “Be peaceful, the cape is still in his closet. @wbpicutres has been and continues to be our partners as the evolve the DC Universe. Anticipate a WB statement …”
That was followed with a Warner Bros spokesperson releasing a statement that sounded like a Dear Clark letter: “While no decisions have been made regarding any upcoming Superman films. We’ve always had great respect for and a great relationship with Henry Cavill, and that remains unchanged.”
So, we’re moving past Cavill and looking toward a new Superman, who may not have a stand-alone movie for a while but would be part of a still-on-the-drawing-board “Justice League” sequel with a TBA release date.
The possible candidates with a lot of usual suspects: Michael B. Jordan (“Black Panther,” “Creed”), Armie Hammer (“Lone Ranger,” “Social Network”), and Idris Elba (“Molly’s Game,” “Beasts of No Nation”).
OK, only one of these actors has a chance – Michael B. Jordan. Elba already is playing an still unnamed character in the next “Suicide Squad” movie so he’s out. And Hammer, may have “the look” but oh, so bland.
Other possible choices: Matt Bomer (“Magic Mike”), Oscar Isaac (“Star Wars”), Wes Bentley (“American Horror Story”), Sebastian Stan (“Captain America”), Jesse Williams (“Grey’s Anatomy”), Richard Madden (“Bodyguard”), and Tom Welling (“Smallville”).
How much do we love Welling as the pick? He would be a popular choice for an “older” Superman.
More likely, especially since there is no timetable for this movie, it could be an actor not even our radar. Some unknown who right now is tying a towel around his neck leaping from the sofa to the ottoman in his living room. Could it be you?
