Casting for “Superman: Legacy” has started with several high profile names up as possible contenders to play Clark Kent, Lois Lane and Lex Luthor…
The casting process for “Superman: Legacy” is reportedly underway as James Gunn prepares to direct his first major feature film as the co-CEO of DC Studios with the movie expected to serve as a lynchpin to the new shared universe he’s creating.
While it’s not expected that any major casting choices will be made right away, Gunn has reportedly started reviewing audition tapes for many of the top roles including Superman/Clark Kent, intrepid reporter and future love interest Lois Lane as well as arch nemesis Lex Luthor.
When it comes to Superman, various reports have confirmed a few similar names including David Corenswet, who played the ill-fated projectionist opposite Mia Goth in the horror film “Pearl,” along with “Succession” star Jacob Elordi and Andrew Richardson, who is best known for his appearance in the film “Call To Spy.”
Elordi has long been rumored as a top choice among fans, although there are conflicting reports between The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline on whether or not he’s actually submitted himself for consideration or not at all.
Another name reportedly in the mix is “The Menu” and “Renfield” star Nicholas Hoult with the British actor possibly testing for the role of Superman/Clark Kent or possibly as Lex Luthor as well. Hoult nearly landed a separate high profile comic book role when he was one of the finalists to take over as Batman/Bruce Wayne in the Matt Reeves’ universe of films but the part ultimately went to Robert Pattinson instead.
Hoult has quickly become one of the most talked about actors in Hollywood in recent months so it seems like only a matter of time before he lands a marquee role like this but it remains to be seen if he is potentially playing a hero or a villain if he gets the part in “Superman: Legacy.”
When it comes to Lois Lane, there are reportedly four actors leading the way for the part with “Sex Education” star Emma Mackey, Emmy winner Rachel Brosnahan, “Bridgerton” star Phoebe Dynevor and “Scream VI” star Samara Weaving all testing for the part.
Gunn has stated that he intends on a younger version of Superman in his upcoming film, which stands to reason with the ages of the actors reportedly testing for either Clark Kent or Lois Lane.
There have also been rumors that the version of Lex Luthor in “Superman: Legacy” could be Apex Lex — a hybrid of a human and Martian body with superhuman abilities that effectively mirrored Superman himself from the comic books.
Gunn is well known for mining into the deepest depths of comic book history for his storytelling, which could make for some interesting choices that have never been done before where Superman is involved. Remember, Gunn is both writing and directing so he’ll have a hand in every part of the process when it comes to how this film gets made.
Gunn has also been fiercely loyal to many of the actors he’s worked with in the past, which had many speculating that perhaps his old pal Michael Rosenbaum could be up for a role in “Superman: Legacy.” Rosenbaum famously portrayed Lex Luthor in the “Smallville” series and he’s been regarded as perhaps the definitive live action version of that character across television and film.
It remains to be seen if Rosenbaum or any of the other past actors well known for working with Gunn might pop up in “Superman: Legacy.”
“Superman: Legacy” is currently slated to be released on July 11, 2025.
