With the underperformance of “The Flash,” Warner Bros. is feeling the pressure to deliver a successful movie with their new DC Studios. The upcoming film “Superman: Legacy,” helmed by James Gunn and produced by Peter Safran, is particularly crucial in establishing the future direction of the DC Extended Universe. One of the key aspects of the film’s success lies in casting the right actors for the iconic roles of Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane.
To ensure they make the right casting choices, James Gunn conducted screen tests on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank over the weekend of June 17. The process remains secretive, with only a committee of executives, including Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, being privy to the assembled cuts. Although the final choice has not been revealed, some details have emerged regarding the actors who participated in the screen tests.
According to sources, Gunn selected three actors and three actresses for the roles of Superman and Lois Lane, respectively. The first day of testing saw Nicholas Hoult and Rachel Brosnahan, Tom Brittney and Phoebe Dynevor, and David Corenswet and Emma Mackey paired together. The actors portrayed Clark Kent, disguised as a Daily Planet reporter, while the actresses played the plucky journalist Lois Lane.
On the second day of testing, Hoult, Brittney, and Corenswet donned the iconic Superman costume while Emma Mackey reprised her role as Lois Lane. It’s important to note that Mackey’s appearance on the second day does not automatically indicate that she is the frontrunner for the role, although it’s hard not to draw that conclusion.
Related Post
Finding the right actor to portray Superman is a complex task. Gunn’s vision for “Superman: Legacy” requires someone who can convincingly portray a farmboy from Kansas, a reputable reporter, and the powerful Man of Steel. This search brings to mind the casting process for the 2011 film “Green Lantern,” where actors had to embody Hal Jordan, a cocky pilot, and the masked superhero. Ryan Reynolds ultimately landed the role, but Bradley Cooper was in contention due to his performance as Jordan. However, Cooper struggled to impress in the superhero costume tests, leading to Reynolds being selected.
After assembling a cut of the screen tests, Gunn showed it to Warner Bros. executives to aid in the decision-making process. A final decision on the casting choices for Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane is expected to be made soon. Once the lead roles are determined, Gunn will move forward with casting other key characters, such as the villain Lex Luthor and members of the supergroup named the Authority, as Superman’s story unfolds in a world already occupied by superheroes.
Gunn aims to start filming “Superman: Legacy” in early 2024, with a planned release date of July 11, 2025. This film serves as a fresh start for the DC characters, as previous attempts to establish a cohesive universe have encountered obstacles, including underwhelming box office performance and changes in studio ownership. Warner Bros. is currently releasing the last three films from the previous regime. Unfortunately, “The Flash,” which was considered the most promising of the bunch, unexpectedly flopped at the box office. Similarly, expectations for “Blue Beetle,” set to release in August, are not incredibly high. The success of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” scheduled for a December release, is also uncertain, considering the five-year gap between the original film and its sequel.
Given the anticipation surrounding “Superman: Legacy,” Gunn and Safran are well aware that they not only need to create a blockbuster film but also ignite enthusiasm for the future movies and shows within the DC Universe. The success of “Superman: Legacy” will determine the trajectory of the DC Extended Universe’s future endeavors, making the casting choices critical for the film’s success and the overall continuity of the larger superhero franchise.
