Ever since James Gunn took over the DC franchise, a lot of changes have taken place. While the head honcho has been criticized for certain decisions that saw Henry Cavill’s shocking exit from the franchise, he has also created a lot of excitement through future DC projects that he has envisioned.
One of the highly anticipated movies to come out of the Gunn regime is the Superman film directed by him which is due to release in 2025. While David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult have already been cast in the marquee roles, the latest reports coming in confirm the presence of former SNL star Beck Bennett who will play Daily Mail reporter Steve Lombard.
James Gunn Ropes in This SNL Comedian For His Superman Film
James Gunn’s Superman project has been gaining a lot of attention right from the time of its announcement. With the director consistently updating DC fans about the casting process, viewers have felt that they have been part of the development of this film.
After extensive rounds of auditions, Gunn zoned in on his core team of David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Other members of the glittering ensemble include recognizable faces like Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Milly Alcock as Supergirl, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl.
Now, in the latest casting news coming in, the Guardians of the Galaxy director has roped in talented SNL actor Beck Bennett to play the role of Daily Planet reporter Steve Lombard (via Culture Crave). The role was earlier played by Michael Kelly in Man of Steel.
Bennett who debuted on SNL in 2013, was extremely popular for his comedic sketches which saw him have a successful 8-year run on the show. His DC character Steve Lombard is known for his openly brash and arrogant demeanor which he uses to good effect on those inferior to him. He particularly enjoys taunting Clark Kent through his actions.
The character first appeared in Superman #264 by Cary Bates and Curt Swan. With Bennett’s natural affinity towards humor and wit, it will be interesting to see how he approaches this key role in the film.
Beck Bennett Wins DC Fans’ Approval
The announcement that former SNL star Beck Bennett has officially entered James Gunn’s Superman film as Steve Lombard the reporter, is gaining quite a bit of traction online. DC fans who have been closely following the audition process, have expressed their approval of Bennett’s casting.
Many viewers believed that the comedian who showcased his wit in SNL for 8 years, has the talent to bring this colorful DC character to life in his own unique way that would stand out from earlier versions. Bennett joins an impressive ensemble cast of young actors who are well on their way to becoming big stars in Hollywood.
SNL alumni here to carry a Superman film. This feels right… pic.twitter.com/gONu6AMbCc
— Staff Pick Films (@StaffPickFilms) June 5, 2024
This has been one of the greatest casting I’ve seen so far in superhero movie. pic.twitter.com/zP5R9YHoke
— joey (@Fan_FlickOn) June 5, 2024
Yeah that's really good I hope it will ginger us
— majidadin matasa (@sadeiqsb) June 5, 2024
Good to see him in something.
— MRO💥 (@officalmro) June 5, 2024
Wow 🧐
— One Small Step (@full_mount727) June 5, 2024
With such positive responses on social media regarding Bennett’s introduction to the franchise, a lot will be riding on how Gunn envisions the character to play to the comedian’s strengths. One thing that is assured is that the talented star will bring his own nuances to the role and make it his own.
