It would be a large shoe to fill in for the next actor chosen to play the role of Superman as Henry Cavill did an amazing job in bringing to life one of DC’s most beloved heroes. Fans have already witnessed a lot of changes since James Gunn and Peter Safran took their seats in the newly revamped DC Studios, and that includes starting from scratch.
With Henry Cavill finally passing on the cape of Superman to another actor, fans have been anticipating the announcement of the cast for Superman: Legacy, a reboot of the movie franchise that will explore the life of Superman/Clark Kent that audiences have never seen before.
Henry Cavill Fans Aren’t Happy With Nicholas Hoult’s Screen Test For Superman
James Gunn will helm Superman: Legacy, a project he wrote himself. The casting already commenced last Father’s Day weekend with Nicholas Hoult, Rachel Brosnahan, and Phoebe Dynevor going under screen tests for Clark Kent and Lois Lane. David Corenswet, Emma Mackey, and Tom Brittney were also present and vying for the coveted roles.
Hoult is quite familiar with the superhero genre as he previously portrayed Hank McCoy/Beast from the X-Men franchise. He was also a contender to play Batman in Matt Reeves’ film reboot, although the role went to Twilight star Robert Pattinson.
There had been conflicting reports as to which role Hoult intended to play. He was initially reported to portray Lex Luthor, but later reports claim that he was considered for the part of Superman. Rachel Brosnahan once told The Hollywood Reporter that Hoult is “the only person in consideration for Superman’s archenemy Lex Luthor.” This could suggest that the Renfield star read for both parts.
Following the announcement of Nicholas Hoult going for the screen test, fans savagely slammed the actor’s potential to replace Henry Cavill as the new Man of Steel. Many expressed their disapproval and annoyance toward the casting. Check out their tweets below:
All the people defending Nicholas Hoult Superman say he’s a great actor, but that was never in debate? Great actor.
We’re strictly talking about the fact that he’d look RIDICULOUS as Superman
Even with longer hair I genuinely cannot understand how he made it to screen testing pic.twitter.com/KUgDFZFTa6
— Steve 🎥 Supports the WGA (@SteveRogers1943) June 26, 2023
He’s a fantastic actor he just doesn’t have that Superman look and swagger. I will concede he’d make a great Clark but that’s only half of the role, not the full package.
— NeuroticKryptonian (@NeuroticKrypto) June 26, 2023
He just doesn’t have the face or voice for it. And I’m not saying that in a judgemental way. He just doesn’t feel like Superman at all. Every time I look or listen to David, I go “That’s Superman.” Some people just have it. Lots of characters Hoult could play though
— what it do (@DaBatman7) June 26, 2023
Yeah I just don’t see it at all. People are gonna pull the “but member Ledger?” as always and forget the dozens other poor comic book castings that could’ve been seen long before the film released
— 🤨 (@PronouncedLoose) June 26, 2023
He literally doesn’t have the face to be Superman he’s got like nefarious eyebrows yknow
— 🖤Crow🖤 (@Le1Million_) June 26, 2023
Some actors just dont fit certain roles 🤷♂️Hes a great actor but he would just look out of place as a kansas farm boy
— Jos (@StrawHatYuri) June 26, 2023
Henry Cavill fans are clearly not buying the possible casting of Hoult as Superman and Clark Kent. Though, if the rumored casting for Lex Luthor turns out true, the actor might stand a chance.
RELATED: 3 Actors Reportedly In The Running To Replace Henry Cavill In ‘Superman: Legacy’ – Revealed
Superman: Legacy Will See The Dawn Of A New Era For DC Studios
The upcoming Superman: Legacy will finally address Superman’s journey in melding together his Kryptonian heritage and his human upbringing. As the symbol of “truth, justice, and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned,” Superman will herald a new era of heroes under the new DC Studios.
Gunn reportedly finished the script for Superman: Legacy before the writer’s strike, and he said during the DCU’s project announcement (via CBM):
“Superman: Legacy is the true foundation of our creative vision for the DC Universe. Not only is Superman an iconic part of DC lore, he is also a favorite character for comic book readers, viewers of earlier movies, and fans around the world. I can’t wait to introduce our version of Superman, who audiences will be able to follow and get to know across films, movies, animation, and gaming.”
Fans will have to wait a little longer for the announcement of the final casting as Superman: Legacy won’t hit theaters until 2025.
