James Gunn and Peter Safran, the two CEOs of DC Studios are charting the way forward for the DCU. 10 projects have already been officially announced, with more rumored to be announced at the 2023 SDCC. However, it can’t be denied that a lot of fans are most excited about one project in particular- Superman: Legacy.
Henry Cavill’s departure from DC rattled and shocked many hardcore fans who were hoping that the actor would put on the red and blue suit again. While that isn’t possible anymore, James Gunn has revealed what his ideal Superman actor will need to possess.
What Traits Is James Gunn Looking For In His Ideal Superman Star?
In an interview with Variety at the Los Angeles premiere of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, James Gunn revealed what he was looking for in his ideal Superman actor who was going to succeed Henry Cavill. He said that they have “some really great choices” which he’s excited about. Then Gunn described the three main character traits the ideal Superman actor had to possess. The acclaimed director said:
“It has to be somebody who has all the humanity that Superman has, but he’s also an alien… It’s gotta be somebody who has the kindness and compassion that Superman has… And it has to be somebody that you’d want to give you a hug.”
The director also refuted long-standing rumors about Chris Pratt joining the DCU as the man of steel. He confirmed that his Guardians of the Galaxy collaborator wasn’t his ideal pick. James Gunn also stated that he wanted to add to Superman’s canon legacy rather than detract from it. While the director seems earnest and enthusiastic about the project as well as the character, DC fans aren’t buying it.
DC Fans Are Mad At James Gunn’s Hypocrisy
Fans of the DC franchise have long been skeptical of James Gunn’s plans for Superman after he let Henry Cavill depart. Many think that his ideas won’t be anything new like Zack Snyder’s interpretation of the character. They fear that his Superman will tread on the grounds that Christopher Reeve, Tyler Hoechlin, and Brandon Routh’s versions already did.
As such, they are voicing out their frustrations on social media after his Variety interview went viral. Here’s what they are saying:
So… Ted Lasso? pic.twitter.com/aQAEi0E7AY
— B⓪ (@ItsBoTime88) April 28, 2023
Is he a disney prince? Wdf😂
— ᴇxᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴄᴀᴅᴏ (@chizzy_yo) April 28, 2023
So he wants Henry Cavill Back ?
— UpperKut🦾 (@KalyanMMA) April 28, 2023
He needs more than that but it’s a start
— John Wynn (@JohnWynn2022) April 28, 2023
and we had that….. pic.twitter.com/MlUCsYRSFa
— sir_manolo 🏁 (@Christian_J_D_M) April 28, 2023
Basically you want to potrait him as a priest
— Cayde -6 (@Cayde422) April 28, 2023
Henry Cavill’s exit has left a sour taste in people’s mouths because the actor had already announced his comeback but had to recant his statement barely a month later. Also, for many, he’s the ideal man of steel and possesses all of the qualities stated by Gunn.
As such, it’s undeniable that Gunn has a tough journey ahead, and until the movie releases in theaters, everyone from the general public to hardcore DC fans will question every decision of his. But the question is, will the co-CEO of DC Studios prove everyone wrong?
Superman: Legacy releases on 11 July 2025.
Source: Variety
