As Superman is once again set to reach the big screens with David Corenswet donning the suit, fans are excited to see what this iteration brings to the table. The Kryptonian has numerous abilities that make him one of the most powerful beings in the universe. However, James Gunn’s DCU has added one Justice League member to the new Superman movie, who is immune to one of the Man of Steel’s unique abilities.
In DC Comics, Rex “Metamorpho” Mason has the ability to change his physical form at will to any elemental compound or substance on Earth. The superhero has no traditional heartbeat, making him immune to Kal-El’s lie-detecting ability.
One Superman Power Doesn’t Work On This Justice League Member
Being immune to Superman’s power is no small feat for a Justice League member. When writer Bob Haney and artist Ramona Fradon created the character Rex “Metamorpho” Mason, they gave him a unique ability to deceive Superman. One of the Man of Steel’s most notable abilities is that no one can lie to him. His super hearing skill can even hear the heartbeat of people, helping him detect when they are lying.
However, Metamorpho, who was introduced in The Brave and the Bold #57, is immune to this power due to his physiology. The Justice League member’s powers resulted from a meteorite accident. His body, which can turn into any elemental compound or substance at will, does not possess heartbeats like other humans do. Metamorpho also boasts superhuman strength, durability, and enhanced healing factor.
Metamorpho’s immunity to Superman’s powers is explored in Mark Waid and Dan Mora’s Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #13. Kal-El and Bruce Wayne get to the bottom of a murder mystery, where the victim is a billionaire with connections to Metamorpho. The superhero becomes a potential suspect and is interrogated by Batman, while Superman listens in.
After the interrogation, Superman reveals to The Dark Knight that Rex Mason is immune to his lie-detecting abilities. He explains that he couldn’t listen to Metamorpho’s heartbeat as he lacked a traditional one. This leaves the duo in the dark about Metamorpho’s involvement in the murder. This places the superhero in a unique advantage with Superman compared to other Justice League heroes.
Barry Star Anthony Carrigan Will Play Metamorpho In James Gunn’s Superman
The Hollywood Reporter reported last July that Emmy-nominated Barry actor Anthony Carrigan was roped in to play Metamorpho in James Gunn‘s Superman. The casting was announced along with other casts including Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific.
Carrigan made a name for himself, playing the role of NoHo Hank in Barry. He was nominated thrice for Outstanding Supporting Actor Emmy in the comedy series category. Carrigan explained that he had the DC character on his radar before being cast. He shared that when he was diagnosed with alopecia, he made note of all the bald superheroes and supervillains to play in films. Carrigan shared with The Hollywood Reporter:
“I like comic books, but I’m not a diehard, but I did when all my hair fell out, go through the kind of pantheon of all of these bald superheroes and supervillains and made note of all of them. I remember seeing Metamorpho and I think he had like a giant like hammer for a hand and I was like, that guy’s badass. Noted. We’ll store that one away.”
The cameras started rolling for James Gunn’s Superman on February 29, 2024, and the film has a release date of July 11, 2025.
