This week, social media was abuzz with the claims made by comedian, TV host, and surgeon Bassem Youssef that his vocal support for Palestine was the reason he was fired from James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy. The comedian, who was in talks for the DC Studios movie, revealed to Salon that he was notified that his role was canceled following changes to the script.
Youssef also claimed he was informed of the script changes after his October interview with Piers Morgan went viral. Gunn, however, has now stated that Youssef’s taped scene was cut from the original script and had nothing to do with the comedian’s pro-Palestinian comments.
Bassem Youssef Shared His Side of the Story After Being Removed From Superman: Legacy
Bassem Youssef, 49, addressed his remarks in a recent interview with Salon, reiterating his conviction that the “Piers Morgan interview” was the cause of his role being dropped from Superman: Legacy. The comedian, who “was a little bit bitter about losing the role”, said:
“I was kind of very sad, like why, in the United States of America, you can talk about Joe Biden, and you can talk about Donald Trump, but you cannot criticize a foreign government? Which is kind of very sad. Because of that, I was cast in the movie, ‘Superman,’ and then they told me, ‘We changed the script,’ after this Piers Morgan interview.”
Youssef, 49, eventually realized, though, how emotionally burdened those people are. He continued, saying:
“I mean, those people have a connection with Israel… I understand maybe the people who are in charge, that took the decision, looked at me and didn’t want to have me. And maybe I understand. If I’m an Arab Muslim, I was the head of Warner Bros., I wouldn’t like a pro-Zionist or a pro-Israel to be in my movie if he attacked my people..”
As per IGN, Youssef was actually in talks with writer/director James Gunn to play Rumaan Harjavti. However, the character was entirely omitted from the script by September at the latest, prior to the Morgan interview. And, Youssef was never given the opportunity to play the role in the first place.
What Does James Gunn Have to Say About This?
James Gunn has also come forward while discussing Bassem Youssef’s exit from the upcoming Superman: Legacy. The report was shared by the former on Threads and X/Twitter after it was published, attesting to the accuracy of the information.
Meanwhile, because the actor’s strike was still in effect when the character was axed in September, sources claimed (via Variety) that Youssef was never formally offered the role. On the other hand, Comic Book reported that he was originally scheduled to have a small part as Rumaan Harjavti, a DC Comics character. However, his inclusion was canceled due to concerns about the film’s runtime
The eagerly awaited Superman: Legacy, directed by Gunn, is scheduled to debut in 2025 and is intended to revitalize the DC Universe. Several cast members, including lead actor David Corenswet and actress Rachel Brosnahan, who will play Superman and Lois Lane, respectively, have already been revealed.
Superman: Legacy will arrive in theatres on July 11, 2025.
