Reports began to surface over the weekend that “True Blood” star Joe Manganiello revealed to fans at a convention that he’s in talks for the titular role in Zack Snyder‘s upcoming Christopher Nolan-shepherded “Superman” film.
That, however, was proven to be not entirely true with the actor quickly taking to his own twitter account to clear up the rumors, writing that “just to be clear… as of today, I am not “negotiating” to play SuperMan… but keep your fingers crossed and thanks for the wishful thinking.”
It’s no doubt a definitive denial of negotiations taking place but the fact he goes as far as clarifying which part of the casting process he’s not involved in, as opposed denying it as a whole may suggest involvement in it already, no? At the very least, Manganiello interest seemingly clarifies Armie Hammer‘s notion that WB is on the hunt for an actors around the 35-40 age range.
Manganiello certainly fits the bill at the age of 33 and also boasts the square-jawed good looks of the Man Of Steel himself — some fans already have photoshopped images of him. His breakout role as the werewolf Alcide Herveaux on “True Blood” isn’t exactly much go to by due to the campiness of the show but it was able to exhibit his strong presence and booming voice which doesn’t hurt. Whether he has the acting chops is another matter. With a fleeting television resume and brief appearances in Sam Raimi‘s ‘Spiderman‘ franchise as bully Flash Thompson, Manganiello doesn’t have huge experience but we guess neither did Gerard Butler when Snyder pulled him from obscurity into the lead of his Spartan actioner “300.” If Nolan has any say, which he definitely does, surely they can do better? Manganiello’s no Jon Hamm that’s for sure.