Writer/director James Gunn is full-steam-ahead with his next big superhero film with “Superman: Legacy,” the first feature film in the rebooted DC Cinematic Universe under the supervision of the newly formed DC Studios. The key roles of Clark Kent and Lois Lane are currently their main priority and it looks like might we have an idea of how Gunn is looking to cast the six previously announced hopefuls in those parts.
The Hollywood Reporter has an update, of sorts, revealing that Nicholas Hoult and Rachel Brosnahan are being paired up for the testing phase along with two other pairings with David Corenswet/Emma Mackey and Tom Brittney/Phoebe Dynevor. This would likely signal that the duos’ on-camera chemistry is likely going to play a large part in the casting process here and could mean that Gunn is looking to hire actors by these pairings. Then again, they add that the three gents did more tests in costume as Superman where they were acting opposite just Mackey (A sign she’s the frontrunner?). Even more exciting is that the studio could be shown the tests this week and a decision is assumed to come as early as this week (unknown if that will be made public).
Not only that, but the outlet discloses two names on a shortlist for the Lex Luthor role. As Swedish acting siblings Alexander and Bill Skarsgård are reportedly in the mix among other unnamed contenders. Although it’s possible Hoult would still consider the Lex Luthor role if he is passed over for Superman. It’s worth mentioning that Bill Skarsgård recently played the opulent big bad of “John Wick 4” and worked with “The Brave & The Bold” director Andy Muschietti (“The Flash“) on the two “IT” films playing the child-eating clown Pennywise.
“Superman: Legacy” is also said to be the entry point and introduction of members of The Authority, a more mature superteam from the Wildstorm side of DC Comics publishing. The team was previously announced to be getting its own movie as part of DC Studios’ first wave of live-action projects. Warners has already set the next ‘Superman’ installment for a release date of July 11, 2025, and production is expected to begin early next year in Atlanta.
