Who Will Be the Next Superman? – Michael B. Jordan Listed as Favorite
- It’s been nearly half a decade since fans have seen Superman on film
- Most recently, Henry Cavill played the Man of Steel in 2017’s Justice League, part of the DC Extended Universe
- Cavill and fellow Superman alumni Brandon Routh are in the odds for the next Superman film, against new names, including Michael B Jordan. Check out odds and best bets below
It’s been four years since fans have seen Henry Cavill suit up in the blue and red suit as Superman. 2017’s Justice League was the Man of Steel’s most recent appearance in the DC Extended Universe film series. Despite Cavill’s experience, it is Michael B Jordan who leads the field in the next Superman odds.
While many have wondered if Cavill will ever return as Superman, wandering eyes are speculating into who Cavill’s potential successor could be.
As COVID-19 vaccination begins to start dissipating the pandemic, Hollywood is getting on track with reboots, remakes, and looking at its franchise for new material. Naturally, Superman is at the top of the list for DC Films and Warner Bros. Pictures.
So, comic book fans, will Cavill return? Or is this an opportunity as good as any to reset the franchise with a fresh face?
Odds for Who Will Play Superman in Upcoming Movie Reboot
| Actor | Odds |
|---|---|
| Michael B. Jordan | +200 |
| Oscar Isaac | +300 |
| Armie Hammer | +500 |
| Brandon Routh | +1000 |
| Matt Bomer | +1000 |
| Tyler Hoechlin | +1000 |
| Henry Cavill | +1200 |
Odds as of March 3rd
Superman Returns?
While Cavill’s Superman fate is unknown, his odds are the worst amongst his contemporaries. Cavill’s odds to show up at Clark Kent once again are not great, at +1200. But he’s also not the only alumni speculated to come back.
Famously, Brandon Routh donned the spandex and cape only once on the big screen before, in the standalone Superman Returns in 2006. After a long hiatus, though, he’s more recently returned to the role. As part of DC’s television series Legends of Tomorrow, Routh’s Superman was given new life. But will he reprise the role in a new film?
Probably not. As a film superhero, Routh didn’t exactly meet expectations. The film fizzled, and a 2009 sequel was canceled. While it’s been fun to see Routh step in as The Man of Steel on one-off television spots, it’s unlikely he has the star power to hold a full film at this point. With odds of +900, he may be the worst bet of the bunch.
They’ve Got the Face
Many of the other names in the odds mix seem to be present simply because they have the standard look of how audiences perceive Superman to be.
Matt Bomer at +1000 is a decent bet. He’s got that strapping, defined look with all the ingredients in place to make a great Superman. If Bomer as Superman seems familiar to you, you’re not far off. He already voiced Superman in the animated film Superman: Unbound.
While Bomer makes a good bet as an easily plausible Superman on screen, Tyler Hoechlin is equally viable at +1000. Visually, Hoechlin as Superman has the same potential as Bomer, just in a different package: he’s also donned the super suit on television, in both Supergirl and Superman & Lois.
But out of anyone, the most stunning Superman would be Armie Hammer. While his odds are great at +500, his recent personal life troubles make him all but null and void as a potential candidate. Fans simply won’t be willing to show up for a superhero who reads like a tabloid, sadly. Casting agents know this fact all too well.
Best Odds, Best Bet
But out of all the options, Michael B Jordan has the best odds. Jordan is sitting pretty at +200. Naturally, Jordan would be the first person of color to play Superman.
He’s handsome, he’s got a hell of a resume, and he’s a perfect mix of clever and dashing. Jordan would actually be completely perfect for the role. But is Hollywood ready for a Black Superman?
If anything, now is the time. In fact, while nothing is official yet, Jordan is rumored to be already in talks for the role. While Oprah grilled him on the subject years ago, there are whispers in the industry now that he’s officially signed on for the role.
Colorblind casting has been in effect in Broadway for years, and the film industry finally seems to be catching on to the benefits of this mantra. For the millions of BIPOC folks out there, seeing themselves represented in films is not only important, but it’s also a game-changer.
If Black Panther taught us anything, it’s that people of color as superheroes are an easy sell to audiences. Michael B Jordan as Superman is an easy mental image to picture.
Pick: Michael B. Jordan (+200)
As an active entertainment aficionado, the former Editor-in-Chief for the Capilano Courier, JJ also co-founded Lords of Dogwood, a Vancouver-based entertainment site in 2013. His writing has been found in ION Magazine, the North Shore News, and The Strand.
