James Gunn rules out Guardians star as new Superman

As James Gunn prepares to cast a new Superman, he rules out a popular Guardians of the Galaxy star as the next Clark Kent.

01st May 2023 13:53

Disney | Warner Bros.

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Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, it's James Gunn's Superman reboot. While there have been many men to don the blue tights and red pants, the upcoming recast for Superman: Legacy is sure to be one for the ages. With Henry Cavill out, everyone is asking who will play the Man of Steel next.

From the ashes of the DC Extended Universe, Gunn is the former Disney beau who is taking the reins for the DC Universe. With a packed slate of movies and shows confirmed as the tip of the iceberg, Superman: Legacy is one of the biggest announcements from Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.

Gunn rules out Chris Pratt for Superman: Legacy

Much like how Quentin Tarantino regularly works with Uma Thurman or Christopher Nolan with Cillian Murphy, Gunn has a regular cast of fan-favourites he regularly strolls out. Now that he's in charge of the DCU, fans are obviously asking which Guardians of the Galaxy stars will be leaping franchises. 

Speaking to Variety, Gunn explained, "The next Superman has to be someone who has all the humanity that Superman has but he's also an alien..."It's gotta be somebody who has the kindness and the compassion that Superman has and be somebody who you want to give a hug."

Pressed on whether Star-Lord himself could suit up as Supes, Gunn reiterated, "It's not Chris Pratt. If he was a few years younger, maybe." Much like Matt Reeves cast Robert Pattinson as a fresh-faced Bruce Wayne for The Batman, the DC reboot is going for a younger Kal-El. 

Could Will Poulter be the next Superman?

Will Poulter as Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy

With Pratt known as one of Hollywood's biggest names at the moment, he's secured roles in everything from Jurassic World to The Super Mario Bros. Movie. However, with critiques that he should leave some roles for the rest of Tinsel Town, there are sure to be those who are glad he won't be the next Superman.

The conversation turned to whether fellow Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 star Will Poulter could take flight. The Adam Warlock actor confirmed he hadn't even thought about Superman: Legacy: "Not until just now. No, I"m very grateful to be in this for the period of time that I am. Grateful for that alone."

Even though Pratt and Poulter are out, GotG's Pom Klementieff said she'd love a role (obviously not as the main man) in Superman: Legacy. Gunn has said the studio is looking at "some really great choices" for Clark Kent and his alien alter ego, and with Comic-Con on the horizon, July could be the time for a big reveal. 

Tom Chapman

About The Author

Tom Chapman

Tom is Trending News Editor at GGRecon, with an NCTJ qualification in Broadcast Journalism and over seven years of experience writing about film, gaming, and television. With bylines at IGN, Digital Spy, Den of Geek, and more, Tom’s love of horror means he's well-versed in all things Resident Evil, with aspirations to be the next Chris Redfield.

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