Superman Star Dodges Questions About His Involvement in a 14-Year-Old Marvel Reboot

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Years ago, actors were generally known as either movie stars or television actors, and it was unusual to see them move between those worlds. Similarly, in the world of comics, actors became known for playing characters from either Marvel or DC. However, that distinction is becoming less clear. For example, Michael Keaton, famous for playing Batman, recently appeared as a villain in a Spider-Man movie, and there’s talk that Chris Pratt might soon move from Marvel films to projects in James Gunn’s DC Universe.

The shift isn’t always smooth, however. Edi Gathegi, for instance, was a highlight in Gunn’s recent blockbuster as Mister Terrific. Interestingly, he hoped the new DC Universe reboot would give him a chance to redeem his earlier, less successful superhero film debut.

I’ve always been a fan of Adewale Gathegi, and I was so excited to see him in First Class! But honestly, his role felt a little short-changed. He played a mutant who started as a taxi driver and was brought in to fight the Hellfire Club, but he didn’t have a ton of screen time and, unfortunately, his character was killed off by Sebastian Shaw. He was recently on the DC Studios Showcase Official Podcast, and when asked about First Class, he was playfully evasive. He basically said, and I quote, “We don’t talk about that. It’s too juicy!” It’s clear he has some interesting thoughts on the experience, even if he’s keeping them close to the vest.

While Matthew Vaughn’s First Class is considered a strong superhero reboot, it didn’t significantly boost Michael Gathegi’s career in the genre, and he waited over ten years for another opportunity. He’s now thrilled to be part of the Superman reboot, seeing it as a chance to make a real impact. “I’m grateful to have a second chance in the new DC Universe,” Gathegi explained. “I’m really excited to be a superhero who can inspire a new generation of young Black children.”

Gathegi’s Mister Terrific Joins Several Heroes in Superman

For his role as Mister Terrific, a superpowered inventor who fights crime with advanced technology and is part of Maxwell Lord’s team, Gathegi underwent a physical transformation. This showcases his portrayal of the character, first appearing as Holt’s version of Mister Terrific in Spectre (Vol. 3) #54.

The new Superman movie follows Clark Kent, played by David Corenswet, as he comes to terms with his alien origins and teams up with other heroes like Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion). Together, they face off against Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult). The film also explores Clark’s relationship with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), a reporter at the Daily Planet, and his life growing up in Smallville.

James Gunn, who leads DC Studios, wrote, directed, and produced a new film that will get a sequel called Man of Tomorrow in 2027. Before that, audiences can see a Superman spinoff movie in theaters this June.

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2026-03-05 00:36