Ben Affleck recently confirmed that he would no longer be playing the role of Batman and fans were quick to speculate on who his replacement could be. Though it has not been officially announced, rumors have it that Affleck will not be the only one to depart from the DCEU. Henry Cavill is reportedly going to move on as well. This does not come as a massive surprise, as DC probably wants to reinvigorate the franchise completely.
Though Cavill didn’t really find his time to shine due to the poor quality of the recent DCEU movies, he still stands out as a fantastic casting choice for the Man of Steel. DC faces a serious challenge trying to find an actor that will be able to fill his shoes, but rumors have already begun circulating on who they might be considering. Now would definitely be the time for DC to try and go in a different direction and find an actor that goes against the mold and it seems like that may be what they are trying to do. Here are the top contenders to fill Cavill’s place as Superman.
Armie Hammer
Armie Hammer has been on DC’s radar for quite some time. When George Miller was planning on making a Justice League movie (oh what could have been) Hammer was supposed to play Batman. Though he has originally been considered for the role of the Caped Crusader, it is not hard to see DC deciding that he should take on the role of Clark Kent. He definitely has the look for the role and the acting chops are there as well.
There are rumors that DC and Hammer have been in talks, and many assumed that it was to fill Ben Affleck’s place as Batman. With the recent news of Cavill’s departure, it is beginning to look like Superman is an option as well.
Michael B. Jordan
If Michael B. Jordan were cast as Superman it would not be his first step into the comic book movie world. The actor has portrayed both the Human Torch and Killmonger. There have been rumors for quite some time that Jordan would be the next to don the cape. The actor denied the rumors, but when it comes to casting anything can change.
Jordan has a wide range of support, with even Dean Cain saying that he would make a fantastic Superman. With Jordan’s proven talent and experience in the genre, he would make a fantastic son of Krypton. Though he initially denied the rumors, the fan support may have led to DC considering him for the role.
Henry Golding
While there would doubtless be internet trolls online complaining that he doesn’t represent the stereotypical American figure of Superman, the Crazy Rich Asians star could definitely be perfect for the role. Golding fits the image of Superman and it is easy to picture him in the spandex and cape. It’s time for comic book movies to move past the stereotypical images that are associated with them. We have recently seen more casting choices that add more diversity to the genre, and Henry Golding would be a great way o do that. The only potential problem is that even with the success of Crazy Rich Asians, Golding is not the biggest star and may lack name recognition.
John Krasinski
The Office star has yet to venture into the world of comic book movies, but there has been no shortage of casting rumors associated with him. He was originally considered for the role of Captain America before Chris Evans was chosen. There have long been rumors and demands from fans for him to be cast as Mr. Fantastic.
PREVIOUSLY: Exclusive: John Krasinski Wants To Play Mr. Fantastic
Recently his name has been added to the long list of actors rumored to be being considered for Superman. While Krasinski would no doubt be a great fit for the role, it would be a shame not to see him portray Reed Richards.
Dwayne Johnson
The Rock has long been rumored to be taking on the role of Black Adam, but with his recent success, it may be time for him to get a promotion. DC has had their sights on Dwayne Johnson and they may decide to try him for the role of Superman. The Rock has several things going for him. Fans absolutely adore him. His popularity has skyrocketed and he could definitely handle being the head of a franchise. He is comfortable in big-budget movies and would know how to handle the spotlight. The Rock also naturally just looks like a superhero. Though all of this would point to the Rock moving up to Superman, it is tough to see him pull off Clark Kent; he should probably stick with the perfect casting of Black Adam.
Matt Bomer
This star is the perfect embodiment of the traditional Superman. While Cavill’s departure may be the perfect time to take risks and consider a new direction for the classic hero, if DC wants to keep with tradition then Matt Bomer is probably the best pick.
He even looks extremely similar to Henry Cavill. In addition to looking and acting like the traditional Superman, Matt Bomer also has the credentials to take on the role. He voiced Superman in an animated film. Colton Haynes, one of the stars of Arrow, has also endorsed the actor.
Tyler Hoechlin
This one is the most unlikely of the list. Hoechlin has starred as Superman on Supergirl and fans are loving him. Though he has received praise for his portrayal of The Man of Steel, DC has been reluctant to crossover their TV shows with the cinematic universe.
Grant Gustin, who plays the Flash, was heavily favored by fans to carry the role to the movies, but DC opted to go in a different direction with Ezra Miller.
