With reports percolating about Henry Cavill’s departure from the DC and a reboot in the near future, if the rumored frontrunner, Michael B. Jordan, passes up the caped wonder, who should be cast as DC’s next Superman? The future of Superman in the current has shifted dramatically over the course of the decade. Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel not only kicked off the current DC Extended Universe, but it marked Cavill’s first appearance as the iconic Clark Kent/Superman. Cavill went on to reprise his character in both Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League, which were both met with unfavorable reviews.

Despite the influx of fans who fully support Zack Snyder’s dark, gritty films — including his legendary version of Justice League deemed “the Snyder Cut” — the DCEU is heading in a new direction. Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Shazam! proved that both critics and fans responded positively to this lighter direction. Most notably, Ben Affleck stepped down as Batman and Robert Pattinson will replace Affleck in Matt Reeves’ The Batman in 2021. With Affleck out, rumors about Cavill’s departure and eventual recasting have spread rapidly. When J.J. Abrams and Bad Robot signed with WarnerMedia, the home of DC Comics, many fans speculated that Abrams would oversee a Superman film. Although Abrams has not had official talks with Warner Bros. about Superman, that does not mean the conversation won’t eventually happen.

Cavill has insisted that he’s still Superman, but if he’s recast, one of the frontrunners to wear the red cape is Michael B. Jordan. The actor met with Warner Bros. in early 2019 to discuss his version of Superman film. Nothing is set in stone especially since another Superman film won’t be ready until at least 2023. However, if Jordan passes on the role, who is next in line to play Superman? Let’s infer that DC chooses a fresh face, meaning that either previous or current actors who have played a live-action version of the character won’t be cast. Here are the top choices for DC’s reboot of Superman.

Matt Bomer

Whether he’s in the running or not, some could argue that Matt Bomer is most deserving to play Superman. Over a decade ago, Bomer was considered to play Clark Kent in a film directed by Brett Ratner and script by J.J. Abrams. However, that version was scrapped in favor of 2006’s Superman Returns with Bryan Singer directing and Brandon Routh as the titular character. Bomer does have experience playing the character as he voiced Clark Kent in the 2013’s animated Superman: Unbound.

Bomer has the skills to lead a franchise because of his experience on White Collar. Plus, his work on Magnificent Seven showcased Bomer’s potential as an action star. If Abrams takes over the franchise, maybe he will revisit his original script from the beginning of the century and cast Bomer in the role that he almost had.

Daniel Kaluuya

It’s hard to find an actor on a better run than Daniel Kaluuya. Kaluuya’s last four movies were Get Out, Black Panther, Widows, and Queen & Slim. In Queen & Slim, Kaluuya did “powerful work” as Slim with his internal emotions on full display, which showcases his depth as an actor. WB tends to cast young, up-and-coming stars to play Superman (look at Routh and Cavill) so Kaluuya fits the bill. It’s only a matter of time before Kaluuya is cast to lead a franchise with rumors swirling that he could be in contention to become the next James Bond after Daniel Craig’s tenure.

More importantly, Kaluuya has an open schedule in the next coming years. As of now, Kaluuya has one film that comes out in 2020 and he’s producing a movie about Barney The Dinosaur. With no confirmation on his status for Black Panther 2, Warner Bros. may want to approach the rising superstar before it’s too late.

Glenn Powell

If the new Superman needs charisma, then look no further than Glen Powell. The ever-charming Powell had roles in Scream Queens and Hidden Figures, but the Netflix romantic comedy Set It Up showcased Powell’s comedic timing and likable personality.

Powell will next be seen in 2020’s Top Gun: Maverick, starring Tom Cruise and Miles Teller. Powell originally lost out on the role that went to Teller, but he impressed the film’s producers so much that they found him a new, expanded role to play. If Powell impresses in this action blockbuster, a red cape and tights might be in his future.

Henry Golding

With the success of Black Panther and Wonder Woman, audiences proved that they respond positively to superheroes of different genders and races. Henry Golding is a fresh face that could be what the Superman franchise needs in the reboot. Golding is fun-loving, good looking, and a believable leading man thanks to roles in Crazy Rich Asians and Last Christmas.

Although he’s still fairly new to Hollywood, Golding is going to have his chance to lead an action franchise. Golding will play Snake Eyes in the G.I. Joe live-action movie spinoff about the character.  By 2023, Golding could be a gigantic movie star that would be perfect to play Superman.

Taron Egerton

Taron Egerton is simply a jack of all trades. The British actor can fight like James Bond thanks to his roles in Kingsman: The Secret Service and Kingsman: The Golden Circle. He can sling arrows like Hawkeye and save the poor as he did in Robin Hood. If that’s not enough, Egerton will use his beautiful voice and slick piano-playing to dazzle you with an Elton John song just like he did in Rocketman.

Egerton has even expressed interest in joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Though he denied rumors of playing Wolverine, Egerton said he loves Marvel and its movies. Before Marvel can snag him for the next decade, Warner Bros. may want to persuade the talented actor to lead the DCEU in the next Superman.

Next: Justice League: Why Henry Cavill Hasn’t Spoken Up On The Snyder Cut

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