DCEU: Why it’s the perfect time for a Black Superman

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 15: Will Smith attends the European Premeire of ‘Bright’ held at BFI Southbank on December 15, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/John Phillips/Getty Images)

Warner Bros. wanted a Black Superman before 

For people who follow casting calls, news, and rumors this comes as no surprise. It’s been over a decade but fans might remember the news that Warner Bros. once offered Will Smith the chance to play Superman. That’s right, Warner Bros. offered the role of Clark Kent to Smith in the 2006 Bryan Singer film, Superman Returns. Smith turned down the role and explained why during an interview with MTV.

"“There is no way I’m playing Superman!’ Because I had already done Jim West [lead in Wild Wild West] and you can’t be messing up white people’s heroes in Hollywood. You mess up white people’s heroes in Hollywood, you’ll never work in this town again.”"

Will Smith did eventually play a super-powered hero, Hancock who had similar powers to Superman — albeit in much darker character. Smith’s statements allude to issues that plague our society. The idea that a black man can’t play an alien from outer space because he was drawn in the 30s doesn’t make any sense. Considering we’ve had whitewashing occur throughout television and movies since the beginning.

Nevertheless, after these comments, Smith proved he’s not opposed to playing a traditionally white character Smith of course plays Deadshot, a character that’s white in the comics but Black in the DCEU, Suicide Squad .  By accepting the role, Smith proved that a comic book character’s race doesn’t always matter — he isn’t the only one.