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Superman: 5 Actors who could play Kal-El in Warner Bros.’ Superman reboot

By Michael Johnson

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: A Superman costume from the 1978 Superman film worn by Christopher Reeve and designed by Yvonne Blake is on display at the DC Comics Exhibition: Dawn Of Super Heroes at the O2 Arena on February 22, 2018 in London, England. The exhibition, which opens on February 23rd, features 45 original costumes, models and props used in DC Comics productions including the Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman films. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: A Superman costume from the 1978 Superman film worn by Christopher Reeve and designed by Yvonne Blake is on display at the DC Comics Exhibition: Dawn Of Super Heroes at the O2 Arena on February 22, 2018 in London, England. The exhibition, which opens on February 23rd, features 45 original costumes, models and props used in DC Comics productions including the Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman films. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) /
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John David Washington, Superman, Black Superman, Kal-El,
SANTA BARBARA, CA – FEBRUARY 05: John David Washington attends the Virtuosos Award Presented By UGG during the 34th Santa Barbara International Film Festival at Arlington Theatre on February 5, 2019 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for SBIFF) /

JJ Abrams’ Black Superman film is coming, but it’s not Val-Zod or Calvin Ellis, it’s Kal-El. Let’s look at some actors who could play the Man of Tomorrow.

A massive Superman bombshell was dropped on Henry Cavill’s birthday as it was revealed that the upcoming reboot would once again focus on Kal-El. Fans had hoped the rumors of Cavill’s departure from the DCEU weren’t true. Well, it appears Warner Bros has their sights set on something totally different for JJ Abrams’ Superman.

Warner will move forward with their first live-action Black Superman. However, it will not be Val-Zod or Calvin Ellis that we see adapted in the film. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Abrams-produced film will feature Kal-El as its Superman in a story that could be set in the 20th Century, with WB is looking to hire a Black actor to bring this film to life.

Ta-Nehisi Coates will write the script. Coates’ script is rumored to depict a more classic take on the hero. We imagine he’ll be the stumbling uncoordinated version – something that is the complete opposite of what we’ve seen from Cavill’s inconspicuous version. The question is, who will play the Man of Tomorrow?

One name you can cross out is Michael B. Jordan, who previous denied any ties to the role. Though it’ll be cool to see if he’d be the one to direct. With the film set for production by year’s end, we imagine casting news will come sooner than we think. Perhaps Warner Bros is looking for an up-and-coming actor like they did with Brandon Routh and Henry Cavill. Or they could go with a big name.

5. John David Washington

Warner Bros could decide to go with a big-time actor for the role of Superman in the upcoming reboot. Sure, the recent depictions of the Man of Steel were “unknowns” but that doesn’t mean Warner Bros would automatically rule out a big-name star for the Man of Tomorrow.

We know the story of the unmade Superman film which starred Nicholas Cage. Over the years, we’ve also come to know that Will Smith was up for the role in Superman Returns. Enter John David Washington who’s not the star Smith was, but he’s a household name.

Washington is an elite talent who could bring even more validity to an already iconic role. He’s proven how versatile he is over his short yet prominent career. He got his start on HBO’s Ballers as the hot-headed, arrogant Ricky Jarret.

If they opt to make Kal-El the clumsy reporter working for the Daily Planet, look no further than Blackkklansman – in which Washington played a police officer who infiltrates the KKK because he happens to sound “white” to the leader of the KKK. And there’s the fact that he’s already teamed up with Batman himself, appearing alongside Robert Pattinson in Christopher Nolan’s Tenant.

Washington would kill it as Superman if Warner Bros wants an already-established star in the role.

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