Creed actor Michael B. Jordan suits up as Val-Zod in stunning image

Michael B. Jordan is a fan-favorite to play Val-Zod in the DCEU’s next Superman movie and it’s easy to see why in this incredible image.

Michael B. Jordan is no stranger to playing comic book characters. After lending his voice to Cyborg in Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, Jordan took on the role of Johnny Storm aka the Human Torch in 2015’s Fantastic Four before later joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the role of Erik Killmonger in Black Panther. 

Jordan’s portrayal of Killmonger helped launch his career to the next level with Jordan’s performance being praised as one of the best the MCU has ever seen. So when rumors began to swirl about Jordan eyeing yet another iconic comic book character, fans took notice.

In 2021 reports broke that Jordan was developing a Val-Zod series at HBO and it was later hinted that he would be playing the lead role in the project. While HBO has not offered any updates on the project in the time that has followed the initial report of the project entering development, the project is said to still be in development meaning we could very well see Jordan suit up as Val-Zod in the not too distant future.

Who is Val-Zod?

Hailing from Earth-2, Val-Zod is one of the last Kryptonians from his universe with an origin story relatively similar to that of Clark Kent in falling to Earth after narrowly escaping Krypton’s destruction.

While descending to Earth, Val was educated on the ways of his parents who bestowed their knowledge upon him via recorded messages. The most important teaching from his parents? That violence was the least effective way to overcome conflicts which led Val to become a pacifistic man in nature.

Upon arriving on Earth, Val is hidden away by Terry Sloan leading him to become somewhat of a recluse. Eventually, he was discovered and recruited by the Wonders of the World to battle a brainwashed. With their help, Val trained and successfully helped them in their battle — not without some losses and obstacles along the way.

Eventually, Val would become the second to take up the mantle of Superman and a leader among the Wonders.

The character is one with a strong following and is among the many DC Comics characters yet to make his cinematic debut. However, that could all change in Coates’ upcoming Superman project and there seems to be no bigger favorite to play the role than Black Panther star Michael B. Jordan and now we have a bit of an idea as to what he might look like in the role thanks to this incredible artwork.

What Michael B. Jordan could look like as Val-Zod in Superman

As speculation over Michael B. Jordan playing Val-Zod continues to swirl, digital artist Subi Özil has unveiled a stunning piece of concept art that transforms Jordan into Val-Zod and provides fans with their first look at what he could look like in the role of DC’s iconic hero.

In the incredible art, Jordan stuns in as Val rocking the character’s iconic Superman suit which is inspired by Clark’s Superman suit, but with slightly unique accent colors with a white chest emblem and cape replacing Clark’s traditional red emblem and cape.

Jordan has always been a favorite to play the role of Superman and after seeing him in costume as Val we have to admit we can’t imagine anyone else playing the role! If anyone is going to bring Val to the big screen, Jordan should be at the top of DC’s list.

As Özil’s art proves he is more than capable of filling Val’s super suit, but beyond just looking incredible in the role Jordan is a phenomenal talent who would surely deliver an incredible performance. I mean, just look to his turn as Erik Killmonger in Black Panther which was arguably one of the greatest Marvel villains and standout performances!

Has Michael B. Jordan commented on the Val-Zod rumors?

At this time, Warner Bros. has not officially announced a Superman project starring Michael B Jordan and Jordan has avoided addressing the rumors as well. In fact, when a reporter with CinemaBlend attempted to ask Jordan about the status of the long-rumored project, he was quickly shot down by Jordan’s PR team.

Jordan also shot down the Entertainment Tonight team when a reporter for ET attempted to get Jordan to comment about the project while on the red carpet for Creed 3. 

“I don’t even know about no rumors about that one,” Jordan stated when the ET reporter inquired about the Superman project as if it was already a confirmed project.

Given how Jordan has avoided in addressing the rumored project, there is no telling whether the series is actually in development or if it’s nothing more than a rumor. It seems only time will tell if the project actually comes to fruition, but it’s clear audiences are eager to see him suit up as Val-Zod — and there’s no denying he’d be incredible in the role!

Would you like to see Michael B. Jordan play Val-Zod and take on the Superman mantra in the DC Extended Universe? Let us know in the comments below!