Superman: All 9 Jimmy Olsen actors ranked from worst to best

1. Mehcad Brooks (Supergirl)

Mehcad Brooks’s portrayal of James Olsen in Supergirl brought a refreshing and transformative take on the iconic character. Introduced in the show’s pilot episode, Brooks’ version of James Olsen immediately stood out as a more mature and capable version of the character than we had ever seen before.

Traditionally depicted as a bumbling and youthful photojournalist, Jimmy Olsen has been a long-standing character in the Superman mythos. However, on Supergirl, Mehcad Brooks embraced the opportunity to reinvent the character with a fresh perspective. He brought a level of charisma, charm, and gravitas that elevated James Olsen from being simply Superman’s pal to a strong, independent, and multifaceted individual in his own right.

One of the first notable aspects of Mehcad Brooks’s portrayal was his physicality. With a strong and athletic build, Brooks brought a commanding presence to the character, making it evident that James Olsen was not just a reporter hiding behind the camera. As the series progressed, it became clear that this version of James possessed a level of physical prowess that allowed him to handle himself in dangerous situations, often standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the powerful characters of the Supergirl universe.

Brooks’s James Olsen was not merely content to be in the shadows of superheroes. Instead, he proved himself as a resourceful and confident individual who could hold his own in challenging situations. He took on leadership roles at CatCo Worldwide Media, where he worked as a successful art director, showcasing a keen business acumen and creative talent. This version of James Olsen was ambitious and driven, using his position to effect positive change in National City and beyond.

His dynamic with Kara Danvers was a significant departure from the usual “damsel in distress” narrative often associated with their interactions. Instead, their bond was built on mutual respect, friendship, and a genuine desire to support and protect one another. Brooks’s portrayal helped to develop a more meaningful and equal partnership between the two characters, emphasizing the idea that James was a valuable ally and not merely a love interest.

Additionally, James’s relationship with his own identity was a central theme in the show. Brooks explored the struggles and pressures of being Supergirl’s best friend, making it clear that James had his own path to forge and his own identity to discover. Through this exploration, the character grew, not just professionally but also personally, evolving into a man who understood the importance of authenticity and staying true to oneself.

Mehcad Brooks’s time on Supergirl truly gave us a more mature and capable version of James Olsen, a character who could stand alongside superheroes as an equal, both in the boardroom and on the battlefield. His portrayal added depth and complexity to a classic character, leaving a lasting impact on the show’s viewers and demonstrating that there was much more to James Olsen than his iconic bow tie and camera.