With director Zack Snyder firmly in place, a script by David Goyer on the table, and Christopher Nolan on board as producer, the impending film reboot of Superman seems ready to move to the next phase: Casting. So, it's hardly a surprise that the latest report, courtesy of Deadline, implies that the process has indeed begun to nab our new Man of Steel. Yes, a "new" Man of Steel, as in NOT Brandon Routh. (Who was passable, but quite frankly, got a raw deal with his run.) The report indicates that a "wide net" has been cast in the search, which will likely see hundreds of candidates to audition for the role of the Last Son of Krypton. (Are you hearing this, Donald Glover?) The cattle-call style casting is quite a clear indication that this Superman will be an unknown, who will be swept into the role of his lifetime. Oh, but don't just think that if you part your hair and hit the gym semi-regularly that your chances are good. There seem to be some top, "not quite unknown" candidates that have already made their way into the spotlight. So, let's take a look at the three which were identified in the report.
Pictured above left to right, there's Joe Manganiello, who's best known for playing the hunky werewolf Alcide on True Blood. The 34 year-old stands about 6' 5", is packed with guns, and has abs that could squeeze coconuts. Then there's Ian Somerhalder, currently known from The Vampire Diaries and formerly of Lost. The soon-to-be 32 year-old's stock is continually on the rise with the popularity of Diaries and his name seems to pop-up on just about every countdown list and dream casting for roles such as Superman. Finally, there's Armie Hammer. Although the youngest of the group at 24, he's generated some buzz for his role in The Social Network. Known for regular roles on Reaper and Gossip Girl, all signs seem to point to him getting a big break of some kind real soon. So, point being, if you're a man roughly in the age range of 28-32, and you think you have a reasonable chance to be the new Superman -- Give up...you suck...they'll all laugh at you. (And welcome to the club.)
It should be noted that, given the plans to begin shooting this coming June, actors tied-down to regular TV shows (such as Somerhalder) may not be able to accept, even if offered. Such a caveat would also put a damper on the chances of an interested former Superman candidate in Matthew Bomer (star of USA's White Collar,) who at one time, was originally slated for the role when Brett Ratner was breifly in charge of the movie that would eventually become Superman Returns. Also, rearranging the schedule will not be possible, since some of the rights to the Superman franchise would be set to expire in 2013. As it happens, if Warner doesn't begin production on a new Superman film by 2011, the estates of Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster will be allowed to sue for damages and the return of those rights. (Which, similar to Sony's predicament with the rights to Spider-Man, was the reason that Warner fast-tracked this reboot in the first place.)
So, "Kryptonian Idol" is a go. While the casting process seems to indicate that the job may go to an unknown, nevertheless, do you have anyone in mind to take the role?
Source: Deadline
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