Who could be the Superman contenders?

Who could be the Superman contenders?

With the recent "Insider Confirmation" that Jonathan Nolan will direct and that the lead actor they want is a "TV Star", who could possibly fill those boots?

Editorial Opinion
By Nicholsy - Jul 15, 2010 07:07 AM EST
Filed Under: Man of Steel

Sadly for most fans, the "Routhboot ain't happening and a new TV star is taking his place as Superman. In this article we will look at the contenders who could possibly play the Man of Steel. Firstly it was said that the actor that Warner Bros./DC Entertainment have in mind is somebody that nobody will tihnk of. Well sadly, us fanboys have thought of everybody! Here is my top 5 that I think will be close to getting the gig.

Henry Cavill



Cavill has been close to getting all of Hollywood's leading roles including Superman and James Bond. Could this finally be Cavill's time to shine? In a poll I conducted which asked CBMers who they thought would be the next Superman, Cavill topped the vote. He is a TV star from the series "The Tudors" and as that is a British show, could that be why nobody would think of him?

Jared Padalecki


Padalecki is a TV star that has also been linked in the past to the role of Superman. He came close to getting the gig in Bryan Singer's Superman Returns and was also close in the Batman vs. Superman project. He's been seen in the CW's "Supernatural" for many years alongside Jensen Ackles. Is he too much of an obvious choice?

Ryan McPartlin


Now McPartlin is a blonde actor and isn't really associated with the role of Superman, more recently the coveted Captain America role. But with some dark brown hair dye and a blue suit, he could be our Superman. He was in NBC's "Chuck" and definitely has the presence and face for Superman.


Zachary Levi


Was reported by GeekTyrant that he screen tested for the role but these were debunked by a Warner Bros. insider. Is the main man from "Chuck" and could those early rumors be true and Levi is our Superman? Doesn't really look like Superman in my opinion and wouldn't associate him with the role, but is that what the insider meant by saying we wouldn't think of him?


Rick Malambri


Now Rick isn't really a TV star but has starred in TV series. He is more of an emerging movie star. He is the person that I would most associate as looking like Superman and could be the new face of Warner Bros. new premiere film trilogy and beyond.

EDITOR NOTE: Could the new Superman be on this page? I would bet that one of these five actors is one of the final contenders. Have your say below.
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STOOPUDR
STOOPUDR - 7/15/2010, 8:08 AM
It's Tom Welling (even though I am not sure I like the idea). That is the only way it is not a sequel or a reboot. I want them to go with an older aged Superman and use Bruce Campbell (TV - Burn Notice). I know it wont happen, but I wanted him as Supes since he was young enough for the part
STOOPUDR
STOOPUDR - 7/15/2010, 8:08 AM
I like cheese
tazmaniak
tazmaniak - 7/15/2010, 9:01 AM
Even though alot of people dislike Smallville, there's also alot of people who love Smallville.The good thing about Welling is that he already has a built in fan base.So instead of worrying about hiring a new actor that most people may dislike, you at least know that half the audience will be pleased with your actor.

You can't please everyone, but at least you know right off the bat you're pleasing someone.
ecksmanfan
ecksmanfan - 7/15/2010, 9:21 AM
@Virtual- If they cast Welling...then yes, the WB execs are that stupid. He's terrible actor. This would also meant hey'd have to follow Smallville storylines, which are so effed up it's not even funny anymore.
LP4
LP4 - 7/15/2010, 1:13 PM
Wait first off...will the Superman film be made into an actual TRILOGY??? I have heard nothing about that.
InTylerWeTrust
InTylerWeTrust - 7/15/2010, 2:30 PM
Skarsgard - True Blood and is definitely someone you wouldn't think of.
LP4
LP4 - 7/15/2010, 6:36 PM
Wow I never heard they are making a new Supes trilogy...i pray this will happen. It seems like the Supes film is moving rather slowly...
DarunZahn
DarunZahn - 7/15/2010, 9:11 PM
Well from your list I wold say Padalecki and Malambri have the best chance as far as the looks department goes. I haven't seen Malambri act so I can't say anythign for him, but I know Padalecki does well with stunts, action, and drama. Going with what I know I hope they choose Padalecki for it, but that might not happen if there are scheduling conflicts with Supernatural. I guess we get to wait and see what the big-wigs think.
Curmudgeon
Curmudgeon - 7/16/2010, 12:53 AM
Didn't they say "a WELL KNOWN" tv actor? I wouldn't call any of those guys that (except maybe Zachary Levi.)

"Not a reboot" suggests an avoidance of retelling the origin, so I'd go for someone in the 30-40's to play a Superman who's already an established superhero in the film's universe.

So someone slightly older from a hit show? Well, we've got Jon Hamm, David Boreanaz, Josh Halloway, Matthew Fox, Thomas Gibson (from "Criminal Minds" and "Dharma and Greg"), Kyle Chandler (of "Friday Night Lights"), John Stamos (although I sincerely hope not)...

Or if you want to skew younger to the 30's, Ian Somerhalder, Zachary Quinto (but he's basically Routh's evil clone, so... maybe not)...

(I'll admit I'm not as educated on younger actors.)
ThunderCougarFalconBird
ThunderCougarFalconBird - 7/16/2010, 2:02 AM
All those thinking Jared Padalecki can't act - he is the lead in a hugely successful TV show, you don't get that with no talent. He may not be as good as some others but that could be down to direction more than personal ability. A good movie director will know how to get the best out of him and I think he could easily pull off this role.
Oceandeep
Oceandeep - 7/16/2010, 7:59 AM
Although I love Tom Welling, and for most he is our generation of Superman/C.K; I doubt that it will be him. First off, Tom has always stated that he was only interested in the Clark before Superman mythos and he's not a 'fame hungry kinda guy' He's intensley private and would hate all the papz etc. Also, if Hellcats takes off..he'll be way to busy with his baby. Given that, it also says that it's someone 'we're not thinking of' and I think most people 'think' of Tom as Supes (like him or not)..so the clue is in that sentance. I won't rule him out though..and it would make my day..but....I just don't see it happening.

My own personal choice would be Jim Caveizel. (he's just finished in the tv series The Prisoner..has a huge fan base and also the right build, and aura (and I'm not talking about TPOTC when I say that.
jared Paddedroom (yeah, I can't sell it either) is about the only other forerunner..although, personally I think his acting is weak.
I also think that Misha Collins would be an idea..(not sure of his height though)

One thing is for sure though. They certainly know who to hype us all up! ;)
krparry
krparry - 7/16/2010, 8:40 AM
2 words Jon Hamm. Get inspired by Alex Ross and cast Hamm now
krparry
krparry - 7/16/2010, 8:40 AM
2 words Jon Hamm. Get inspired by Alex Ross and cast Hamm now
Curmudgeon
Curmudgeon - 7/16/2010, 11:51 AM
@ Dave Nichols "They are going for late 20s early 30s. It will be the start of a new trilogy so he won't be an old actor otherwise the series would end after 1 movie."

First of all, who the hell said it was a new trilogy? I mean, outside of commenters who don't back their crap up with links. I sincerely doubt that the NOLANS are going to approach this film with anything but their now-classic mantra: "We don't even think of the word 'sequel' until our current movie is finished."

Second of all, Michael Keaton was 38 when Batman came out, RDJ was 43 when Iron Man came out, Nicolas Cage was also 43 when Ghost Rider came out, and Ron Perlman was 54(!!!!!) when Hellboy came out...

and whether you like it or not, that hasn't stopped any of them from making sequels.

So you can flush that closed-minded age-ist bullcrap down the toilet right now.
Akercocke
Akercocke - 7/16/2010, 8:37 PM
Rick Malambri is a great choice actually. I still prefer Joe Manganiello though
SHAZAMbizznitch
SHAZAMbizznitch - 7/16/2010, 9:58 PM
Malambri looks like a good Supes, I've never seen him act though.

I seriously hope it's not Padelecki, and I pray to God it's not Welling.
SHAZAMbizznitch
SHAZAMbizznitch - 7/16/2010, 9:58 PM
Malambri looks like a good Supes, I've never seen him act though.

I seriously hope it's not Padelecki, and I pray to God it's not Welling.
SuperManFan01
SuperManFan01 - 7/17/2010, 4:22 AM
You don't know that Routh is out.
naterator
naterator - 7/17/2010, 4:35 PM
@virtualVD. I think you are 100% correct. using a matured actor is definatly not a downer for most incarnations that they have used in other movies...in fact i think that everyone waiting for a super hero movie would rather go for older than younge....i have my doubts about this upcoming XMEN movie....ill be surprised ifit doesnt turn out to be something like a nickalodeon incarnation of heroism....lets just say that im super excited that the JLA movie that was slated to come out a year or so ago didnt happen....they were going to use much younger actors. We all want realism in our movies and i think that NOLAN can do just that EVEN for the MAN OF STEEL.
SHAZAMbizznitch
SHAZAMbizznitch - 7/18/2010, 7:41 AM
I REALLY want to see Jon Hamm play Batman, but if he were cast as Supes, I wouldn't be disappointed
Comictrader
Comictrader - 7/20/2010, 4:55 AM
Give us Routh!!! These other guys may not come near looking the part!
UltimaRex
UltimaRex - 7/20/2010, 2:50 PM
Armie Hammer. according to http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/LatestComicMovies/news/?a=20265 Clark does not become Superman until a third of the way though the movie so they are skewing young. He's a TV actor (reaper) no one's talking about who managed to impress George Miller (Batman in the defunct JLA) and David Fincher (the social network). He's got the look, height and is American.
Angelus
Angelus - 7/23/2010, 4:40 PM
Rick Malambri would be my bet of all those. He surely looks like he could play Superman. But I WANT ROUTH! However, Rick Malambri is the way to go if not BRANDON ROUTH WHICH MUST PLAY KAL EL AGAIN!!!!!!

BMP!
jinx99
jinx99 - 7/24/2010, 5:03 AM
I thought Brandon Routh did a great job as Supes in Superman Returns. So sad that he won't be reprising his role. (It was Kate Bosworth's interpretation of Lois Lane that totally ruined the movie for me. Is Lois supposed to be a drip?!) I also think that Tom Welling is one of best looking men on the planet, and would look good as Superman, on the most superficial level. However, I wouldn't be able to take him seriously as the legendary Man of Steel. At all. The Smallville writing team have done an excellent job of turning his Clark Kent into a retard with superpowers. Can't ever imagine that big dumb alien morphing into a quick-witted Superman, especially after having to rely on Google-Chloe for advice on just about everything. Erica Durance as Lois Lane, on the other hand, has been really fun to watch. Sassy and sexy, exactly as Lois Lane should be. Needless to say, my dream team would be Brandon Routh and Erica Durance as Clark and Lois! And maybe Vin Diesel as Lex Luthor. (Well he's bald enoigh, lol.)
naterator
naterator - 7/27/2010, 12:04 PM
@ jinx ; nice angle...but not so sure about vin diesel....maybe they could bring SHAVE HACKMANS HAIR OFF AND BRING HIM BACK ...i think perhaps he could reprise as a bad ass LEX LUTHOR
ThaJackaL
ThaJackaL - 11/26/2010, 5:16 PM
Tom Welling wasn't mentioned in that list... He is going to be picked, and well he's one you fanboys didn't think off...


Tom Welling is Superman
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