TMZ first reported rumors on Sept. 12 that Henry Cavill, the three-time Superman, will hang up his cape after contractual disputes. Since then, more reports claim the initial rumors were fabricated, but the issue still remains, Cavill isn’t the Superman we deserve and needs to be replaced.
While Cavill fits Superman’s image, his take doesn’t go much deeper than a pretty face in blue spandex.
Accompanying the speculation surrounding Cavill’s future in DC’s cinematic universe were more rumors that Michael B Jordan is on the shortlist of actors being considered for the role.
To put it bluntly, Jordan has no business playing Superman.
Let’s just lay out the ground rules: To play Superman, you need to be stoic as the Man of Steel and dorky as Clark Kent; not dorky in a awkward way, but dorky in an endearing, cheeky way.
Easy enough right? Jordan just doesn’t make the cut. Do you really see him making a fool of himself flirting with Lois Lane at the Daily Planet? No.
You know who does fit that mold? 52-year-old Dean Cain, who last played the Son of Krypton in the 90s rom-com “Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.”
Fact is, the world has already witnessed the perfect Superman — just two decades too late for today’s superhero craze. As much as I’d like to see a mid-life crisis Superman in action, it’s just not practical, meaning Cain’s days of sporting the red cape are sadly over.
With Cain out of the running, (someone build a time machine) what’s left is a bunch of B-grade candidates. After closely and meticulously going over possible applicants, really the best we’ve got is James Marsden.
Marsden, the singing-dancing TV host in “Hairspray,” the bland, forgettable Cyclops in four “X-Men” movies and most recently the android whipping boy that is Teddy in “Westworld,” is a decent amount of dorky for Clark Kent and has a passable amount of heroism for Superman.
Marsden is no doubt a talented actor. He might not have the accolades to show it, but his role in “Westworld” proves he has real acting chops, not that Superman needs an Oscar-worthy performer anyway.
Marsden’s role in “30 Rock” as Tina Fey’s air-headed boyfriend shows he could recreate the same energy Dean Cain brought to the role.
While Marsden definitely doesn’t have the same air of heroism that Cavill and other Supermen before had, DC should look past that and consider refocusing future Superman installments. Instead, feature the Clark Kent side more and the human relationships he builds as the Daily Planet reporter.
You know what? Maybe they should just reboot “Lois and Clark” instead.
Email Fernando Alba at cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
