Superman is one of the more iconic characters in the history of comic books, television, and film, in the same league as Batman or James Bond. The Man of Steel has been portrayed on tv or the silver screen by the likes of Kirk Alyn, Christopher Reeve, George Reeves, Brandon Routh, Dean Cain, and most recently, Henry Cavill, among others.
Back in December, it was revealed that Cavill would not return to play the titular role, igniting next Superman odds far and wide across the internet. Cavill met with DC Studio’s co-chairs and co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran, who informed him they would be focusing the next Superman film on the character’s younger years, effectively removing his cape.
“I just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran, and it’s sad news, everyone,” the actor posted to Instagram. “I will, after all, not be returning as Superman. After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to their hire, this news isn’t the easiest, but that’s life. The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that. James and Peter have a universe to build. I wish them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and the happiest of fortunes.”
Cavill made his final appearance in the red and blue with a cameo in Black Adam, but the franchise rolls on without him, opening the door for a new actor to take the reins. Here are the current betting favorites to take over with the accompanying next Superman odds.
Nicholas Hoult +300
Hoult might be the least ‘household-name’ type candidate on this list, but he is the betting favorite to execute Gunn and Safran’s vision moving forward. Hoult is best known for either auditioning for the role of Harry Potter (ultimately given to Daniel Radcliffe) or his supporting work in X-Men films and Skins.
More recently, he can be seen in The Menu, and he’s rejoining an all-star cast for Mad Max: The Wasteland alongside Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, and Anna Taylor-Joy.
Austin Butler +375
From The King to the Man of Steel? Butler earned rave reviews and a Best Actor nomination for his depiction of Elvis Presley and now finds himself on the shortlist to play Clark Kent. As far as Superman actor predictions go, you could do a whole lot worse considering the intent to capture the superhero’s early years.
Butler will also be starring alongside Tom Hardy in the forthcoming The Bikeriders, which, according to IMDB, “follows the rise of a Midwestern motorcycle club through the lives of its members” and also stars Michael Shannon.
Michael B. Jordan +600
Jordan is no stranger to the superhero world, playing a major role in the Black Panther franchise. If a bettor were to cash in on this prop, the Creed star would become the first Black actor to take on the role of Superman in its history and represent a monumental shift in the industry.
Armie Hammer +700
On the surface, this seems like a much longer shot than the odds and entertainment predictions would indicate. Hammer was dropped by his talent agency and publicist in 2021 after a disturbing scandal that included a documentary on Discovery+.
The Social Network star has since been replaced in multiple projects, including on stage, television, and film, with completed projects released with little fanfare or promotion. However, he was reportedly in the running to take over for Cavill back in 2019 and was also considered for the lead role in the Batman franchise before that went to Robert Pattinson.
So who will it be?
There are other candidates like Idris Elba and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, with both also being linked to take over the marquee in the next installment of James Bond.
Elba seems more far-fetched now that information has surfaced about Superman’s age in the next film. David Corenswet’s name has also been bandied about and would fit the age bill as he looks to break out and become more of a household name from Hollywood.
Gunn and Safran taking over control created a lot of buzz. Cavill’s departure only enhanced that buzz. The fact that there are multiple outlets offering the next Superman odds means interest in the next installment might be at an all-time high, which is saying a lot. Stay tuned.
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