With one piece of the puzzle out of the way – that would be the hiring of Zack Snyder to direct the new Superman project – the biggest question remains on who will play the superhero. Names that have been discussed already include Armie Hammer (who played the “Winklevi” in The Social Network) – he’s out – and Jon Hamm. Hamm seems like an inspired choice, but it all depends on what direction Christopher Nolan and Snyder want to take the character. But the list of potential candidates to play Superman/Clark Kent is relatively small. However, that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from drumming up gossip about who could possibly play the Man of Steel.
Examiner reports that wrestling superstars Dwayne Johnson and John Cena are two of the front runners to play the famous superhero.
The other rumor going around is that True Blood actor Joe Manganiello is a contender. That’s what he’s telling people, at least. The rumor/news began when he made an appearance at Florida’s EyeCon and told those in attendance that he was in contention for the role. However, Manganiello quickly dispelled his own rumor via his Twitter account:
“Just to be clear… as of today, I am not ‘negotiating’ to play Superman,” he wrote. “But keep your fingers crossed and thanks for the wishful thinking!”
Frankly, neither John Cena nor Dwayne Johnson can play Superman. They are too visible. People going to see Snyder’s take on the DC Comics character will instinctively associate the performers with their exploits in the squared circle, and won’t be able to buy them as the Man of Steel hiding behind a pair of glasses. I haven’t seen much of True Blood to know if Joe Manganiello can wear the cape, but currently he’s the likeliest contender of the three names being rumored. Considering that Don Draper can sell anything, I could definitely buy him as the new Superman, but if Warner Bros. were willing to hire from within, Tom Welling is always a possibility. It’s all rumor and conjecture at this point. But it’s fun to brainstorm. If you don’t like these choices to play Superman, let’s hear your ideas in the comments section.
