ACTORS WHO SHOULD PLAY THE MAN OF STEEL

Written by Matthew Pejkovic

With a new Superman movie entitled The Man of Steel on its way, Matt’s Movie Reviews selects its picks for which actor should play the iconic superhero in the upcoming reboot set to be directed by Jonathan Nolan.

Enjoy!

MATTHEW BOMER

WHO?
Currently stars as conman turned FBI consultant Neal Caffrey in the TV series White Collar. Previously seen in the short lived sci-fi series Tru Calling. Film credits include Fightplan and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning.

WHY IT COULD WORK...
When Brett Ratner was on board to direct Superman Returns, Bomer was his choice to play Clark Kent / Superman, and it is easy to see why. An actor of the stage and screen, Bomer has experience but also enough anonymity going for him that will be a service to the character. Plus, his look suits the role perfectly.

SUPERHERO CREDENTIALS
Bomer got the chance to play Superman in a series of Japanese commercials for Toyota, and as far as auditions go, it is quite impressive.

JOHN KRASINSKI

WHO?
Best known for playing loveable nice guy Jim Halpert in the American version of The Office. Film wise he starred alongside George Clooney in the football comedy Leatherheads, and with Maya Rudolph in Away We Go.

WHY IT COULD WORK...
Standing at a formidable 6’ 3” (1.91m), Krasinski could cut an imposing figure in the Superman suit, while his goofball charm would lend itself rather well to Clark Kent’s bumbling persona. His role as "The Bullet" in Leatherheads proved he could do the physical stuff just as well as the comedic.

SUPERHERO CREDENTIALS
Was in the running to play Captain America in the upcoming The First Avenger, eventually losing the part to Chris Evans.

TOM WELLING

WHO?
Famously portrayed a young Clark Kent in the popular TV series Smallville.

WHY IT COULD WORK...
If Warner Bros. studios decide to continue Welling’s Superman adventures on the big screen, it would see the movie studio snagging a two for one deal in its backing of a superhero movie and TV adaptation in the one package, a financially stimulating prospect in the bottom dollar industry.

SUPERHERO CREDENTIALS
Growing into Superman in the TV series Smallville.

JIM CAVIEZEL

WHO?
Acclaimed American actor, who famously portrayed Jesus in The Passion of the Christ. Other credits include The Thin Red Line and Frequency. Currently starring in the sci-fi series The Prisoner.

WHY IT COULD WORK...
Bryan Singer was in advanced talks with Jim Caviezel to portray the Man of Steel, before opting to go with an unknown. If Warner Bros. are planning to stray away from the tired origin storyline and are simply embarking on a new adventure, then Caviezel has the chops and the look to do the role justice.   

SUPERHERO CREDENTIALS
Went above and beyond as Jesus in The Passion of the Christ, the ultimate saviour figure who would save mankind with his unselfish deed. Also of note is Outlander, a sci-fi action adventure that starred Caviezel as an Alien hunter who crash lands on Earth and partners with a Viking village to slay a monster.

JON HAMM

WHO?
Best known for playing everyone’s favourite adulterous "Ad Man" Don Draper in the TV series Mad Men. Also forming a solid film career with turns in Howl and The Town. 

WHY IT COULD WORK...
Out of all of the contenders on this list, Hamm fills the classic Superman look the most, with a granite chin which would make Bruce Campbell jealous, perfectly parted hair, and a solid build perfect for the part.

SUPERHERO CREDENTIALS
As Don Draper, he is a hero to all suave, old school advertising executives everywhere.

BRANDON ROUTH

WHO?
The last man to play Clark Kent/Superman on the big screen in Superman Returns.

WHY IT COULD WORK...
For all of the wrong things in the Bryan Singer directed film, the one positive was Roth’s on key performance. It would be a first, yet welcome sight to see Roth back in the infamous Superman garb.

SUPERHERO CREDENTIALS
Besides Superman? Not much in the superhero stakes, yet Roth will be seen as one of the evil ex’s in Scott Pilgrim vs The World.