Casting Superman in the New Justice League Movie
Tom Welling and Brandon Routh Should Be the Only Choices
That Justice League has been green-lighted is great news for superhero fans, but alarm bells are already going off. According to various reports, Warner Brothers will likely cast new actors for the characters Batman and Superman. That means no Brandon Routh, who played the Man of Steel in Superman Returns, or Christian Bale, who turned in an excellent performance as the Caped Crusader in Batman Begins.
The decision to produce Justice League of America will likely imperil the Superman Returns sequel, The Man of Steel. If Justice League is a success, Warner Brothers may decide for a sequel, thus putting off Man of Steel indefinitely. Not good news for Brandon Routh fans, particularly if Routh isn't to don the red tights and cape for Justice League of America.
What about Tom Welling? Well, IESB.net gleefully reported in August that Tom Welling would indeed play Superman in Justice League, but that story has been debunked by Tom Welling's publicist and by Smallville creator Al Gough. Since Smallville is reportedly planned for one more season - its eighth - the odds are against Welling taking the Superman role for Justice League at this time.
Other casting rumors have included Jessica Biel as Wonder Woman (though she has reportedly declined that role) and Tyrese Gibson as the Green Lantern.
Personally, I'm a fan of continuity. I understand there are times when a franchise needs a restart - and that often means a fresh start. Still, I think this is done too often. There's no reason to deny either Brandon Routh or Tom Welling the part of Superman in Justice League. Both are capable actors who have won enough fan support to justify the Justice League role. A slight edge would have to go to Welling, since Smallville already rolled out the "Justice League" in its series.
I am pleased that Hollywood is making Justice League. This is one of the movies Hollywood should have already made. I just wish that when Hollywood does something, they would do it right. And changing actors - again - for the character of Superman isn't right.
Of course, all this talk of who plays what part may be rendered moot by the impending Writers Guild of America strike. Such a strike could consign Justice League to what Hollywood insiders affectionately call "Development Hell."
Warner Brothers, if you're listening (and if you do get to make this movie), give the Clark Kent/Superman role to someone who has already proven themselves in it. Give it to Tom Welling or Brandon Routh.
Published by Brian Tubbs
Brian Tubbs is the Feature Writer & Columnist for Protestantism at Suite101.com, the principal blogger for the American Revolution & Founding Era blog, and the founder and course manager for ChristianMarriag... View profile
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15 Comments
Post a CommentThey 'rolled out' the Justice Society, not the Justice League on the Smallville Series. The Justice Society (circa the 1940's), with DC Legacy characters such as Dr. Fate, Hawkman, Wildcat, the original Flash, etc,,, was the predecessor to the later Justice League. I'd spend money to watch a Justice League movie featuring Tom Welling, but Tom may be worrying about typecasting.
tom should be superman
Not Tom Welling. Maybe Michael Weatherly
Tho only reason Brandon Routh was casted for the Superman Returns Movie, was because Superman had just spent about 5 years in a spaceship, visiting Krypton, instead of well... working out.. so the superman actor HAD to be a scrawney lookin puss puss, Tom however, has been Forming the new Superman for years, and has my TOTAL support, hell, he wouldnt even need the tights, hes that good 8^)
Christopher Reeves is the ONLY Superman.....But, if they do this movie I personally believe that Tom Welling should play Superman. As far as I am concerned he does a superb job as clark kente on Smallville, and it is very good program, but they didn't follow the comic. Should have no Lex or Lois on Smallville. Tom is best suited for the role because he is already involved in the Justice League story line on Smallville. As for Brandon Routhe, I think that he did very well with Superman Returns and if the role is not given to Tom then give it to Brandon. There is no one else for the role now with Christopher Reeves gone. Actually, Dean Caine from Lois and Clark would also do a pretty good job also, but only if all else fails with Welling. Just take the whole cast of smallville and make your movie. It would be best for the movie and the fans. Bottom line, who ever stars I am very excited about Justice League Movie being released, please hurry!
Brandon routh is the best choice. familiarity would be better accepted to build on to the whole. be patient. tom welling is no superman read the books. respects to chris reeves.
i definitely agree with Superman Lives. a lot of us has seen tom welling as superman for several years now and have gotten used to it. i think tom has got the build for it and would be great at the part. as for the brandon routh and the superman returns movie, i thought that was the worst performance ever. i watched it once and never will watch it again. if brandon routh gets the role of superman, i definitely won't watch this movie.
i would prefer to keep it that, tom welling as the Man of Steel. since he is physicaly compatible to take the role as Superman. Mr. Routh is ok, but he did'nt take the role as someone who is brutish and agile, though we all know the character he performed has its own weakness.
Superman Returns is a great story as the sequel of the previous story. love that effect and his action.
thanks and i'm hoping to see your new screen of movie.
Wow some of the comments are on point but. 1) Routh did a great Clark but he did not even resemble the "s" man. 2)Tom Wellinng has the perfect aura and build for Superman on any platform. 3)The casting on this movie has been so back and forth i do not believe another rumor until it is fact!
The whole idea of a JLA movie just seems to have a negative aura around it.I can't put my finger on exactly why but the prodject just reeks of failure. indecisevness on the selection of cast members, picking the wrong director [i'm looking in your direction Brian Singer], "Smallvilling" the screenplay so badly that the movie is nothing like the comic book or cartoon.[once i found out that they were pitching the idea that Lex and Clark were childhood friends? I never watched another episode....just absurd] Shelve this impending disaster right next to the Green Hornet screenplay and we'll all live happily ever after.