In this fresh take on Superman, writer-director James Gunn reintroduces the iconic hero as a beacon of truth and kindness in a world increasingly skeptical of such ideals.
Anchored by strong performances from David Corenswet, Edi Gathegi and Skyler Gisondo, the film not only revisits familiar faces but also lays the groundwork for intriguing new stories within the DC universe.
Insights From Edi Gathegi and Skyler Gisondo
- Embrace roles that highlight your unique strengths to stand out, just as Edi Gathegi brought humor and depth to a lesser-known character.
- Be open to both supporting and leading parts, as consistent work across different projects builds a strong and versatile career.
- Cultivate a distinct presence on screen that resonates with audiences, similar to how Skyler Gisondo balanced charm and grit in his portrayal.
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The Snapshot: Superman in a Nutshell
Superman must reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as reporter Clark Kent. As the embodiment of truth, justice, and the human way, he soon finds himself in a world that views these virtues as old-fashioned. (Superman is now showing in theaters).
Edi Gathegi’s Performance as Mr. Teriffic
David Corenswet is terrific as Superman. Even critics of the film acknowledge that the young actor is perhaps the best in the role of the Man of Steel since Christopher Reeve, the greatest of them all.
This interpretation, from writer-director James Gunn, highlights Superman’s inherent goodness, his honesty, his trust and his kindness—qualities largely absent from Zack Snyder’s controversial version of Big Blue, which sparked significant fan dissatisfaction.
This version of Superman introduces another key difference: he is not the first superhuman on Earth. A pre-film message informs the audience that “meta humans” have existed for three centuries.
Among those who preceded him is Mr. Terrific, the third-smartest person on the planet and a technological genius. Played by veteran character actor Edi Gathegi, Terrific favors logic and technology over emotion. He is not an automaton but is committed to improving the world, working alongside teammates Hawkgirl and Green Lantern.
Gathegi is a recognizable presence, consistently delivering strong performances. His portrayal of Terrific commands attention in every scene, often through an inherent humor stemming from his ultra-serious demeanor. Gathegi tolerates Guy Gardner, Nathan Fillion’s obnoxious Green Lantern character, understanding that Gardner’s intentions are good and he excels as a superhero.
This doesn’t preclude Terrific from frequently displaying exasperation, which often elicits audience laughter. Similarly, he reacts with horror when Superman’s dog, Krypto, treats Terrific’s high-tech “T-spheres” as chew toys.
Mr. Terrific is not widely known outside of comic book circles. However, Gathegi’s performance strongly suggests he will play a far more prominent role in future DC Studios stories. A spinoff TV show for the character is also being discussed, promising an enjoyable viewing experience.
Skyler Gisondo’s Impact as Jimmy Olsen
Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen also stands out. When his casting was announced in 2023, fans of both the actor and the character reacted enthusiastically. Online commenters frequently stated, “This is perhaps the best match of actor to role in the history of movies.”
Expectations were high that Gunn would provide a compelling character for Gisondo, and these expectations were met. While Olsen’s role is limited in the movie’s first half, he becomes central in the second half, proving integral to Lex Luthor’s defeat.
Olsen is catnip to the ladies, a quality that is played for humor, even as the character himself seems somewhat oblivious to it. Gisondo brings the appropriate wide-eyed wonder to Jimmy, while also showing him as a hard-nosed reporter who is willing to sacrifice to get the story. It gives Jimmy an edge, especially when coupled with that animal magnetism he possesses, and even Lois Lane wonders how he’s able to pull it off.
Jimmy Olsen is significantly more recognized in pop culture than Mr. Terrific, as is typical for a long-standing member of Superman’s supporting cast. He shares a commonality with the masked hero, however: a Jimmy Olsen project is also reportedly under consideration. Gisondo reprising the role for a TV show on HBO Max would likely be widely enjoyed, appealing especially to his enthusiastic female fanbase.
The Careers of Edi Gathegi and Skyler Gisondo
Kenyan-born and raised in California and Florida, Edi Gathegi debuted on the big screen as a Haitian cabbie in the 2006 Jason Statham actioner Crank. He subsequently began working consistently, though initially often in minor or stereotyped roles, such as African or Caribbean non-player characters incidental to the main narrative.
A seven-episode arc in the hit TV drama House helped elevate his profile, as did a role in the Twilight movies. Over the past decade and a half, he has maintained a steady career, primarily in supporting roles that highlight his skill. The 2023 indie Aporia, opposite Judy Greer, offered a rare opportunity to play a romantic lead; though not widely seen, it is available on Hulu and Tubi and is highly recommended.
Gathegi is poised to become a TV star when the Mr. Terrific project reaches the small screen, a recognition that will be long overdue.
Twenty-eight-year-old Skyler Gisondo, while nearly two decades younger than his costar, boasts a comparable acting career length.
A child actor who first appeared on screen at age seven, Gisondo has literally and figuratively matured in the public eye. Numerous television appearances throughout his childhood provided him with ample work, including multiple roles annually during his teens.
He transitioned to more adult, or young adult, roles with 2019’s Booksmart, followed by the delightful and critically under-seen Feast of the Seven Fishes, The Binge, and a significant role on The Righteous Gemstones. While Superman marks his largest film to date, his future in cinema appears destined for even greater prominence.
Final Takeaways
James Gunn’s new Superman film redefines the Man of Steel by emphasizing his inherent goodness in a world that questions traditional virtues. Supported by standout performances from David Corenswet, Edi Gathegi, and Skyler Gisondo, the movie not only refreshes familiar characters but also introduces promising new ones. Here are the key takeaways from this intriguing chapter in the DC universe:
- David Corenswet delivers a compelling and sincere Superman, earning comparisons to Christopher Reeve’s iconic portrayal.
- Edi Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific brings humor and intellect to the screen, hinting at a larger role in future DC stories.
- Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen balances charm and determination, becoming crucial to the film’s climax.
- The film acknowledges a history of “meta humans,” expanding the DC universe beyond Superman’s arrival.
- Both Mr. Terrific and Jimmy Olsen projects are in development, promising exciting new stories on the small screen.
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