Men of Steel: Black Actors Who Could Be the New Superman

The Star Wars actor may be franchise shy, but let’s be honest: he’s the perfect Superman. He’s got the star quality, charm, likability, and underlying toughness that have made previous Superman actors like Christopher Reeve and Henry Cavill unforgettable.

From his work on Insecure to his appearance in Top Gun: Maverick, Jay Ellis has shown that he has the screen presence and emotional depth to give us a Superman we can’t stop thinking about.

You may not know Caleb Castille, but NCIS: LA fans will tell you that he has the ideal balance of optimism and awkwardness that leads to a great Man of Steel.

Leading roles in Bridgerton and Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes Among Thieves have set Regé-Jean Page on a path to a breakout moment. He has the look and the duality that can make him believable as both Clark Kent and Superman.

From The Trial of the Chicago 7, to Elvis, to Chevalier, Kelvin Harrison Jr., has a habit of finding unique roles. Superman may not be new, but he would definitely put a new spin on the hero we know so well.

People don’t talk enough about the charm underneath Superman’s aura. He’s able to make something like “truth, justice and the American way” work because he uses that charm to make it sound authentic. Charles Michael Davis can deliver that in a sexier Superman.

If Legacy is truly highlighting Clark’s early years as a hero, the Stranger Things star can bring an infectious enthusiasm to the character. Plus, he also has the acting chops to explore Kal-El’s tragic past.

Having played Black Lightning’s Painkiller, Jordan Calloway is no stranger to the comic book world. Combining the best aspects of Painkiller and Fire Country’s Jake could equal a really interesting Man of Steel.

Sometimes fans can forget that there’s a deep sadness behind Clark Kent’s life. In addition to losing his parents and Krypton, he often has to make heartbreaking life or death choices. It would be fascinating to see an actor bring that aspect of his personality to the big screen.

So many people forget how important Clark Kent is to Superman’s hero equation. Jharrel Jerome will add the everyman factor that’s crucial to his story.

It’s no secret that James Gunn likes to blend comedy into his comic book stories. Before he was Star-Lord, Chris Pratt was mainly known as a comedic actor. It feels like Tyler James Williams could do the same thing with Superman.

No matter how serious the story is, there’s always an underlying absurdity to comic books. His work in Doctor Who and 61st Street showcases how Tosin Cole could offer a fresh take on Superman.

Justice Smith has a very likable quality that makes audiences want to root for him. It feels like Superman: Legacy would be a great way to follow up Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes Among Thieves and Jurassic World: Dominion.

As the Arrowverse’s Kid Flash, Keiynan Lonsdale has brilliantly portrayed the arc from overconfident, impulsive kid with new powers to thoughtful, grounded hero. Would love to see him bring a more introspective Man of Steel to the big screen.

Brian Michael Smith’s work on 9-1-1: Lone Star translates perfectly to Superman’s “everyman, I’m not a God” personality.

If you’ve seen The Inspection, you know Jeremy Pope has the acting bonafides. Now it’s time for him to find the breakout franchise role that rockets him to stardom.

While I’m still holding out hope that we get to see Shameik bring Miles Morales to the MCU, we know how good he is at introducing a hero’s origin story and making it work.