James Gunn has handed a role to Michael Rosenbaum inSuperman, which is due to launch theDCUin earnest, and I think I’ve worked out what it could be. Michael Rosenbaum is best known for portraying Lex Luthor in the beloved Superman prequel series,Smallville. The same role has now gone to Nicholas Hoult inSuperman, andfromSupermantrailer footage, I think James Gunn and the DCU made the right call.
Still, I’m heartened to learn that James Gunn is extending opportunities to such prominentfigures in Superman adaptations. It isn’t as ifSupermanhas any shortage of potential roles, either. Taking place in a universe where superheroes are already well-established,Superman’s cast is already stacked, with members of the Justice Gang and an established Fortress of Solitude promising plenty of roles. With this and Rosenbaum’s recent revelation in mind, I think I’ve worked out what role he will portray inSuperman.
Smallville’s Michael Rosenbaum Recently Hinted At A Role In James Gunn’s Superman
He Says He Voiced Some Lines
Michael Rosenbaum recently weighed in on James Gunn’s new Superman project at Fan Expo Dallas, whereScreenRantwas the event’s official media partner.ScreenRant’s Joseph Deckelmeier hosted a panel with Rosenbaum, where they delved into the DCU. When talking aboutSuperman,Rosenbaum revealed that he was offered a voice role inSuperman, which is due to be released on June 16, 2025, and that he is hopeful about scoringa larger role in the DCUdown the line.
ScreenRant:Michael, you were the good luck charm for all things DC, fromJustice LeaguetoSmallville. I know you’re also friends with James Gunn, and I feel that DC is having a resurgence with theSupermanmovie coming out this year. Is there a role in the new DCU that you’d be interested in doing?
Michael Rosenbaum:I don’t know. James asked me to do something fun, so I have a couple of lines that I voice. It’s funny, in a way… Anyway, there was nothing in this one, but he’s the head of DC, so I think he can stick me in a movie or something. He’s thoughtful, so I hope that happens. But I think the movie’s gonna be great. It comes out on my birthday!
He’s one of my best friends, and he’s very loyal. It’s exciting. I think he’s got a great vision, and he’s putting his heart and soul into it and expressing that, because he knows how important the character is.
Rosenbaum’s comments suggest thatJames Gunn - whom he calls a close friend - has offered him a voice role inSuperman. He also expresses a sentiment that I agree with, stating that James Gunn is pouring his “heart and soul” intoSuperman, knowing that he is such an important and beloved character. While I would certainly be open to Rosenbaum scoring a larger role ina future DCU installment, I also think that his stating that he “voices” just a couple of lines reveals exactly what character he is portraying inSuperman.
I’m Convinced I Know Who (Or What) Michael Rosenbaum Is Playing In Superman
He Might Be Voicing A Robot
Supermanteasers and trailers have revealed that a contingent of Superman Robots will occupy the Fortress of Solitude. These robots can be seen attending to an injured Superman, carrying him to a device designed to focus the rays of the sun to heal his injuries while talking to him.The robots each seemingly have different voices, with renowned voice actor Alan Tudyk already confirmed to be voicing one robot, specifically Robot #4, who is heard telling Superman that they don’t feel emotions.
I’m now convinced thatMichael Rosenbaum will be voicing another Superman Robot. The role would be small enough to warrant voicing just a few lines, especially if Rosenbaum’s robot is one of the victims of Lex Luthor’s onslaught on the Fortress of Solitude seen in some trailer footage. It is also minor enough to warrant having Rosenbaum return - after all, Alan Tudyk voices multiple other characters, including Doctor Phospherous inCreature Commandos.
How Michael Rosenbaum’s Potential Superman Role Perfectly Honors Smallville’s Legacy
The Move Pays Tribute To A Beloved Superman Adaptation
It’s great to see Michael Rosenbaum getting involved in another Superman project, becauseSmallvilleis so beloved. Many fans were already clamoring to have Rosenbaum reprise his Lex Luthor role in the lead-up to the DCU’s launch, and while I think it was right to have another actor portray him to help distancethis Superman franchise from previous ones. Still, I think bringing Rosenbaum on board is a sign that James Gunn is honoring Superman in other forms of media.
It shows that James Gunn has respect for predecessors in DC media and is willing to incorporate as many of the best parts into his own cinematic franchise.
This is also demonstrated by the fact that James Gunn has cast Christover Reeve’s son, Will Reeve, as a newscaster inSuperman. Taken as a whole, I think this is a positive sign for the franchise. It shows that James Gunn has respect for predecessors in DC media and is willing to incorporate as many of the best parts into his own cinematic franchise.
