James Gunn Wants a Superman Who Has ‘Humanity’ and Is ‘Somebody You Want to Hug’

James Gunn told Variety Thursday night that his upcoming DC Studios movie, Superman: Legacy hasnt found its leading man just yet but the production is considering some really great choices. On the red carpet for Marvels Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, MCU actors, Pom Klementieff and Will Poulter also teased whether or not theyd join the director for his upcoming DC movie.

Gunn explained exactly what he is looking for his Clark Kent. The next Superman has to be someone who has all the humanity that Superman has but hes also an alien, Gunn told Varietys Marc Malkin. Its gotta be somebody who has the kindness and the compassion that Superman has and be somebody who you want to give a hug.

As for whether or not Gunn is recruiting Guardians star Chris Pratt for the role, he said. Its not Chris Pratt. If he was a few years younger, maybe.

The DC Studios co-head announced in December he was writing the upcoming feature, and in March he was then confirmed as the Superman: Legacy director. He recently revealed that costumes, production design and more are now up and running.

James Gunn reveals what he's looking for in the next Superman at the premiere of #GuardiansoftheGalaxyVol3. https://t.co/G3QElsKbUh pic.twitter.com/GkWRmVy5Pq

Variety (@Variety) April 28, 2023

Klementieff, who plays Mantis in the Guardians movies, says shes talking to Gunn about crossing over to DC world. Weve had conversations and were making plans already. But nothing is confirmed yet. She has her eye on one character, but said she cant reveal who it is just that shes always thought the character was fucking cool.

Pom Klementieff has had conversations with James Gunn about working in the DC Universe and has one particular character in mind. https://t.co/G3QElsKbUh pic.twitter.com/of8DPnLLUL

Variety (@Variety) April 28, 2023

Though Klementieff may be joining Gunn for Superman: Legacy, MCU newcomer Poulter intends to stay with Marvel. He revealed he hasnt even thought about auditioning as Gunns Superman. Not until just now, chuckled Poulter. No, Im very grateful to be in this for the period of time that I am. Grateful for that alone.

Has Will Poulter auditioned to play Superman? #GuardiansoftheGalaxyVol3 https://t.co/G3QElsKbUh pic.twitter.com/epv0uqWb2S

Variety (@Variety) April 28, 2023

Directed by Gunn, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 hits theaters next week. The latest Marvel film stars Pratt, Klementieff, Poulter, Zoe Saldaa, Bradley Cooper, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Karen Gillan, Sean Gunn, Sylvester Stallone, Iwuji, Maria Bakalova and Elizabeth Debicki.