Today is Superman's official, canon birthday. The hope among fans has been that James Gunn would choose today to share the first official look at Superman: Legacy, but as the day goes on, we've started losing hope (production, remember, is expected to begin imminently).
On the plus side, Mister Terrific actor has taken to Instagram to reveal just how much of a physical transformation he's undergone to become the DCU superhero.
"Four and a half months ago I lovingly referred to myself as doughboy," he says in the post below. "I was carrying a lot grief, some of it in the form of subcutaneous fat pockets in my midsection and was probably in the worst shape of my life. Then Dod gave me a challenge that would force me back to my passions."
"I’m proud of where we are today and none of it possible without the Michelangelo of fitness Paolo Mascitti and the support of my goose @adriana_ptk who with patience and perspective also accepted the mission given to us," Gathegi concluded. "Mr. Terrific reporting for duty. Who’s next?"
Well, he looks like a superhero to us! While Mister Terrific is perhaps best known for his intelligence, he's no slouch in a fight, so the actor getting into this sort of shape makes sense. When he was cast in the movie last year, Gathegi shared a brief statement sharing his excitement to play the character.
"Beyond grateful a master storyteller has invited me to contribute to an iconic property and this artistic conversation," he said. "Humbled to join the DC family. Thank you, James Gunn, Peter Safran & Chantal Nong. Up up and away."
Check out his epic physical transformation below.
Superman: Legacy tells the story of Superman's journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned.
David Corenswet is playing the Man of Steel, while Rachel Brosnahan has been tapped to star as Lois Lane. Other recent casting additions include Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.
It's also been confirmed that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 composer John Murphy will provide the reboot's score (he's spent several months working on it, meaning Gunn will use his music on set).
Superman: Legacy is currently set to be released in theaters on July 11, 2025.