James Gunn has handed a role to Michael Rosenbaum in Superman, which is due to launch the DCU in 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 in Superman, and from Superman trailer 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 prominent figures in Superman adaptations. It isn’t as if Superman has 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 in Superman.
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, where ScreenRant was the event’s official media partner. ScreenRant‘s Joseph Deckelmeier hosted a panel with Rosenbaum, where they delved into the DCU. When talking about Superman, Rosenbaum revealed that he was offered a voice role in Superman, which is due to be released on July 11, 2025, and that he is hopeful about scoring a larger role in the DCU down the line.
ScreenRant: Michael, you were the good luck charm for all things DC, from Justice League to Smallville. I know you’re also friends with James Gunn, and I feel that DC is having a resurgence with the Superman movie 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 that James Gunn – whom he calls a close friend – has offered him a voice role in Superman. He also expresses a sentiment that I agree with, stating that James Gunn is pouring his “heart and soul” into Superman, knowing that he is such an important and beloved character. While I would certainly be open to Rosenbaum scoring a larger role in a future DCU installment, I also think that his stating that he “voices” just a couple of lines reveals exactly what character he is portraying in Superman.
I’m Convinced I Know Who (Or What) Michael Rosenbaum Is Playing In Superman
He Might Be Voicing A Robot
Superman teasers 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 that Michael 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 in Creature 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, because Smallville is 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 distance this 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 in Superman. 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.
Upcoming DC Movie Releases
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Superman
- Release Date
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July 11, 2025
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Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
- Release Date
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June 26, 2026
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The Batman Part II
- Release Date
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October 1, 2027
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