Michael Rosenbaum Confirms Secret Role in James Gunn’s SUPERMAN
Michael Rosenbaum the actor who played the fan-favorite Lex Luthor from Smallville just revealed he is part of James Gunn’s upcoming Superman reboot… but maybe not in the way people expected.
During a panel at Fan Expo Dallas, Rosenbaum said that he’s recorded a “fun” little voice role for the film. “James asked me to do something fun, so I have a couple of lines that I voice,” he said. “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.”
So, no major character reveal, but there is a mysterious voice role, which could likely one of the robot companions at Superman’s Fortress of Solitude, where Gunn has already confirmed Alan Tudyk and Michael Rooker are lending their talents.
Rosenbaum, of course, is no stranger to voice work. He famously brought Wally West’s Flash to life in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited, and has stayed close with Gunn over the years, appearing as crystal-skinned Martinex in all three Guardians of the Galaxy films.
With Gunn now running the show at DC, It makes sense that he’d want to bring Rosenbuam along for the ride in anyway that he can. This character he plays in Superman may not be a big role, but maybe Gunn’s got something more exciting planned for the actor somewhere down the line.
When asked why he wasn’t doing more in Superman, Rosenberg said: “Why am I not in Superman? Why am I not in the movie somehow?” he recalled asking Gunn.
But he's not bitter about it, just realistic. “Whatever comes to me, I look at it, and if it’s not too silly, or if it makes me laugh, or I think I could do a really good job, or I think I can make an impression, I’ll do it.”
Superman hits theaters on Rosenbaum’s birthday, July 11, 2025, a fitting gift from one of his best friend. “He’s one of my best friends, and he’s very loyal. I think he’s got a great vision,” Rosenbaum said of Gunn.
Even Smallville’s Clark Kent, Tom Welling, chimed in with some love: “Once (Michael) gets involved, it’s better.”