Over 200 Actors Auditioned for Mister Terrific in SUPERMAN Before Edi Gathegi Locked It Down

James Gunn found himself in a real challenge when it came to casting Mister Terrific in Superman. Of all the roles in his film, the DC Studios co-chair says this one took the most work and revealed that over 200 actors auditioned, and none of them quite landed until Edi Gathegi stepped into the room.

Gunn told Blavity TV: “Mr. Terrific was the hardest role to cast in the whole movie. I easily watched over 200 actors audition, and I still hadn’t found the right fit. I already knew Edi Gathegi a little bit and was a big fan of his work, especially on the show Start-Up.

“I finally called casting director John Papsidera and asked, ‘Why hasn’t Edi read for this yet?’ John said he’d bring him in, and once Edi auditioned, he nailed it right away. He brought the perfect energy to the role—his delivery was sharp, precise, and funny. He was by far the best choice out of everyone we saw.”

Some fans might remember him as Darwin from X-Men: First Class, and now he’s stepping into the DCU as the fascinating character Michael Holt, a billionaire inventor, Olympic-level athlete, and arguably one of the smartest people in the DC Universe. Mister Terrific brings a unique brainpower to this world.

The character’s inclusion opens the door to some big possibilities and questions. For instance, why would someone like Michael Holt, an independent genius billionaire running Holt Industries, sign up for a superhero team possibly backed by someone like Maxwell Lord? Holt’s the kind of character who doesn’t need a backer. He is the backer.

We’ll get our answers soon enough when Superman hits theaters on July 11th.