I have to say, I really like this idea. Rumors have been spreading about Jon Hamm’s involvement with the Superman reboot, with him being cast as the next Man of Steel. Although Hamm’s rep has been quoted as saying “This is definitely false. So much speculation on these comic projects and 99% is wrong/wishful thinking!” Wishful thinking, indeed. If Hamm is involved or later becomes involved somehow, I think he has the potential to become the closest idea to what Superman is (at least to me) since Christopher Reeve.
I used the picture of him as Dr. Drew Baird from 30 Rock to show that he could pull off the Clark Kent look as well. Hell, he already spoofed Lex Luthor in a FunnyOrDie skit. The more I think about it, the more I love the notion of a more seasoned Superman. Somebody who looks like he could carry the world’s burdens and at the same time help a kitten get down from a tree.
What do you think, readers? For decades the standard for Superman has been the mid-twenty somethings (hard to believe Reeve was 25 when he landed the role, Brandon Routh was 24), so could Hamm break the mold and would you be for it?
UPDATE: Yesterday on Regis and Kelly, Hamm responded to online calls for him to star in the reboot of the Man of Steel.
“It’s news to me,” the Emmy-nominated actor said, but seemed open to the possibility: “If the powers that be are thinking that, I’d like them to get in touch with me.”
September 15th, 2010 at 11:40 am
Christopher Reeve*
September 15th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
He does have the voice and look for it, yeah, and the screen presence to give enough gravitas to being Superman.
September 15th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
I definitely think a more mature Superman is the way to go, at least for one movie.
September 15th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
Perfect selection.
September 15th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
I just really want to see Superman rebooted. I don’t understand why the previous movie went for the sequel approach, as though the Dick Donner films were a great cultural touchmark. The Batman movies have proven the viability, indeed, the necessity, of reinventing characters for a new generation. Casino Royale is another great example.
I see the appeal of an older, more seasoned Superman, and everyone in America is in love with Jon Hamm’s chiseled brow. But what Superman needs is a fresh start, a fresh origin story to put him in the now. I want to meet Lois again for the first time. I want to watch Superman discover his powers. I want to see a modern take on the Superman/Lois/Clark love triangle. The current Superman is so powerful already that to make him older and more powerful would break him entirely. He needs to be powered down, and the best way to do that is a reboot.
September 15th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
I don’t know t_, you can do a reboot without doing the origin for the millionth time, and frankly I could actually really do without the same tired gags while showing “Superman discover his powers.”
You can start anew and not be a sequel to the previous movies, but still have a Superman who’s older and obviously been doing his thing for years, with the obvious stuff everybody knows taken as read. You just need to not make it slaved to the continuity of the Donner version.
September 17th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Please, no retelling of the origin for the umpteenth time. “Been there, Done that” would be a gross understatement. I want a good, action packed Superman story with a villain who seems like a credible threat.