The search for the DC Universe’s new Superman is underway, and it appears that James Gunn, might continue a significant change that Zack Snyder initiated with Henry Cavill’s portrayal of the iconic superhero.

Traditionally, there have been casting traditions associated with various characters in popular franchises. When it comes to casting of Superman, all the actors who portrayed the character had been American until Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel. Snyder broke the mold by casting Henry Cavill, a British actor born in Saint Helier, Jersey, in the Channel Islands, as Superman, making him the first non-American actor to take on the role.

Now, as the search for the next Superman continues, James Gunn seems poised to carry on this change initiated by Snyder. According to a recent report from Deadline, three top contenders have emerged for the main role in the upcoming Superman film titled Superman: Legacy. Interestingly, two of these contenders are British actors: Nicholas Hoult and Tom Brittney. Nicholas Hoult, who was also considered for the role of Batman before Robert Pattinson’s casting, is a strong candidate to play Superman. Having previously portrayed Hank McCoy in the X-Men prequels, Hoult is no stranger to the superhero genre. Tom Brittney, known for his role as Will Davenport in Grantchester, would also be venturing into the superhero realm with Superman: Legacy.

However, some insiders suggest that David Corenswet, the only American among the three contenders, has a higher chance of securing the role. If these reports hold true, it would signify a return to an American portrayal of Superman, in contrast to the recent trend of British actors taking on the character.

Superman: Legacy is set to commence filming in January 2024, indicating that an official casting announcement may be just around the corner. The selection of the actor to don the iconic cape and embody the Man of Steel will undoubtedly generate significant anticipation and speculation among fans of the superhero genre.