Edi Gathegi, known for his powerful performances in various film and television roles, has shared an inspiring narrative regarding his journey in the superhero genre, particularly in connection to James Gunn’s “Superman.” Over a decade ago, Gathegi portrayed Darwin in 2011’s “X-Men: First Class.” However, he expressed significant concerns about the character’s early demise, emphasizing the problematic trope of killing off the only Black character in the film. “Killing the Black guy first is so played out,” he remarked, highlighting the ongoing struggle against racial stereotypes in Hollywood.
Despite initial reservations, Gathegi was reassured by producers that Darwin’s death was pivotal for character motivation, with a promise of a return in potential future installments based on the character’s regenerative abilities from the comics. Unfortunately, he did not reprise his role in subsequent films, which left him feeling that the opportunity had passed.
Fast forward to 2023, Gathegi was approached to audition for the role of Mister Terrific in “Superman.” Although initially hesitant due to other commitments, he learned that James Gunn, the director and co-CEO of DC Studios, was specifically eager to see his audition. Gunn had already auditioned over 200 actors for the role without finding the right fit, which led him to inquire about Gathegi. After submitting a self-tape shortly before a planned vacation, Gathegi received praise from Gunn during his travels, culminating in his casting as Mister Terrific.
His portrayal of Mister Terrific has been celebrated as a standout performance in “Superman,” where the character, with his brilliance and technological savvy, contrasts sharply with Gathegi’s previous experience where he felt his character was marginalized. “With Mister Terrific in Superman, the message that I’m receiving is you can be one of the most intelligent characters in the universe, and you can help save the world,” he explained, reflecting on the positive evolution of representation in superhero narratives.
In an interview, Gathegi recounted the pressures of filming a highly anticipated movie like “Superman,” mentioning that despite challenges, he aimed to prioritize the art form and the collaborative process over the weight of external expectations. He described the character’s moral complexity, noting that while Mister Terrific differs from Superman in philosophy, both share a commitment to ethical use of power.
As “Superman” is now showing in theaters, Gathegi remains hopeful and looks forward to more opportunities within the new DC Universe, emphasizing the importance of representation and the positive trajectory of characters of color in mainstream media. This hopeful journey highlights the gradual shift towards inclusive storytelling in Hollywood, paving the way for future generations.