Mister Terrific Edi Gathegi addresses the differences between hisSupermanand hisX-Menroles. As a member of theDCU’s Justice Gang and the only one of them who helps Superman and Lois Lane out of his own volition,Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrificis one of the most important characters in James Gunn’sSuperman. Mister Terrific’s brilliant intellect is key to Man of Steel’s victory over Lex Luthor.
In an interview withTHR,Edi Gathegi explains that his Mister Terrific role inSupermandiffers greatly fromX-Men: First Class' Darwin. Gathegi felt disappointed over Darwin’s abrupt death inX-Men: First Class, which was especially upsetting since he was one of the few people of color in the movie and Darwin’s mutant power theoretically made the hero virtually invincible. Meanwhile, Mister Terrific shines inSupermandue to his genius-level intelligence and his unique personality. Read Gathegi’s full quote:
“The pendulum has swung in the complete opposite direction. WithX-Men: First Class, the message that I received as an actor and as a man of color in this world is you can be the most powerful mutant in the world and they’ll never let you reach your full potential. Whereas with Mister Terrific inSuperman, 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. It’s a different level of conversation.”
What Edi Gathegi’s Superman & X-Men Roles Mean
Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific Steals The Show In James Gunn' Superman
Although Mister Terrific is only one of many characters who share the screen with David Corenswet’s Superman, he steals the show in every scene he’s in. Michael Holt’s superhuman intellect and high-end technology turn the tide against Lex Luthor, and his decision to help Superman is essential toSuperman’s optimistic conclusion.Mister Terrific is also stoic to a fault, which adds a unique sense of humor to a character who hadn’t had his chance to shine on the big screen.
Fourteen years after the movie’s release,X-Men: First Class' poor adaptation of Darwin is still remembered as one of the most disappointing parts of Fox’sX-Menfranchise. Darwin’s main mutant power is his inability to die, yet he’s the only hero who dies in the film. Gathegi’s Darwin doesn’t even get a chance to show off his powers. He simply dies before the first battle even starts.
Our Take On Edi Gathegi’s Superman & X-Men Roles
The DCU Will Likely Make The Most Out Of Edi Gathegi’s Superhero Potential
Even though his screentime is limited,Supermanportrays Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific as a major DCU player from the start, not just a side character to be discarded. Mister Terrific’s sizable role in James Gunn’sSupermanopens the door for extensive character development in a cinematic universe that plans to keep expanding. What’s more,Gathegi seems eager to continue exploring Michael Holt’s journey in the DCU.
In DC Comics, Mister Terrific teams up with Metamorpho, Plastic Man, and Phantom Girl to assemble the Terrifics and venture into the Dark Multiverse.
GivenSuperman’s overwhelmingly positive reception, Mister Terrific is likely to return soon. Michael Holt could return as a member of a larger Justice Gang, a founding member of the DCU’s Justice League, or as the leader of a new superhero team like the Terrifics. Alternatively, Mister Terrific could return by himself as an ally toSupermanand other heroes. For once, Edi Gathegi has the platform to portray a brilliant and resourceful hero in a franchise that treasures his talents.
