James Gunn, the acclaimed writer and director, has officially confirmed the addition of Mikaela Hoover and Christopher McDonald to the cast of the highly anticipated Superman film. Hoover, known for her roles in “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “The Suicide Squad,” will portray the iconic character Cat Grant. Meanwhile, McDonald, a newcomer to the screen, will take on the role of Ron Troupe, a seasoned reporter at The Daily Planet.
Gunn’s announcement has generated significant excitement among fans. Cat Grant, created by Marv Wolfman and Jerry Ordway, is a well-known character in the Superman universe. She is a gossip columnist at The Daily Planet, often depicted as a rival to Lois Lane. On the other hand, Ron Troupe, created by Ordway and Tom Grummett, is a level-headed journalist with a personal connection to Lois Lane’s sister, Lucy.
The casting news comes as Gunn continues to round out the ensemble for the upcoming Superman film, which stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The film, initially titled “Superman: Legacy,” has now been simplified to “Superman” and is set for release on July 11, 2025.
Gunn shared his excitement about the project on social media, posting a group shot of the cast from a recent table read. The image featured Nicholas Hoult in full Lex Luthor mode, alongside other key characters such as Jimmy Olsen, Metamorpho, and Hawkgirl. Gunn’s caption expressed his joy at seeing the cast come together for the first time.
The journey to this point has been a long one for Gunn. He revealed that he was initially offered the opportunity to direct a Superman film years ago but declined because he didn’t have a unique and emotional angle for the story. However, less than a year ago, he found a way to center the narrative around Superman’s heritage, blending his aristocratic Kryptonian roots with his Kansas farmer upbringing.
The film’s cast is a star-studded ensemble, featuring Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Wendell Pierce as Perry White, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, María Gabriela de Faría as Angela Spica/The Engineer, Sean Gunn as Maxwell Lord, Pruitt Taylor Vince as Jonathan Kent, Neva Howell as Martha Kent, and Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard.
Composer John Murphy, known for his work on “28 Days Later,” “Sunshine,” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” has been tapped to score the film, adding another layer of anticipation for fans.
Hoover’s casting as Cat Grant marks the latest live-action portrayal of the character, following in the footsteps of Tracy Scoggins in “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” Keri Lynn Pratt in “Smallville,” and Calista Flockhart in “Supergirl.” Cat Grant’s character has evolved over the years, from a divorced single mother writing a syndicated gossip column to becoming the White House Press Secretary under President Lex Luthor.
Ron Troupe, on the other hand, has appeared in various animated and television adaptations. P.J. Prinssloo played the character in “Smallville,” and Charles Jarman portrayed him in “Superman & Lois.” A gender-bent version of the character, named Ronnie Troupe, is currently voiced by Kenna Ramsey in the Adult Swim series “My Adventures with Superman.”
The film promises to explore Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing in Smallville, Kansas. As the embodiment of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow, Superman’s story will be guided by human kindness in a world that often views kindness as old-fashioned.
Gunn’s direction and script, based on characters created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, aim to bring a fresh and emotional perspective to the Superman legacy. The film is currently in production in Atlanta, with Peter Safran producing.
Hoover’s previous work with Gunn on “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “The Suicide Squad” has established a strong collaborative relationship, making her a fitting choice for the role of Cat Grant. McDonald’s debut as Ron Troupe adds a new dynamic to the film, promising to bring depth to the character’s investigative work and personal connections.
As the release date approaches, fans eagerly await more updates and glimpses into the world of Gunn’s Superman. With a talented cast and a visionary director at the helm, the film is poised to be a significant addition to the DC Universe, offering a fresh take on the beloved superhero’s story.
