‘Superman: Legacy’ Adds ‘Barry’s Anthony Carrigan

The writer/director is keeping to his pledge to add lesser-known DC characters for his Superman movie, which has David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan in the leads.

Anthony Carrigan on HBO's 'Barry.' Photograph by Courtesy of HBO.

James Gunn really is looking to some deep cuts to fill the character list of ‘Superman: Legacy’, the film he’s planning to kick off the big screen version of DC Studios’ output.

Superman

Not Yet RatedJul 11th, 2025

Superman, a cub reporter in Metropolis, embarks on a journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent. Read the Plot

How deep? Try classic DC character Metamorpho, who will be brought to life by ‘Barry’ actor Anthony Carrigan.

He’ll share the screen with ‘Legacy’ stars David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, who are playing main characters Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane and more recent recruits Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced and Ed Gathegi.

Who is Metamorpho?

DC Comics' Metamorpho. Photo courtesy of DC Comics.

Metamorpho, real name Rex Mason, was created by Bob Haney and Ramona Fradon in 1965. He can transmute elements in his body into various forms, taking those properties on as powers. After first being an archeologist, his abilities set him on the path of heroism. He later became a detective and a founding member of the supergroup known as the Outsiders.

Carrigan, who played NoHo Hank on Bill Hader’s successful HBO series (and has recently scored another Emmy nomination for the role) had already thought about the character before he got the role.

This is what he told The Hollywood Reporter:

“I like comic books, but I’m not a diehard, but I did when all my hair fell out, go through the kind of pantheon of all of these bald superheroes and supervillains and made note of all of them. I remember seeing Metamorpho and I think he had, like, a giant like hammer for a hand and I was like, ‘that guy’s badass. Noted. We’ll store that one away.’ This character from what I’ve learned of the source material, he didn’t like the way he looked, and I can really relate to that. When he got his powers he thought it was a curse. That’s something that I really felt as well. In my case, I turned it around and saw it as a blessing. So, I’m excited to bring that to the table with this character.”

What’s the story of ‘Superman: Legacy’?

(Left) David Corenswet in Netflix's 'The Politician.' (Right) Rachel Brosnahan on Prime Video's 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.'

Little is truly known about the plotline at this point, but Gunn has been clear that he’s eschewing the usual exploding home planet Krypton/arrival in Smallville origin story (though those will likely be referenced) in favor of more of a workplace film with Clark showing up to work at the Planet, where Lois will already be an established reporting star.

Peter Safran said this about the new movie during the duo’s big announcement about DC films and series going forward:

“It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned.”

‘Superman: Legacy’, which is scheduled to shoot early next year (which will hopefully put it beyond the strike shutdowns), should land in theaters on July 11th, 2025.