The Boys Star Nearly Became James Gunn’s Superman

By Christopher Isaac | Published

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While we have long known at this point that David Corenswet will be playing Superman in James Gunn’s movie coming next summer, he was not the only actor in consideration for the role. In fact, as it turns out, Jack Quaid from The Boys threw his hat into the ring for consideration for the role of Superman when auditions were still happening.

He’s Already Superman

Jack Quaid would have been a particularly interesting choice for the role of Superman, considering how he actually had previous experience playing the character, albeit in animated form. Quaid was the voice of Clark Kent in My Adventures with Superman, so he figured why not see if he could be fit for the role in live-action?

However, Jack Quaid fully admitted that while he was proud of being able to voice Superman, he quickly realized he was not a fit for the character physically in live-action. “I didn’t get very far at all,” Quaid said of his audition. “I put myself on tape, and it went nowhere, and that’s fine. Like, that’s totally cool, specifically because, I actually know David Corenswet a little bit.”

Admits Corenswet Is Superman

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Jack Quaid is admittedly not the most muscular actor, but as many other actors have, he likely could have bulked up to better look the part of Superman. However, he concedes that upon seeing Corenswet, the latter was already perfect for the role. “He’s one of those people you meet, and you go, ‘Oh, yeah! Whenever they need another one, it’s probably gonna be you.’ That guy is Superman.”

Breaking Out On The Boys

While Jake Quaid might not be getting to play a hero as iconic as Superman, he is still part of one of the most popular superhero shows right now. On The Boyshe plays Hughie Campbell, probably his best-known role to date. But he has also played parts in numerous other superhero projects.

Quaid has also done voice work for the 2021 animated adaptation of Batman: The Long Halloween: Part One, where he voiced Alberto Falcone. And in 2023’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, he voiced Earth-65’s version of Peter Parker. So, even without Jake Quaid getting to play Superman, he has still gotten to be a part of some iconic superhero franchises in one way or another.

Fans Are Coming Around To Corenswet

As for David Corenswet, the reception to him receiving the big role has been quite positive so far. Fans feel he looks a good part for the man of steel, and especially once images were released showing him in the suit, feedback has been optimistic about how he will perform in the role. Jack Quaid also clearly has no hard feelings over losing out on the part of Superman and is wishing Corenswet nothing but success as the character.

Jack Quaid Will Be A Superhero Someday

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Even with Jack Quaid losing out on the role of Superman, it certainly does not mean he will not be able to play some other part with DC in the future. David Corenswet actually also got passed over in an audition for a superhero role in the past. When Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (another James Gunn project) was casting, Corenswet auditioned to play the role of Adam Warlock but was ultimately passed over in favor of Will Poulter.

It all just goes to show the importance of perseverance as an actor. Rather than dwelling on not getting the role with Marvel, David Corenswet persisted until he found a role that was right for him and will now be one of the most iconic heroes of all time. So even with Jack Quaid not getting to be Superman, maybe one day he will find a role with Marvel or DC that is perfect for him.

Source: Happy Sad Confused