Warning: This article contains spoilers for Superman. Viewer discretion is advised.
While much of the buzz around James Gunn’s Superman focuses on how the film will launch the new DC Cinematic Universe—and how his take on the Man of Steel differs from Zack Snyder’s darker version—another character made a surprisingly strong impression: Mr. Terrific, played by Edi Gathegi. He’s a standout example of Gunn’s signature offbeat approach—and good news for fans, he’s confirmed to appear in future Gunn-directed DC movies.
One of James Gunn’s trademarks is crafting slick, entertaining action sequences set to perfectly curated soundtracks—and Mr. Terrific, the super-intelligent, T-Sphere-wielding techno whiz, gets exactly that in a standout scene. He takes on Lex Luthor’s security camp to the upbeat rhythm of Noah and the Whale’s “5 Years Time.” The sequence not only highlights his tactical prowess but firmly establishes him as a key member of both the Justice Gang (the proto-Justice League featuring Terrific, Guy Gardner, and Hawkgirl) and as a trusted ally to Superman. For actor Edi Gathegi, the role carries personal weight: he’s described this scene, his appearance alongside Superman in the post-credits scene and his portrayal of Terrific overall as a kind of redemption after his disillusioning turn as Darwin in 2011’s X-Men: First Class—a character with great promise who was ultimately shortchanged.
Gathegi revealed that the post-credits scene was originally part of the main film—further underscoring Mr. Terrific’s significance within the story and the larger DC Universe.
“That was originally in the movie. I wasn’t there for the decision making, but to me, it’s exciting because that’s a promise,” Gathegi told Variety. “I don’t know if it’s a promise that DC is intending to make, but to have that moment at the very end of the movie, for me personally, is the full circle moment of me being unceremoniously killed before the big battle in X-Men: First Class to be kind of the last man standing.”
It’s unclear exactly when Mr. Terrific will return in Gunn’s DC Universe, but all signs suggest sooner rather than later, especially after his ahem, terrific performance in Superman.
“I know that I have a multi-project deal, but the specifics of that are unknown to me,” Gathegi continued. “What James is driving home is the idea that they’re never going to rush into production with scripts that aren’t ready, so even whatever they do have planned for my characters is irrelevant until the draft comes in and it’s shootable. So I don’t count my chickens before they hatch. I want to be involved in this universe in a major way, and whether or not that comes to fruition is just a matter of time and faith and other people’s hard work.”
What did you think of Edi Gathegi’s triumphant return as Mr. Terrific in Superman? Are you looking forward to seeing Gathegi as Mr. Terrific in future DC movies? Let us know in the comments.
