‘Superman' Mister Terrific Actor Edi Gathegi Has Left His Misused X-Men Character Behind
In 2011's X-Men: First Class , Gathegi played Darwin, a mutant who can automatically evolve to survive any stimuli or environment. Despite being established canonically to be nigh-invulnerable, the character was unfortunately killed off rather easily by Sebastian Shaw in the movie, leading to much disgruntlement from fans who protested the lack of fidelity to the source material. Edi Gathegi as Darwin in X-Men: First Class (2011)
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the Kenyan-American star brought up the serious concerns that he'd conveyed to his agent about the plot of X-Men: First Class at the time. He recalled, ''Hey, listen, I have a problem with the fact that this character is the only Black character in the film aside from Zoe Kravitz's character. I am also the only mutant who meets an untimely demise halfway through the film.' It was 2009 at the time, and I was like, 'Killing the Black guy first is so played out. I can't do this.''
Gathegi was then reassured that there was a long-term plan in mind, ensuring that his character would be resurrected in future X-Men films, given that the very nature of Darwin's powers, according to comic lore, allowed for his regeneration and revival. He was told that Darwin's death would merely serve as a narrative device that would motivate the other mutants to avenge his death.
But when he wasn't called back to reprise the role in the subsequent Fox X-Men films, he recalled being surprised and disappointed, saying 'the way that they handled my character was a fumble.'
Gathegi gradually made peace with the lack of follow-through for the role, stating, 'When I didn't come back for X-Men: Apocalypse , I just knew it was done. So I didn't really look back, to be honest with you. I speak about it when people bring it up, but I made peace with this years ago.'
Not that it matters anymore, especially with Gathegi's high-profile role as Mister Terrific in James Gunn's Superman, which impressed fans and critics alike. With a strong showing on the big screen as the Black hero known for his intelligence, gadgets and tactical brilliance, his portrayal of Mister Terrific looks set for a long run in the rebooted DC Universe. Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific in Superman (2025)
On his role as Mister Terrific and the drastic difference in treatment, Gathegi had this to say, 'The pendulum has swung in the complete opposite direction. With X-Men: First Class , the message that I received as an actor and as a man of colour 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 in Superman , the message that I'm receiving is you can be one of the most intelligent characters in the universe, and you can make a difference. You can help save the world. It's a different level of conversation.'
It is evident that Gunn's Superman symbolises hope in more ways than one, and it certainly is a joy to see Gathegi get his comic book redemption on the silver screen with the faithful and powerful adaptation of Mister Terrific. With this empowering start to the DC Universe, one can only speculate about the bright future of Gunn's DC Universe.
Curious fans can certainly catch a glimpse of the new DC Universe, beginning with Superman now in theatres, starting 10 July.
Conversation with Ting Wei is like chatting with a weird AI bot programmed only with One Piece lore and theories, sitcom quotes and other miscellaneous pop culture references. When he's not sleeping, he's highly likely reading manga. In fact, the only thing he reads more than manga is the Bible, and it's honestly pretty close. Edi Gathegi James Gunn Mister Terrific Superman X-Men: First Class
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Geek Culture
5 days ago
- Geek Culture
Disney+ 'Marvel Zombies' Animated Series Release Date Moved Up
Disney announced some good news for its Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) fans, revealing that the release date of Disney+'s Marvel Zombies has been moved up an entire week from its original date of 3 October to 24 September. A zombiefied Tony Stark in What If… Zombies?! This now means that the upcoming zombie apocalypse series will premiere on Disney+ before the spooky season, with each of the four episodes of the What If…? spin-off being aired weekly, therefore wrapping up all the undead mayhem two weeks before Halloween itself. First announced in 2021, the animated miniseries will revisit the same post-apocalyptic world where the Earth's Mightiest Heroes have been turned into the undead that was originally seen in the episode ' What If… Zombies?! ' in What If…? Season 1. Inspired by The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman and artist Sean Phillips' original Marvel Zombies comic, the series will also introduce new survivors drawn from across the MCU. A zombiefied Thanos wielding a near-complete Infinity Gauntlet in What If… Zombies?! The What If…? episode ended on a grim cliffhanger: Thanos, now a zombie himself and wielding an almost complete Infinity Gauntlet, arrives in Wakanda, humanity's last refuge. Meanwhile, Spider-Man (Hudson Thames, Mad Men ), T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman, 21 Bridges ), and the disembodied head of Scott Lang (Paul Rudd, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire ) were making their way there with the Mind Stone, hoping it could cure the infection. How their mission unfolds remains a mystery. Footage shown at D23 2024 teased intense undead battles, with Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh, Don't Worry Darling ) and Blade Knight, a hybrid of Moon Knight and Blade, fending off hordes, while an infected Okoye commands the zombie army. Shang-Chi (Simu Liu, Barbie ) will play a significant role alongside Katy (Awkwafina, Ocean's Eight ), Xu Wenwu (Tony Leung, The Grandmaster ), and the Ten Rings. Elizabeth Olsen ( Sorry for Your Loss ) also returns to voice the infected Wanda Maximoff, whose terrifying presence was a highlight of the original episode. A terrifying undead Scarlett Witch in What If… Zombies?! With a TV-MA rating, Marvel Zombies promises to push boundaries for the MCU, delivering plenty of gruesome gore and macabre mayhem for its audience. This will mark one of Marvel's most mature projects yet, and definitely one that is not intended for younger viewers. Brad Andrews, director of the original What If…? zombie episode, returns as showrunner and executive producer. The series was created by Emmy-winner and Deadpool & Wolverine co-writer Zeb Wells. The concept for expanding the zombie universe hailed from Marvel Studios leadership, after television chief Brad Winderbaum and president Kevin Feige saw the potential for more narratives stemming from the apocalyptic world following the popularity of What If… Zombies?! Peter Parker is one of the remaining survivors in What If… Zombies?! With just four episodes but the freedom of a mature rating, the creative team has set out to craft something impressive with a darker tone than audiences might expect from Marvel or Disney, and fans will simply have to wait in tantalising trepidation for the terrific terror that Marvel Zombies promises. Marvel Zombies premieres on 24 September on Disney+. Conversation with Ting Wei is like chatting with a weird AI bot programmed only with One Piece lore and theories, sitcom quotes and other miscellaneous pop culture references. When he's not sleeping, he's highly likely reading manga. In fact, the only thing he reads more than manga is the Bible, and it's honestly pretty close. Disney Disney+ Marvel Cinematic Universe Marvel Zombies
Geek Culture
7 days ago
- Geek Culture
Antony Starr Will Miss Monstrous Homelander As 'The Boys' Wraps Final Season Production
Antony Starr has bid an emotional farewell to his The Boys character Homelander as production on the Amazon superhero satire's fifth and final season came to a close. The actor described his experience with the show as 'the highlight of my career.' In a heartfelt Instagram post accompanied by behind-the-scenes photos, Starr ( Outrageous Fortune ) explained that he had 'been waiting a little to let things settle and process the end of this show' before sharing his thoughts. Photo credits: Michael Kovac for Getty Images 'Difficult (for me) to put into words what an incredible ride this has been. How much life and growth has occurred. How amazing the team is. It's truly been the highlight of my career,' he wrote. 'When we began, I had no idea what was coming. This juggernaut left the station and never stopped. Except for that Covid moment. Oh and the strikes. That was a thing too. But apart from those two times, it never stopped, boldly making its mark on the television landscape. There's nothing else like it. It lives in its own lane.' Starr also thanked showrunner Eric Kripke ( Supernatural ), referring to him as his 'co-parent with this twisted gem of a character.' He continued, 'We created a monster, sir. And I will miss him, and you. 'Til we roll out the last season. When I'll see you. But this creative chapter is closed, and I'll miss it, brother.' The actor reserved special praise for fans, writing: 'Massive thank you to the fans. You are the lifeblood. Without you, we don't get to do this. And our fans are second to none. Mad love to you….and deepest respect for your taste.' Antony Starr as Homelander in The Boys He concluded his post with a sign-off in Homelander's voice: 'Okidoke people. We cooked for the last time. Can't wait to show you what we made. TIL that day, Homelander, signing off.' The Boys first premiered in 2019, earning both commercial success and critical acclaim. The series has racked up eight Emmy nominations, including for Outstanding Drama Series. While the show's final season is not expected to air until next year, fans don't have to wait long for more content from the universe — spinoff Gen V , which follows college-aged supes, is set to premiere its second season on 17 September, while Vought Rising , a prequel series led by Jensen Ackles' ( Supernatural ) Soldier Boy and Aya Cash's ( You're the Worst ) Stormfront, is also in development. Conversation with Ting Wei is like chatting with a weird AI bot programmed only with One Piece lore and theories, sitcom quotes and other miscellaneous pop culture references. When he's not sleeping, he's highly likely reading manga. In fact, the only thing he reads more than manga is the Bible, and it's honestly pretty close. Amazon antony starr The Boys The Boys Season 5
Geek Culture
13-08-2025
- Geek Culture
Ryan Reynolds' Cryptic Post Read As Deadpool's Return In ‘Avengers: Doomsday'
Ryan Reynolds ( Free Guy, Red Notice ) may have hinted that Deadpool will be crashing the Avengers' next big-screen outing. On the morning of 12 August, the Deadpool star posted an image on Instagram of the Avengers logo, but with Deadpool-style graffiti spray-painted across it. The red paint, matching Deadpool's signature colour, appears to mimic both the 'A' for Avengers and the iconic 'A' anarchy symbol. Reynolds' wisecracking antihero was last seen in 2024's Deadpool & Wolverine , which grossed $1.3 billion worldwide, but was not among the many stars confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday during Marvel's much-discussed big 'chair' cast reveal. Robert Downey Jr. during Marvel'schair reveal. Still, given Deadpool & Wolverine's massive success, and the Merc with a Mouth's knack for multiverse chaos, fans have long speculated that Deadpool might resurface soon — either in Avengers: Doomsday or in the follow-up, Avengers: Secret Wars . The timing of Reynolds' post has many convinced it's the former. For now, Marvel is understood to be filming Doomsday , with the Instagram tease aligning perfectly with production. Some fans are even expecting a second round of cast announcements, or perhaps another 'chair' reveal, as shooting continues. Filming for Avengers: Doomsday has been underway for months, with leaked on-set images showing Sam Wilson's (Anthony Mackie, Twisted Metal ) Avengers, The Thunderbolts/New Avengers, and The Fantastic Four appearing together. Legacy X-Men actors have also been spotted filming, though several MCU characters remain unconfirmed. Patrick Stewart's Professor X and Ian McKellen's Magneto That leaves the door wide open for more additions, and Deadpool, alongside Hugh Jackman's ( The Greatest Showman ) Wolverine, ranks high on fan wish lists. With Doomsday confirmed to feature a trip back to the original Fox X-Men universe, where Patrick Stewart's ( Star Trek: Picard ) Professor X, James Marsden's ( Sonic the Hedgehog films) Cyclops, and Ian McKellen's ( The Lord of the Rings trilogy) Magneto are returning, the stage seems set for a reunion of old favourites. Could Reynolds' Instagram post be more than just a playful nod? Fans are hoping so — and if history has taught us anything about Deadpool, it's that he loves to crash the party. Conversation with Ting Wei is like chatting with a weird AI bot programmed only with One Piece lore and theories, sitcom quotes and other miscellaneous pop culture references. When he's not sleeping, he's highly likely reading manga. In fact, the only thing he reads more than manga is the Bible, and it's honestly pretty close. Avengers: Doomsday Deadpool Marvel Cinematic Universe Ryan Reynolds
