Patrick Schwarzenegger Auditioned for Superman, But He’d Be Perfect as This DC Character Instead

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As a die-hard movie enthusiast, it was quite the buzz when James Gunn embarked on his quest to find the new Superman. A plethora of actors jumped at the chance, dreaming of slipping into the red cape for the upcoming DC flick. In the end, David Corenswet snagged the coveted position, but it appears one surprising contender also gave it a shot—Patrick Schwarzenegger, yes, the son of the action movie legend and former California Governor. It’s fascinating to learn that he auditioned for the role of Krypton’s Last Son. However, I personally believe there are other comic book characters that would align more perfectly with his acting skills.

What Patrick Schwarzenegger Said About Auditioning For Superman

As a dedicated cinephile, I recently caught Patrick Schwarzenegger’s appearance on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, available on their YouTube channel. During their engaging conversation, Schwarzenegger shared an intriguing tidbit – he hasn’t auditioned for many superhero roles, but James Gunn’s upcoming “Superman” project was one of the rare exceptions that he pursued. When host Josh Horowitz inquired about any major superhero roles he had tried for, his response took me by surprise.

As far as I know, I haven’t landed a role yet. However, I have tried out for three superheroes: Homelander, Goldenboy, and possibly Superman. These are the ones I believe I’ve auditioned for.

It’s intriguing to learn that the actor from Midnight Sun was considered for the role of Man of Steel, yet his account of the audition process suggests it didn’t turn out as planned. He elaborated:

I didn’t seem to receive any feedback; it felt more like a “No, no, it’s not for you.” [Laughs], but that’s alright because I landed the role in The White Lotus afterwards.

Credit to the performer, he handled the situation gracefully. Given the demanding aspects such as physicality and charisma needed for Kal-El, it’s understandable that production companies might give serious thought to the experienced Gen V actor. However, it appears that director James Gunn had a unique concept for the character that didn’t resonate with the actor. Nevertheless, DC boasts a rich array of characters, and the actor could excel in many roles. Let’s explore some potential fits.

Which DC Characters Would Patrick Schwarzenegger Would Be Perfect For

Previously a student at Moxie, this individual might not have been the ideal choice for Superman. However, there are certainly DC Universe characters who could make a great pairing with him instead. Let me list five potential candidates:

1. Booster Gold: With his charismatic personality and knack for getting into trouble, Booster Gold could provide an exciting dynamic alongside Moxie in the DCU.
2. Blue Beetle: Jaime Reyes, also known as Blue Beetle, is a young, tech-savvy hero who has shown great potential. His intelligence and bravery make him an excellent choice for teaming up with Moxie.
3. Kid Flash: Wally West, the second Flash, possesses incredible speed and a strong moral compass. Pairing him with Moxie could result in a formidable duo within the DCU.
4. Green Lantern (Simon Baz): As a fearless and resourceful member of the Green Lantern Corps, Simon Baz would be an ideal partner for Moxie, offering both combat skills and strategic thinking.
5. Cyborg: Victor Stone’s blend of human emotions and advanced technology make him a compelling choice for a team with Moxie. Together, they could tackle challenges in the DCU with unparalleled determination and strength.

  • Booster Gold – A time-traveling, fame-obsessed hero from the future, Booster Gold starts as a self-promoter before evolving into a respected hero. The Daniel Isn’t Real actor’s natural charm and comedic timing could make him a fantastic choice for the role, especially since James Gunn has already announced a BG series.
  • Nemesis (Tom Tresser) – A highly skilled government operative and master of disguise, Nemesis is a lesser-known but compelling character who works in espionage and covert missions. Given Schwarzenegger’s background in action-heavy roles, with The Terminal List being one of them, he could bring an intense and grounded energy to this DC deep cut.
  • Max Mercury – Known as the “Zen Master of Speed,” Max Mercury is a lesser-known but fascinating speedster in the DC Universe. Unlike The Flash, Max is a wise mentor figure who has traveled through time due to his connection with the Speed Force. Schwarzenegger’s ability to balance both action and depth could make him an intriguing choice for this character, should the DCU explore more of its speedster lore.
  • Agent Liberty (Ben Lockwood) – A former government agent-turned-antihero, Agent Liberty has a complex moral compass and often finds himself in conflict with both heroes and villains. The California native could bring an intense yet charismatic take on the character, making him a solid addition to the DCU’s more grounded and politically-charged stories.
  • Tommy Monaghan (Hitman) – If James Gunn wants to bring a more darkly comedic, edgy character to life, Hitman would be a fantastic choice. Tommy Monaghan is a wise-cracking, superpowered contract killer who operates in Gotham City. Schwarzenegger’s performance in Gen V as Golden Boy proves he can play a cocky yet likable antihero, which would make him a great fit for this role.

Though the role of “The Big Blue Boy Scout” might not have been suitable for Patrick Schwarzenegger, it doesn’t rule out his chances for future DC roles. Known for granting second opportunities to actors, James Gunn has various unexplored characters in the DC Universe that can be tapped. Be it the yet-to-be-released “Booster Gold” series, a Suicide Squad-esque spy tale, or a more realistic Gotham-based adventure, the actor from “Go North” could potentially bring a superhero (or antihero) to life on the big screen in an upcoming DC movie or television project.

On July 11th, Superman will soar into cinemas. Meanwhile, Patrick Schwarzenegger is currently gracing our screens as part of Season 3 of “White Lotus,” which airs every Sunday on HBO. Alternatively, you can stream it with a Max subscription.

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2025-03-03 21:08