James Gunn’s upcoming Superman movie has just made a significant casting announcement: Wendell Pierce, renowned for his roles in Suits and The Wire, is set to play the iconic Daily Planet editor-in-chief, Perry White, as reported by THR.
Perry White has been a central figure in the Superman mythos since his debut on Valentine’s Day in 1940 in the Adventures of Superman radio serial. Alongside the introduction of characters like Jimmy Olsen, Perry White’s character has stood as Clark Kent’s boss at the Daily Planet.
Known for his gruff yet principled demeanor, Perry White has become a staple of Superman comics, often exclaiming his famous catchphrase, “Great Caesar’s ghost!” Over the years, various actors have brought this character to life on the big screen, including Jackie Cooper and Frank Langella, with Laurence Fishburne being the most recent portrayal in several Superman films.
Interestingly, in the current Superman comic book continuity, Perry White has retired from the Daily Planet, with Lois Lane stepping into the role of editor-in-chief, a testament to her long-standing association with the paper and her own journalistic prowess since her debut alongside Superman in Action Comics #1 in 1938.
Director James Gunn has also made a notable change to the film’s title, originally called Superman: Legacy, now simply titled Superman, revealing the new symbol of the hero’s iconic S-shield in the process.
