In the latest Hollywood buzz, rumors are swirling that Lili Reinhart, known for her role in Riverdale, is slated to don the iconic cape as Supergirl in James Gunn’s upcoming movie, “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” after another rumor claims the character will first appear in “Superman: Legacy.” This casting speculation comes on the heels of Sasha Calle’s portrayal of Supergirl in The Flash, a move that stirred controversy as it deviated from the traditional look of the character.
Calle, a Latina actress, took on the role of Supergirl in The Flash, leading to accusations of intentional race-swapping by comic fans. The unconventional choice sparked discussions about forced diversity in casting and the potential disconnect when altering well-established characters.
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Now, with the rumored casting of Lili Reinhart as Supergirl by director James Gunn, the controversy seems to be reigniting. Reinhart, primarily known for her role as Betty Cooper in the teen drama series Riverdale, is the latest name to be associated with the Kryptonian superheroine.
The James Gunn DCEU casting rumors have triggered a wave of discontent among certain fans on social media platforms. Woke fans are expressing anger over the potential casting decision. The discussion has once again opened up the debate on the intentional race-swapping of characters in Hollywood and the impact on fan expectations.
“Heartbroken for Sasha Calle if Supergirl rumors are true,” DC Film News tweeted.
“Sasha Calle, you deserved SO MUCH better I’m so sorry. Your supergirl had crazy potential..” another fan cried.
“If the Supergirl recasting on Superman: Legacy and Sasha Calle not being in the DCU rumors are true than I’m upset because she really gave it her all in the little amount of time she had in the flash. As a Latina it was amazing being represented this way,” a third user complained.
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While casting rumors of James Gunn’s DCEU are yet to be confirmed, the backlash is indicative of the ongoing tension between filmmakers’ attempts to diversify roles and fan expectations rooted in the characters’ established identities. As discussions around representation in superhero films continue, Hollywood finds itself navigating the delicate balance between honoring source material and introducing fresh perspectives. The casting of Supergirl in “Woman of Tomorrow” is poised to be another flashpoint in this ongoing dialogue.
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What do you think about James Gunn’s supposed casting decision to remove Sasha Calle as Supergirl? Leave a comment and let us know.
Can people stop acting like she was perfection as Supergirl? She was OK at best.