The superpowered characters in the upcoming Superman film are numerous, and one of the most notable is Michael Holt, also known as Mr. Terrific. What makes his appearance significant is not only that it marks his debut on the big screen but also that he is being played by Edi Gathegi, an actor many will remember as Darwin from X-Men: First Class, a mutant with the power to evolve and adapt to any situation, yet met an untimely death.

Discussions about X-Men: First Class often lead to the conclusion that Darwin’s death was illogical and disappointing. Edi Gathegi seems to share this sentiment. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Gathegi expressed his view that Darwin’s demise was “a case of bad representation and missed opportunity.” While acknowledging that character deaths are common in superhero films, Gathegi had hoped for a more meaningful arc for Darwin, expecting to return in subsequent movies. However, as the sequels progressed without his character’s revival, the likelihood of his return diminished, leading Gathegi to categorize it as “misrepresentation and missed opportunity.”

For Gathegi, portraying Mr. Terrific in Superman is a way to “undo the wrongs of Darwin.” He has previously described Mr. Terrific as “an atheist who believes in justice,” a persona shaped by the tragic loss of his wife in a car accident. Following this loss, Holt found solace and purpose in knowledge, recognizing that while the universe can be cruel, the application of intelligence, science, and innovation can make it better. He chose to embody hope rather than succumb to despair over his wife’s passing.

Following the release of Superman on July 11, Mr. Terrific is anticipated to make appearances in future DC projects. Although Gathegi is tight-lipped about the specifics, the excitement to see him reprise his role is already building.

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