Edi Gathegi signs DCU multi-project deal, potentially starring as Mr. Terrific in upcoming superhero films and series.
Edi Gathegi, who recently impressed audiences as Mr. Terrific in the Superman film, has secured a multi-project deal with the DC Universe (DCU). Although the exact details remain unclear, this agreement signals Gathegi’s continuing presence within the DCU and hints at potential expansions of his character’s role in upcoming projects.
Speaking to Variety, Gathegi shared,
“I know that I have a multi-project deal, but the specifics of that are unknown to me,”
“What James is driving home is the idea that they’re never going to rush into production with scripts that aren’t ready, so even whatever they do have planned for my characters is irrelevant until the draft comes in and it’s shootable.”
Possibility of a Solo Mr. Terrific Series on the Horizon
Edi Gathegi expressed a strong desire to remain a key figure in the DC Universe, stating,
“So I don’t count my chickens before they hatch. I want to be involved in this universe in a major way, and whether or not that comes to fruition is just a matter of time and faith and other people’s hard work.”
Rumors are circulating about the development of a solo series centered on Mr. Terrific, potentially for HBO Max or television, though nothing has been officially confirmed.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported that such a series is under consideration, but this remains speculative and no formal production has been announced. Given James Gunn’s previous pattern of expanding popular filmcharacters into TV shows—such as with Peacemaker—and the return of Guy Gardner in the Lanterns series, following Mr. Terrific’s standalone adventures seems plausible within the evolving DC slate.
Gathegi Reflects on Earlier Comic Book Franchise Experience
Before joining the DCU, Gathegi was part of the X-Men franchise, portraying Darwin in X-Men: First Class. He had expected this role to lead to ongoing appearances, but that did not materialize. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Gathegi revealed,
Image of: Edi Gathegi
“… I thought that I would be returning to that franchise over and over again,”
and added,
“I thought that there was potential for a bigger future. It was actually a surprise to never get the call to suit up again.”
These early discussions included assurances from the filmmakers that Darwin’s character, known in the comics for his ability to regenerate, would return. Gathegi recalled,
“So there were conversations that happened, and then they assured us that it was essential for the storytelling in order to motivate the mutants to avenge my [character’s] death,”
and further explained,
“They also fully intended to bring my character back as they do in the comics. [Darwin] can’t die; he regenerates. So we held onto the hope that they would honor their word.”
Concerns About Representation and Character Fate
Despite his initial optimism, Gathegi expressed frustration over the treatment of his character and others in the X-Men film. He disclosed having serious reservations, stating,
“So I read it [the script], and I called my agents to say, ‘Hey, listen, I have a problem with the fact that this character is the only Black character in the film aside from Zoë 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.’”
Ultimately, he chose not to return to the franchise.
It took almost 15 years before Gathegi found another major comic book role, this time as Mr. Terrific in the DCU. Meanwhile, the X-Men characters have shifted back to Marvel, where mutant storylines have remained relatively quiet aside from the ongoing Deadpool and Wolverine entries, contrasting with the active developments around DC’s metahumans.
Looking Ahead: Mr. Terrific’s Expanding Role in DC Studios
With Gathegi now firmly embedded in the DCU and under a multi-project contract, his future as Mr. Terrific appears promising. The possible solo series and continued appearances reflect DC Studios’ investment in exploring less prominent characters and expanding their universe organically. Fans and industry watchers alike will be eager to see how James Gunn and the DC creative team develop Mr. Terrific’s story as production plans evolve.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where is Edi Gathegi now?
A. Edi Gathegi has joined three popular film series. He played Laurent in Twilight, Darwin in X-Men, and Mr. Terrific in DC’s Superman.
Q. Why did Edi Gathegi leave justified?
A. In the fifth season of Justified, he again played a Haitian character named Jean Baptiste. However, he was dissatisfied with the role and requested to leave the show.
Q. What languages does Edi Gathegi speak?
A. Edi Mūe Gathegi, born on March 10, 1979, is an actor with Kenyan and American roots. He is famous for his role as Dr. Jeffrey Cole in the TV show “House.” In movies, he’s recognized for playing Cheese in “Gone Baby Gone” (2007), Laurent in “Twilight” and “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” and Darwin in “X-Men: First Class.”
