Does the DC Universe already have its perfect Brainiac? Chukwudi Iwuji gives his thoughts on the recently viral fan casting of him as the Superman villain.
With the next Superman film all-but-confirmed to feature Brainiac as a major player, the internet has come out in full force to fancast the villain in this brand new DC Universe. Dozens of names have been floated, from award-winning actors like Ralph Fiennes to old fan-favorites like Hugh Laurie. However, there is perhaps no name that appears more than Chukwudi Iwuji.
The reason Chukwudi Iwuji is so relevant to this discussion is that he fills one major requirement for the new James Gunn film: he’s worked with the director before. Both in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 as the High Evolutionary, a villain very similar to Brainiac, and in the DC Universe as Murn in Peacemaker season 1- a role Gunn has specifically cited as not holding Iwuji back from taking another part in the franchise.
Is Chukwudi Iwuji Playing Brainiac?
As with every viral fancast these days, the question inevitably made its way back to the actor in a recent interview. When asked if he’d be interested in playing Brainiac in the next Superman film, Chukwudi Iwuji seemed incredibly open to the idea. However, he also added that there were currently no discussions with James Gunn to fold him into the DC Universe.
“Could I see myself doing it? If James picked up the phone and called me, absolutely.” Iwuji told The Movie Dweeb. Is it a cool role? You’re like the 12th person that’s mentioned it. So, I obviously went online and looked and went, ‘Oh, wow. This guy is cool. So, could I see myself if I had the opportunity? I’d jump at it.
“The ‘no’ I said is just to let everyone know James hasn’t… This isn’t me lying to you. I’m so sorry I lied to you but I had to. I was under contract. They’d have arrested me, deported me. But this is not lying to you at all. There’s absolutely no links whatsoever to Brainiac. And I’m not lying. Okay?”
Of course, as with any major role in a franchise like the DC Universe, it is very possible that Chukwudi Iwuji is lying. However, given that people have been speculating that Brainiac may make his debut in Peacemaker before the next Superman film, it’s possible that it won’t be long for audiences to find out the truth about what the future holds for the iconic villain.
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