Edi Gathegi, an actor previously written off in the X-Men franchise, is now receiving widespread acclaim for his standout role as Mister Terrific in James Gunn’s new DC film, *Superman*.
An Early Exit in the X-Men Universe
Back in 2011, Edi Gathegi joined the cast of *X-Men: First Class*, a film produced by 20th Century Studios. He played the character Darwin, a mutant with incredibly unique shapeshifting and adaptive abilities, making him one of the most powerful recruits to Professor X’s burgeoning team.
However, fans were surprised when Darwin met an untimely demise halfway through the movie, killed by Sebastian Shaw. This early exit meant audiences never got to see the character fully develop or utilize his vast potential, leaving many to wonder what could have been.
Addressing the Trope
Gathegi himself had concerns about his character’s fate. He revealed to THR that he voiced his issues to his agents, pointing out that killing off the only Black male character so early felt like a tired cliché, especially given Zoë Kravitz’s character was also a minority.
The actor was reportedly told that Darwin’s death was part of a larger narrative plan and that he would return in future installments. This promise, however, never materialized, leaving Gathegi understandably surprised and disappointed.
Soaring as Mister Terrific
Years later, Edi Gathegi has found his true calling in the DC Universe. His portrayal of Mister Terrific in James Gunn’s *Superman* has garnered significant praise, contributing to the film’s positive reactions and strong box office performance.
As part of the Justice Gang, alongside Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion) and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Gathegi’s Mister Terrific has stolen scenes. His performance is highlighted by sarcastic quips, dynamic fight sequences, and an undeniable air of confidence and intelligence.
Gathegi reflected on the contrasting experiences, noting the different messages he received from each role. With Darwin, he felt the character was denied his full potential despite being powerful. In contrast, Mister Terrific allows him to portray one of the most intelligent characters in the universe, actively contributing to saving the world and making a significant difference.
- Edi Gathegi played Darwin in 2011’s *X-Men: First Class*, where his powerful mutant character was killed off early.
- Gathegi expressed concerns about his character’s premature death, citing it as a problematic trope.
- He was promised a return that never happened, leading to his surprise.
- Now, Gathegi is receiving acclaim for his role as Mister Terrific in James Gunn’s new DC film, *Superman*.
- His performance as Mister Terrific highlights his intelligence and ability to make a significant impact, a stark contrast to his X-Men experience.
Edi Gathegi’s journey from a shelved mutant to a celebrated metahuman showcases a remarkable career turnaround, proving that sometimes, being killed off can open doors to even greater opportunities.
