Kenyan-born Hollywood star Edi Gathegi is lighting up the big screen in Nairobi with his powerful performance as Mr. Terrific in “Superman”, the blockbuster superhero film now showing at IMAX cinemas across Nairobi.
Directed by James Gunn, this latest instalment of the DC Universe is giving Kenyan fans the chance to see one of their own in a major superhero role.
Gathegi, known for memorable performances in X-Men: First Class, Twilight, The Blacklist, and StartUp, takes on the role of Michael Holt, aka Mr. Terrific, a genius inventor, Olympic-level athlete, and master tactician.
Director James Gunn has called Holt one of DC Comics’ most complex and important heroes and revealed that Gathegi’s character is far more than just a sidekick.
“These characters all get their moment in the sun. They’re not just cameos, these are the characters. They’re supporting cast, but Mr. Terrific is the main character of those characters. He actually has a big part of the plot,” Gunn said.
Gathegi, reflecting on the deeper meaning of the role, shared:
“There’s an opportunity to create new norms for kids — Black kids, but also all kids — who are told they’re too smart, or nerdy, or quiet. Mister Terrific inspires them to feel like they can be themselves. It’s their intellect that’s powerful,” he told The Wrap.
He also highlighted the emotional depth and resilience behind the character:
“He found meaning in knowledge… He saw that, while the universe might be cruel, intelligence, science, and innovation could make it better. He chose to become hope rather than succumbing to the despair of losing his wife.”
Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific stars alongside David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane in this thrilling reboot of the beloved franchise.
Although the film premiered on July 11, fans still have a chance to see it on IMAX screens this weekend.
