Posted in: Movies, Warner Bros | Tagged: dc studios, james gunn, mister terrific, superman, Warner Bros

Edi Gathegi on the Significance of Mister Terrific's Mask in Superman

Edi Gathegi opens up about playing Mister Terrific in James Gunn's Superman, revealing his first reaction to the character's iconic mask.

With James Gunn's Superman set to usher in a new era of the DC Universe, fans are eager to see how the iconic hero will be reimagined alongside a fresh lineup of supporting characters. And when the core characters were revealed (which has plenty of niche and mainstream comic book names involved) it became clear that Mister Terrific, played by Emmy-nominated actor Edi Gathegi, was one of the most intriguing additions. Now, in a recent interview with Screen Rant, Gathegi opened up about the complex reaction he initially had to the character's look—specifically the trademark T-shaped face mask.

Edi Gathegi on Discovering Mister Terrific

Gathegi explains to the outlet, "Listen, the face mask was something that I struggled with the very first time that I saw it in the comics, not understanding who Mr. Terrific was. The face mask resembled blackface to me, so I saw it, and I went, 'What is that?' And it wasn't until I dove into the comics and understood the technology and the purpose and the functionality of the mask that it became a cool mask—something that's actually functional." He continues, "This is a nanotechnology that actually can appear on his face, but it protects his entire face. So, this is not the area it protects. It protects the entire face. This is just a manifestation. And [in the film] it is very comfortable because it's been molded to my face. It's pliable."

Along with several of the new DC heroes being introduced in Superman, Mister Terrific isn't exactly a household name, but he's long been a fan-favorite among DC readers thanks to his brains, gadgets, and sleek combat style (in both comics and in animated form). Between the floating T-Spheres and his no-nonsense energy, he brings a unique dynamic to any superhero lineup—and now, finally, to the big screen.

Gathegi joins a packed ensemble that includes David Corenswet as Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. The film is the first major installment in James Gunn and Peter Safran's new DC slate, officially launching the rebooted cinematic universe. Gunn, who also serves as writer and director, has promised a tone that balances hopeful idealism with grounded emotional stakes.

The new Superman story will follow a young Clark Kent navigating his dual identity in a world that's growing increasingly complicated, both politically and superhumanly. Along the way, he'll encounter not just classic foes like Luthor but fellow heroes like Mister Terrific, Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Green Lantern Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), and Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan).

Superman flies into theaters on July 11, 2025, aiming to rekindle DC's big-screen legacy with a story that's as thoughtful as it is epic.

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