Steve Lombard is back, and he’s ready to take down Clark Kent in James Gunn’s Superman (2025).
If there’s one thing Man of Steel did right, it was Clark Kent’s character development. Too often, superhero films prioritize the “super” over the human, neglecting the nuanced lives of the not-so-super alter-egos. Perhaps that’s the reason why everyone loves Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy so much: they focus on Peter Parker and Spider-Man in equal measure.
James Gunn routinely takes a more down-to-earth approach to comic book characters. Even when he’s writing about the Guardians of the Galaxy and cosmic threats, he creates relatable characters that suffer the same struggles you’d expect to see daily. These aren’t just superheroes; they’re flawed, vulnerable people wearing capes (or raccoon fur). That’s why his take on Superman feels so promising: Gunn isn’t just retelling the myth of the Kryptonian demigod. He’s zooming in on Clark Kent, the Daily Planet reporter who battles deadlines and uncooperative co-workers. And none of them is more uncooperative than Steve Lombard.
First, some context. While the name “Steve Lombard” might not have the same ring as “Lex Luthor”, the character had brief appearances in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, where he was portrayed by Michael Kelly. Now, SNL’s own Beck Bennett will play the character in Gunn’s Superman.
In an episode of the DC Studios Showcase Official Podcast, Bennett revealed what fans can expect from his take on Lombard. In Bennett’s words, his Lombard is the Daily Planet’s resident “douchebag” – the perfect foil to Clark Kent’s eternal good guy persona. Bennett also told fans what Lombard’s role will be in the Daily Planet. Fittingly, the hyper-macho reporter will be the resident sports journalist, something that Lombard takes very seriously.
Bennett has taken the role quite seriously, sprinkling the character with unique “quirks” to make Lombard truly unique. From a trademark “power stance” to collaborating with Gunn on writing some of Lombard’s lines, Bennett has taken the character to the next level. Honestly, it’s refreshing to hear the Daily Planet will play such a central role in Superman: it’s high time we got some Clark Kent in our Man of Steel films.
Fortunately, Clark Kent won’t have to face jerks (read enemies) like Lombard alone. In what might be the perfect casting choice, Skyler Gisondo will become Gunn’s Jimmy Olsen, Clark’s iconic sidekick. Gisondo, who previously starred in the Vacation reboot, will certainly add a more comedic flair to Jimmy, which seems to be the general vibe of the Daily Planet in Gunn’s vision.
One thing is clear: James Gunn will inject his trademark comedy style into 2025’s Superman. His focus on Clark as a character also means we’ll get a more “human” version of Superman, especially if we compare it to the divine omnipotence of the Snyderverse’s Man of Steel. For once, the Daily Planet will be more than a backdrop, offering us a glimpse into the daily life of Superman. The fact that even the Man of Steel has to deal with douchey co-workers is somewhat inspiring. At least, he can’t go all Homelander on Steve Lombard, unless James Gunn goes for a very unique take on the Man of Steel, that is.
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