The Astonishing Powers of Metamorpho Unveiled: Superman's Most Mysterious Ally
Discover the enigmatic Metamorpho in DC Comics as he joins the ranks of heroes in Superman: Legacy Uncover the origins of this mysterious character and his potential role in shaping the future of the DC Universe Exciting surprises await as Metamorpho's presence hints at the formation of a formidable superhero team
The highly anticipated Superman: Legacy reboot from the DC Universe is set to feature an impressive roster of superheroes, with the addition of the beloved character Metamorpho. Vanity Fair initially reported that Hawkgirl, Guy Gardner, and Mister Terrific would also be joining the DCU in the film. However, The Hollywood Reporter later broke the news about Metamorpho's involvement in the project.
Superman: Legacy marks a fresh start for the DCU, introducing a new chapter in its universe. While characters like Peacemaker (portrayed by John Cena) and Blue Beetle (played by Xolo Maridueña) will remain with James Gunn and Peter Safran, numerous heroes will be recast with new actors, and their stories will begin anew. This includes Superman (portrayed by David Corenswet), Lois Lane (played by Rachel Brosnahan), and the new heroes, such as Metamorpho, who will join them in Superman: Legacy.
Who Is Metamorpho In DC Comics?
Metamorpho, created by Bob Haney and Ramona Fradon, made his inaugural appearance in 1965's The Brave and the Bold. Also known as the Element Man, Metamorpho possesses extraordinary abilities. In addition to having his own series during the 1960s, he made notable appearances in issues of Justice League and Action Comics.
Originating as an adventurer in DC Comics, Rex Mason was enlisted by Simon Stagg to retrieve the Orb of Ra, a rare artifact. However, Simon's perception of Rex changed when he discovered that his daughter was dating him. This led Simon to develop a plan to eliminate Rex upon retrieving the artifact. Unknown to Rex, the Orb of Ra was crafted from a radioactive meteorite. After a brutal encounter with Simon Stagg's bodyguard, Rex was exposed to the meteorite's radiation, imbuing him with his transformative powers. Now, Rex can morph his entire body or specific parts of it into distinct elements found within it. Yet, his physical form remains in elemental states rather than returning to his original human appearance.
His backstory is intertwined with ancient Egyptian mythology. The Orb of Ra is a creation of the Egyptian sun god, Ra, designed to transform individuals into "metamorphae" who can assist him in his ongoing battle against Apep, the god of darkness and disorder. Those created by the Orb of Ra can be controlled by it, and for a period of time, Simon Stagg uses it to manipulate Rex, as Rex becomes nearly invincible due to his newfound abilities.
Over time, Rex evolves into a crime fighter, yet his major storylines in DC Comics tend to conclude with his apparent "death" before he reemerges in subsequent issues. Metamorpho has also experienced instances where he is divided into multiple parts, resulting in the creation of a new entity known as Shift. Eventually, Shift is assimilated back into Metamorpho's own body. It remains uncertain how much of the character's backstory will be adapted for the DC Universe, as well as the extent of his appearances alongside other characters like Hawkgirl in Superman: Legacy.
Where Do You Know Superman: Legacy's Metamorpho Actor From?
Anthony Carrigan has been cast as Rex Mason in Superman: Legacy, a departure from his usual villainous roles. For the past 20 years, Carrigan has built a successful career by playing villains both on television and in movies.
Fans will primarily recognize Carrigan from his television performances, where he has notably portrayed two prominent villains in recent years. One such role is in the acclaimed series Barry, where he captivates audiences as a member of the Chechen mafia, defying his inherently sunny disposition to become a menacing leader. Carrigan's exceptional portrayal has garnered him numerous award nominations for his exceptional work on the show.
What Superhero Team Might Metamorpho Bring To The DCU?
Prior to his involvement in Barry, Carrigan has already had a stint in the DC universe. Apart from portraying Mist in The Flash series, he made appearances in 20 episodes of the FOX series Gotham as Victor Szasz. In this role, the character served various criminals in Gotham during Bruce Wayne’s younger days, allowing the actor to display his dramatic, ruthless, and even slightly campy side. However, his new role as Metamorpho in the DC universe is likely to offer him a different experience.
While the Justice League was formed to unite superheroes in the DC Extended Universe, Black Adam recently hinted at the existence of the Justice Society, a precursor to the League. The upcoming film Superman: Legacy will introduce characters like Hawkgirl and Mister Terrific, raising speculation about a potential new iteration of the Justice Society. It's worth noting, however, that in DC Comics, Metamorpho has stronger ties to the Justice League than the Justice Society and has also been a member of other superhero teams.
Metamorpho, unlike other comic book characters, was one of the first to openly decline an invitation to join the Justice League. He preferred working independently. Eventually, he did become a reserve member of the team, but his most intriguing collaborations were with the Outsiders and the Terrifics.
The Outsiders, initially formed by Batman, consists of unconventional and less well-known heroes. Throughout its history, members have included Black Lightning, Katana, and Catwoman, among others. This unconventional team aligns perfectly with James Gunn's preferences, as it would enable him and Safran to introduce lesser-known heroes to a wider audience. Furthermore, it offers the opportunity for a diverse lineup of abilities and personalities.
The Terrifics is also a possibility as Mister Terrific will make an appearance in Superman: Legacy. However, their team-up is not as long-lasting as Metamorpho's time with the Outsiders. The Terrifics had a 30-issue series where Mister Terrific, Metamorpho, Plastic Man, and Phantom Girl joined forces due to their shared desire to escape the "Dark Multiverse." It remains uncertain if Gunn and Safran will continue to incorporate the multiverse concept after The Flash's underwhelming performance at the box office. Superman: Legacy is anticipated to be released in theaters in 2025.
