Kenyan Hollywood star Edi Gathegi recently sat down with Capital FM’s multi- talented radio host June Gachui to discuss his new role in the newly released 2025 Superman movie as Mr. Terrific.
The movie, directed by James Gunn, has been praised for its innovative take on the Superman mythos and its balance of heart and action. In the film, Superman must prove to the world that he is their protector after billionaire Lex Luthor enacts a plan to turn public opinion against him.
In the interview, the 46-year-old Gathegi live from Los Angeles, reflected on the stark differences between stage and screen acting. Having been trained in theater, the actor emphasized the immediacy and visceral connection that stage acting offers. “I like the immediacy of theater,” Gathegi explained, noting that performing live and directly interacting with an audience provides a unique experience, one that’s not easily replicated in the world of film.
However, Gathegi also acknowledged the broad appeal and global reach that comes with the silver screen. For him, while theater provides an intimate connection, film allows actors to touch countless lives worldwide. This delicate balance of both mediums, he said, is what keeps him passionate about acting.
Speaking of his role as Mr. Terrific, Gathegi recounted the two years of rigorous preparation that helped him physically and mentally embody the role. In addition to mastering Southeast Asian martial arts like Silat and Kali under the guidance of Enl Mauu, he worked with personal trainer Paulo Mashiti to get his body into superhero shape. The challenges of wearing a 60-pound rig and filming in extreme weather conditions made the physical demands particularly difficult.
Gathegi’s commitment to training reflects his dedication to bringing authenticity to his performance, even when the process tested his limits. “It did a number on my back,” he confessed, but his determination and teamwork made it all worthwhile.
As for his character’s relationship with Superman, Gathegi believes that the bond between Mr. Terrific and Superman is one of shared ideals. Both are driven by a desire to improve the world, but their methods differ slightly. Superman is an optimistic, idealistic hero, whereas Mr. Terrific, though similarly noble, often works from the shadows—observing and intervening only when necessary.
When June asked about the potential for the two to become best friends, Gathegi seemed excited by the idea. “It’d be nice to be best friends with Superman,” he said, hinting at the camaraderie that could develop between the two characters in future films. This dynamic, Gathegi believes, could explore the intersection of idealism and ethics, adding complexity to the DC universe.
The conversation also delved into Gathegi’s comfort with the high-tech gadgets that are synonymous with Mr. Terrific’s character. Although Gathegi is no self-proclaimed techie, he mentioned that his experience with similar characters in other roles gave him a foothold in the world of gadgets and scientific jargon. “I don’t need to know how the mechanics of these things work,” he laughed, “I just need to say my lines and be convincing.”
One of the standout moments in the interview was when Gathegi discussed a particularly memorable action sequence that nearly broke him physically. Filming during a heatwave in extreme conditions with the full costume and rig was grueling, and there was a moment when he wanted to quit.
As for the 2025 film itself, Superman has received a mixed but mostly positive response from both critics and audiences. David Corenswet, the new Superman, has garnered praise for his earnest portrayal of the iconic hero, bringing a fresh energy to the character while remaining true to the character’s noble essence while Gathegi’s portrayal of the highly intelligent and ethically driven character has been lauded for bringing a new layer of depth to the superhero genre.
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Before stepping into the world of superheroes, Edi Gathegi built a diverse and impressive resume that showcased his range across film and television including roles in Twilight, X-Men: First Class, The Blacklist, Start Up and more.
For those looking for a superhero film that is both action-packed and emotionally rich, the 2025 release provides plenty to enjoy—and it’s clear that there’s much more to come.
