DC Comics

June 2024 · 30 minute read
Arleen Sorkin Getty

Arleen Sorkin, a veteran actor who was the OG voice of DC Comics' Harley Quinn, has died.

The 67-year-old reported had been suffering from various health issues that benched her from acting over the last few years.

Arleen played the Harley role in 1992 for "Batman the Animated Series," and she was only supposed to be in one show, but her run got extended multiple times.  She also played Harley Quinn in various video games and animated movies.

In addition to her work as Harley Quinn, she played Calliope Jones on NBC's "Days of Our Lives."

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Stephen Amell Flip Flops On Strike Comments ... Hits Picket Line with Actors

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Actions speak louder than words, as the saying goes -- so, while "Arrow" star Stephen Amell said he wasn't down with actors going on strike, his actions say the exact opposite.

Stephen had a picket sign in hand as he marched Friday with his fellow actors in NYC, which is interesting coming on the heels of his appearance on "TMZ Live."

He told us he supports his union, SAG-AFTRA, but totally disagreed with the union leadership's decision to go on strike, believing there are better ways to negotiate a good deal with the studios.

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Stephen also told us he had a meeting scheduled with SAG honchos, and based on these images of him picketing with his wife and fellow actress Cassandra Jean ... it would seem the union brass convinced him to publicly get on board with the strike.

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Some of Stephen's former cast members were also busy supporting the actors' strike on the left coast -- Katie Cassidy, Katrina Law, Willa Holland, Caity Lotz, Kirk Acevedo and Juliana Harkavy were all on the picket lines in the L.A. area. Even the show's executive producers came to show their support.

Play video content 8/1/23 WALKING A TIGHTROPE

Stephen's shift is pretty dramatic ... last week he told us he wanted to see the union get back to the negotiating table, rather than continue the work stoppage.

Stephen Amell doesn't support the #SAGAFTRAstrike and has been actively promoting #HeelsSTARZ during the strike.

Stephen Amell can also afford health insurance and thinks people "don't know what's going on."#SAGAFTRAstrong #sagaftramembers #SAGAFTRA pic.twitter.com/LNDPakv8qr

— Dana Abercrombie #AmplifyBlackVoices (@sagesurge) July 31, 2023 @sagesurge

He also claimed that although he's one of the only actors speaking out against striking, many of his colleagues secretly contacted him to express their support for his view.

kirk acevedo tweet

Amell has already received backlash from some in the industry. Specifically, his former castmate Kirk Acevedo, who posted an emoji middle finger while saying, "This f***ing guy."

'Arrow' Star Stephen Amell Says He Doesn't Support SAG StrikeStephen Amell Wants 'Peace and Quiet,' Not Backing Down in Kennel Lawsuit

'Arrow' Star Stephen Amell Doesn't Support SAG-AFTRA Strike

stephen amell, SAG Strike TMZ/Getty UPDATE

9:19 AM PT -- Stephen Amell's clarifying some of his comments, telling us some of what he said was taken out of context. Stephen says he absolutely supports his union, but doesn't like the act of striking.

UPDATE

He continues, "What I said: "I think that it is a reductive negotiating tactic and I find the entire thing incredibly frustrating." Telling us, "In full context: I’m an actor and I was speaking extemporaneously for over an hour. I emote, but I certainly don’t think these issues are simple. Our leadership has an incredibly complicated job, and I am grateful for all that they do. Despite some of my terrible early acting work, I assure you, I’m not a robot. From an intellectual perspective, I understand why we are striking, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t emotionally frustrating on many levels for all involved."

UPDATE

He was not plugging his "Heelz" show this weekend, despite online reports.

Stephen Amell is a bit of a walking contradiction -- on the one hand, he says he backs his union amid the ongoing strike, but on the other ... he doesn't approve of them actually striking.

The "Arrow" star made the controversial comments during a recent promotional appearance in North Carolina, where he was plugging a new season of his Starz show 'Heels' ... and breaking with SAG-AFTRA's strike protocol in doing so.

Stephen Amell doesn't support the #SAGAFTRAstrike and has been actively promoting #HeelsSTARZ during the strike.

Stephen Amell can also afford health insurance and thinks people "don't know what's going on."#SAGAFTRAstrong #sagaftramembers #SAGAFTRA pic.twitter.com/LNDPakv8qr

— Dana Abercrombie #AmplifyBlackVoices (@sagesurge) July 31, 2023 @sagesurge

Actors aren't supposed to be promoting projects during the strike, but there was Stephen plugging away, and not holding back his opinion on the work stoppage ... calling it unproductive and unnecessary.

Take a listen for yourself ... his disdain for how SAG is handling things is clear, although he does say he supports them as an org. What he doesn't condone is its decision to shut down the industry to get what they want.

Stephen in "Arrow" Alamy

He calls it a "reductive negotiating tactic" ... but doesn't really elaborate much more beyond that. Amell also said he found the entire ordeal incredibly frustrating and myopic.

Of course, his remarks here are not sitting well with other actors in the biz ... and Amell is getting dragged on social media right now as a would-be traitor and scab. A lot of folks are pointing out his sentiment doesn't actually make sense -- arguing it's all or nothing.

Actors Picket For SAG Strike Gallery Launch Gallery Actors Picket With SAG-AFTRA Launch Gallery Gallery Getty

Amell appears to have responded ... taking to IG to shout out everyone who came to see him, and promising to keep going during a workout. Seems he's telegraphing something.

Originally Published -- 7:35 AM PT

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2023 SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON See All The Best Cosplay ... Worlds Are Colliding!!!

All The Best Cosplay From Comic-Con 2023 Gallery Launch Gallery Crazy Cosplay! Launch Gallery Gallery Getty

This year's Comic-Con is in full gear down in San Diego, and tons of folks look ready for the big screen ... dressing up as characters from some of 2023's biggest movies and TV shows.

The convention kicked off Thursday and the cosplay is on point yet again ... there's lots of folks going as Barbie and Ken, plus a family who went all Indiana Jones, and Mario and Peach's mushroom kingdom is getting a strong showing.

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There's also some Oppenheimer looks ... with some folks even going up against their Barbie counterparts ... plus super heroes from all different universes.

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Naturally, Star Wars is well represented too ... there's Mandalorians galore and even some Grogus.

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The classic comic book characters are getting some love too ... because Batman and Robin never get old.

Check out the gallery ... it looks like a seriously fun time.

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David Corenswet Total Package as Superman!!!

The New Superman's Bulge -- David Corenswet Is Packin'! Gallery Launch Gallery What's Packin'?! Launch Gallery Gallery Backgrid

David Corenswet has been anointed the new Superman, and judging from these pics, he's got more than just bulging biceps.

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Folks on the bird app are goin' gaga over the new man of steel ... DC is now dubbed, "Big D*** Superman."

The pics were shot last October in San Pedro, CA. when David was filming the upcoming flick, "The Greatest Hits," with Lucy Boynton.

What's really impressive ... in October the water's really cold, so ....

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David Corenswet Superman Casting Draws Comparison Ain't He a Young Cavill???

henry cavil david corenswet Getty/Everett Collection

There's a new Superman in town, but a lot of people are experiencing déjà vu after giving him a once-over ... 'cause the dude looks a hell of a lot like Henry Cavill.

29-year-old David Corenswet was tapped Tuesday to portray the Man of Steel in James Gunn's forthcoming "Superman: Legacy" ... which is a complete reboot of the franchise, and clearly a pivot toward a younger Clark Kent. Rachel Brosnahan's playing the new Lois Lane.

People are complaining that he looks like Henry Cavill…

You won’t believe who Henry Cavill looks like 😳 https://t.co/4YZk5228MV

— Discussing Superman (@SupermanEnjoyer) June 27, 2023 @SupermanEnjoyer

Corenswet and Brosnahan's casting got a lot of positive feedback -- especially for him. Frankly, folks seem to think he channels Superman quite well, not just in look but in height too. The guy's 6'4", and is the tallest actor to play Supes since the late Christopher Reeve.

And yes, based on his work in other stuff he's done in showbiz thus far -- "Hollywood," "Pearl," "We Own This City," etc. -- he definitely emanates Kal-El energy. Just look at him!

David Corenswet In Showbiz Gallery Launch Gallery David Corenswet In Showbiz Launch Gallery Gallery Instagram/Getty

However, there's also a fair amount of fans who are pointing out the obvious ... namely, his passing resemblance to the last guy who played Superman -- one Mr. Cavill. Sure, he's not necessarily a dead ringer for Henry ... but some feel he's close enough, and they're questioning why Gunn went with someone so similar looking if he wanted a true change.

Play video content TMZ INVESTIGATES

Of course, with that comparison ... there are gripes, especially from diehards who really wanted Henry back in the tights (AKA, Snyderverse devotees). But, as others have pointed out in the pushback to the "outrage" ... all the Superman actors kinda look like each other.

Henry Cavill, as Superman Everett Collection

It's a good point, and not just that ... but Corenswet did seem to be a fan fave in the lead-up to the announcement. Other actors in the running included Tom Brittney and Nicholas Hoult -- but in the end, it seems DC won James and co. over with his audition/screen tests.

Henry himself certainly appears to be over the Superman drama -- this after he was dramatically dropped after briefly being assured he'd be coming back ... but he hasn't commented on Dave taking up the mantle just yet.

Superman Through The Years Gallery Launch Gallery Superman Through The Years Launch Gallery Gallery Alamy

Corenswet might look a bit like Cavill, but time will tell if his performance is any different. It's a bird, it's a plane -- it's a new day in comic book movies. Out with the old, as they say.

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Henry Cavill Might've Been James Bond ... If Not for Daniel Craig!!!

henry cavill daniel craig Getty

Henry Cavill apparently might've had the role of James Bond locked up in the 2000s -- and he would've gotten away with it too ... if it wasn't for that meddling Daniel Craig.

This revelation was made courtesy of Martin Campbell -- the director of "Casino Royale," which was the first new Bond movie to feature DC post-Pierce Brosnan. According to him, not only did Henry throw his hat in the ring for the coveted role ... but he was a real contender.

henry cavill daniel craig Getty/Alamy Composite

Here's what Campbell had to say about HC's audition way back when ... "He looked great in the audition. His acting was tremendous. And look, if Daniel didn’t exist Henry would have made an excellent Bond."

Campbell adds, "He looked terrific, he was in great physical shape … very handsome, very chiseled. He just looked a little young at that time back then."

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Now, while Campbell notes that Henry wasn't his personal favorite at the time out of the final group being considered -- he still concedes ... the dude certainly could've done it. Unfortunately, Craig rolled through and gave it a shot -- and ended up landing the gig.

Now on the prospect of Henry potentially circling back and snagging the role of 007 now, Campbell addresses what most everyone else has said about HC at this point ... namely, he's kinda considered a geyser by Hollywood standards, especially for a multi-year commitment.

James Bond -- Through The Years Gallery Launch Gallery James Bond -- Through The Years Launch Gallery Gallery Getty

He explains that Craig spent a good decade-plus playing Bond -- and that sort of time could start to become noticeable on an actor like Henry, who's already in his 40s. MC continues ... "Henry’s 40, so by the time he’s done the third one he’s going to be 50 and anything beyond that’s two, three years per Bond. He’s in good shape Henry, he’s a good guy."

As for Henry ... he's said he'd be down to do it even now. And after everything at DC, we're sure a chance like that would certainly be appreciated by him. We'll see what they do!

Henry Cavill Iced Out of 'Flash,' Gal Gadot & Affleck Allowed to AppearEx-James Bond George Lazenby Says Liam Hemsworth Should Be Next 007

Henry Cavill Iced Out of 'Flash' Entirely ... But Gadot, Affleck Appear

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Henry Cavill was nowhere to be seen in the new 'Flash' movie -- a strategic move courtesy of James Gunn and co. -- but strangely ... Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot got the green light.

THR dropped this news, reporting on what went into the final cameo that teased a new Batman. According to them, there were a lot of moving pieces/re-shoots that went on right down to the wire ... with the final scene being reshot in January to include the character people see at the end as the "new Bruce Wayne." Spoiler ... it ain't BA or Michael Keaton.

Inside ‘The Flash’ Ending and That Cameo Secretly Filmed 6 Months Ago https://t.co/ZBQxOEEPIK

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) June 17, 2023 @THR

Apparently, the ending underwent 3 different iterations before landing on what people saw in theaters. First -- when Warner Bros. was still part of AT&T -- the final scene was going to feature Ezra Miller's Barry Allen seeing Keaton's Batman and Sasha Calle's Supergirl.

After WB merged with Discovery, however, a couple of new lieutenants tweaked that a bit ... to include Cavill's Superman and Gadot's Wonder Woman -- in addition to Keaton and Calle.

Henry Cavill, as Superman Everett Collection

This 2nd iteration came together when WB still thought Cavill had a shot of reprising the iconic role -- which was spearheaded and somewhat cemented by The Rock/'Black Adam' last year -- but got completely undone when Gunn came onboard as the new DC chief.

When Gunn was hired, THR says he completely scrapped the new ending which featured Gadot, Cavill, Keaton and Calle -- and, instead, opted to insert a former Batman actor as a little nod to the canon ... George Clooney.

gal gadot womer woman Everett Collection

The reported rationale for this is that Gunn and co-DC chief Peter Safran didn't wanna give fans of the Snyder-verse any false hope about these characters returning in their new revamped universe ... so they got rid of the two cameos at the end and went another way.

Here's what's strange about this ... while Gunn and Safran might've nixed Gadot from the final scene -- they still allowed her to make a cameo earlier in the movie. And ditto for Affleck, obviously, as it'd been well-known for quite a while that he'd be in this flick.

So what we're getting at is this ... it appears there was selective casting for 'The Flash.' Gunn and Safran were ultimately cool with Gadot and Affleck getting some screentime (if not for the last time) but for whatever reason ... they don't seem to have been okay with HC getting a final bow as the Man of Steel. This looks to be backed by their huge about-face with him.

Now, the question ... what might Gunn and Safran have against Cavill, who really appears to have been screwed out of the DCEU in this transition? In reality, probably nothing, but what's become evident in the past few months is that Gunn has his sights on a new Supes.

'The Flash' Premiere in Los Angeles Gallery Launch Gallery The Stoic Shots Launch Gallery Gallery Getty

The new DC head has already said he's starting his new universe with 'Superman: Legacy' ... and due to that, it tracks that he'd wanna lose any trace of Cavill's Superman as soon as possible. In fact, if he'd been hired pre-'Black Adam' -- you could argue he likely would've nixed that whole post-credit cameo ... which, in the end, amounted to just fan service.

Anyhoo ... 'The Flash' didn't even perform that well box office-wise. Like we reported, it was on track to come in below expectations -- and that manifested by Sunday. There are still 2 DCEU leftover movies that have to come out this year ... we'll see how those do in time.

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Ezra Miller's 'The Flash' Off to Slow Box Office Start ... Despite All the Hype

ezra miller flash Alamy

Ezra Miller's "The Flash" has been getting hailed as the greatest comic book movie of all time -- but it seems audiences don't really care ... 'cause, so far, they're hardly going to see it.

The 1st-day box office numbers are in ... and they're not very hot. Between Thursday's previews and Friday's haul, "The Flash" has only grossed $24.5 million domestically -- which means this flick isn't even close to hitting the original estimates of $70 mil+.

#TheFlash has a disastrous 24.5M FRI Opening Day at US #BoxOffice, incl 9.7M THU Previews & early screenings (under #BlackAdam’s 26.7M)
Just a 14.8M Pure FRI on SUMMER
With mixed reception from US audiences domestically, no much hope left.
Eyeing a 55M-59M 3-day weekend in the US pic.twitter.com/eNytPyIE1N

— Luiz Fernando (@Luiz_Fernando_J) June 17, 2023 @Luiz_Fernando_J

At this point, 'Flash' is pegged to hit between $55-$59 million through the 3-day weekend -- which is a huge disappointment considering how much good word of mouth it'd generated. BTW, The Rock's "Black Adam" performed slightly better last year on opening day ... and that film was largely considered a flop big picture. With that in mind, this is truly a disaster.

You might've heard about the buzz over the past several months -- tons of screenings were held by Warner Bros., and some were walking away calling it one of the best DC installments to date. There was even an anecdote about Tom Cruise recently seeing it ... and calling the director to praise him and the film. Like we said, it's been the talk of the town for a while.

Despite all this favorable publicity -- outside of Ezra's personal scandals -- it would appear your average moviegoer doesn't give a rip ... but it's hard to say why at this point.

Some might attribute it to Ezra themself ... who's been mired in controversies for about 2 years now. It might also be the lack of a traditional press run the studio opted for -- there were hardly any interviews in the lead-up -- but others are pointing to James Gunn.

Of course, Gunn is at the helm of DC now ... and he's strongly suggested he's going to be rebooting the entire DCU, and sorta doing away with whatever Zack Snyder established.

"The Flash" is one of the last few leftovers pre-Gunn ... so, in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't seem like anything that happens in this movie really matters -- seeing how JG is going to start from scratch anyway. In other words, little to no stakes seem to be at play.

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It's gotta be a bummer for the studio heads who were hoping cameos and reprisals would drum up excitement for "The Flash." Remember, Michael Keaton came to play Batman again ... and there's been word of lots of other Batman actors making an appearance as well.

In the end, though ... it doesn't seem like people were all that into it. Plus, if you watch the movie itself (which we have) then you'll come to realize -- there's a lot of time-jumping and universe rebooting ... and it's somewhat hard to follow what the hell is really going on.

'The Flash' Premiere in Los Angeles Gallery Launch Gallery The Stoic Shots Launch Gallery Gallery Getty

For instance, the final question of who's Batman gets teased (and left as a cliffhanger). If you thought it'd be Keaton, Ben Affleck, or even Christian Bale ... you're dead wrong.

!!!SPOILER ALERT ... WE'RE ABOUT TO SPOIL "THE FLASH" ... SO LOOK AWAY NOW!!!

Anyone 'memba this guy??? Yeah, he's back too ... but again, to what end is anyone's guess.

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Time will tell what the lackluster numbers mean for DC's future. For now, WB's just gotta eat it and move on.

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Dean Cain Check Out My New Vegas Mansion ... Deuces, California!!!

Dean Cain's New Vegas Mansion Gallery Launch Gallery The Vegas Super Estate Launch Gallery Gallery John Matorano

Superman has officially landed in Sin City, Dean Cain has scooped up a super stunning home outside Las Vegas ... after he swore off living in California.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Dean closed the deal on his new pad on May 26, dropping just under $4M in the deal.

John Matorano

The 5-bedroom, 7-bathroom home comes with all your high-profile entertainment needs like a a movie theater, glass wine cellar and game room. It's even got an elevator if you don't feel like walking up or downstairs and wanna save some energy for the nearby Vegas Strip.

John Matorano

Speaking of The Strip, the master suite comes with a spa bath, and steam shower ... and incredible views of some of the world's most famous casinos.

John Matorano

If Dean feels like taking things outdoors, there's an infinity edge pool, spa, built-in outdoor bar and kitchen ... as well as fire bowls and a waterfall. And get this ... the home has a walk-on-water entrance and a 360 degree roof deck to take in even more views.

Dean Cain's Malibu House -- Fit For A Superhero Gallery Launch Gallery Dean Cain's Malibu Beach Pad Launch Gallery Gallery Revepix

As we reported, Dean unloaded his Malibu home last month for a whopping $6.25M. Earlier this week, he told Fox News he was forced to leave the Golden State because of the homeless crisis and what he calls, "soft-on-crime policies."

Dean says the move has been great for his family and his son is "ten times happier in Las Vegas."

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Ezra Miller 'Flash' Sequel Already Written!!! ... Actor Will Skip Press

ezra miller flash TMZ/Everett Collection

Ezra Miller may actually be back as The Flash soon enough, 'cause there's already a script for a would-be sequel ... which will presumably be activated based on how the 1st one does.

Variety reports that 'The Flash 2' is signed, sealed and delivered -- and on standby -- courtesy of "Aquaman" screenwriter David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick ... noting Warner is inclined to use it if a sequel is greenlit, which we won't know until after "The Flash" debuts.

The outlet also goes on to say that Johnson-McGoldrick's script features continued cameos from Michael Keaton's Batman and Sasha Calle's Supergirl ... who are both in the upcoming flick. The word of mouth for 'Flash,' which is coming out in a couple weeks, is at peak levels right now ... with many hyping it as one of the greatest superhero movies of all time.

As for Ezra ... well, the director of "The Flash," Andy Muschietti, has already gone on the record to say he would recast them if a sequel was in the cards ... praising Ezra's work as Barry Allen as a one-of-a-kind performance that's made for them in any future installments.

Play video content 4/6/20 YOU'RE GOING DOWN!!!

The problem -- at least from some fans' POV -- is that Ezra is very problematic ... on account of all the crimes/misdeeds they've been alleged of carrying out over the past few years.

Just to name a few ... alleged assault, alleged grooming, alleged breaking and entering, alleged harassment ... among other things. Several of these incidents have resulted in arrests -- and wild police body cam footage too -- as well as a plea deal for at least one of these.

Play video content 3/28/22 THE CHAOTIC ARREST

Of course, Ezra has also apologized for their erratic behavior ... and went on to cite mental health issues, as well as saying they'd seek the professional help they need to get better.

That ended up being good enough for Warner, which opted not to recast Ezra and move forward with the release of "The Flash" as is. Interestingly, Variety also reports that Ezra is going to skip all of the press ahead of the movie ... and will only make a brief appearance at the Los Angeles premiere the week of. Press for this movie, in general, has been virtually non-existent and it seems Warner will continue with that strategy ... opting instead for a bunch of ad buys and other promo, like screenings ... of which there's been several now.

Hollywood actor Ezra Miller appears in a Vermont courtroom, taking a plea deal related to burglary charges from 2022. Miller now agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge to avoid jail time. pic.twitter.com/4auObCD54y

— Dom Amato (@WCAX_Dom) January 13, 2023 @WCAX_Dom

Despite Ezra ducking their head and laying low ahead of "The Flash," the movie is projected to do pretty well at the box office -- at the moment, it's on track for a $75 mil opening.

Some are crying foul over Ezra getting this pass -- not to mention an almost guaranteed sequel -- and feel like they're being afforded an opportunity others who've been accused of wrongdoing, like Jonathan Majors, aren't enjoying. Granted, JM is with a different studio and hasn't lost his Marvel job just yet ... plus, his case is a bit different than Ezra's sitch.

Ezra Miller Through The Years Gallery Launch Gallery Ezra Miller Through The Years Launch Gallery Gallery Getty

Take it up with capitalism, we suppose. 🤷🏽‍♂️

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Dean Cain Unloads Stunning Malibu Home ... At Discount for Buyer

Dean Cain's Malibu House -- Fit For A Superhero Gallery Launch Gallery Fit For A Superhero Launch Gallery Gallery Revepix

Dean Cain has finally unloaded his super Malibu home ... and while the sale went below his OG asking price, it's still gonna net Cain millions.

Real estate sources tell TMZ Dean's pad sold Wednesday for $6.25M, going for $1 mil under his original asking price. We're told $7.25M was a bit of an overreach, but everything worked out and Dean is stoked with the deal.

TMZ broke the story, the "Superman" star listed the beautiful property in March -- and the 4-bed, 5-bath home has an incredible pool, waterfall spa, and a lush garden full of fruit plants.

Revepix

The place also had a pretty fun sea creature-themed bedroom with a window that has ocean views ... which, by the way, are absolutely breathtaking.

Brian Merrick of Coldwell Banker Malibu held the listing.

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'Superman: Legacy' Casting Search Begins Top Contenders: Corenswet, Mackey

Emma Mackey David Corenswet Warner Bros. Animation/Getty Composite

DC may have found its next Man of Steel -- or at the least, a few options to consider ... and it sounds like the studio is looking toward a much younger Clark Kent than ever before.

THR reported Saturday that the casting search is on for "Superman: Legacy," and so far ... a few names have surfaced as top contenders to play both Superman and Lois Lane ... and maybe even supervillain Lex Luthor, depending on which trade you wanna believe.

Searching for Superman: Inside the Quest to Cast DC’s New Top Hero (Exclusive) https://t.co/FsgBVXgpbq

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 13, 2023 @THR

For starters, we have 29-year-old David Corenswet -- who isn't really a very known name in the industry thus far ... but who apparently impressed James Gunn and co. enough to move on to the screen-testing stage ... which THR says will likely happen post-Memorial Day.

His biggest role to date was in 2022's "Pearl" -- where he plays a projectionist who falls in love with Mia Goth's serial killer protagonist. As you can see ... he's got the Supe-y vibe.

Other guys that are under consideration for Superman ... Tom Brittney and Andrew Richardson, a couple of British actors. Jacob Elordi was also apparently considered, but word is ... he never submitted an audition tape, so it seems he isn't interested in the role.

Now, as for Lois ... there's a handful of buzzy actresses who are reportedly in the mix -- including 27-year-old Emma Mackey ("Sex Education") ... who's said to be a front-runner. Other gals who are said to be in the running ... Emmy-winning Rachel Brosnahan, who's the star of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," "Bridgerton" star Phoebe Dynevor and Samara Weaving.

While Mackey's name is swirling as choice #1 it seems, THR says Brosnahan churned out an epic audition -- although, apparently WB thinks she might be too old for the part. RB is 32 ... and Gunn is shooting for his characters to look like straight-up 20-somethings.

There's one other name that is being floated ... one Nicholas Hoult, who was just recently in the "Renfield" Dracula movie opposite Nicolas Cage. He was also in the 2015 'Mad Max' reboot, and it's his work there that left Warner impressed. THR says he's under consideration to play Luthor ... but Deadline's reporting he's actually a Superman contender too.

Play video content TMZ INVESTIGATES

Either way ... it's clear WB's running with a youthful spirit here, very much in the vein of "Smallville," we suppose -- which chronicled young Clark Kent in his fictional hometown.

Another obvious telltale sign from all this news -- Gunn is definitely pivoting off of Henry Cavill and anything Zack Snyder-related. Time for some new blood ... that's the feeling here.

Superman Through The Years Gallery Launch Gallery Superman Through The Years Launch Gallery Gallery Alamy

As they say ... up, up and away!

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'Smallville' Star Erica Durance Separates From Actor Husband

Erica Durance David Palffy Getty Composite

"Smallville" star Erica Durance is leaving her Clark Kent ... because she and her husband, actor David Palffy, have split.

A rep for Erica, who played Lois Lane on the superhero TV show, tells TMZ ... "David and Erica have decided to amicably separate."

Erica Durance David Palffy Getty

The date of separation is unclear ... ditto for the reason behind the split ... but it doesn't appear Erica or David have filed divorce docs, at least not yet.

In a joint statement, Erica and David say ... "Out of respect for our children that's all that will be conveyed at this time. Thank you in advance for your understanding as we navigate the next chapter in our lives."

The relationship has been the subject of fan speculation recently ... it's been a while since Erica's posted with David on social media, and she was spotted not wearing her wedding ring last week at the Canadian Screen Awards, all while making cryptic posts online.

Erica Durance Getty

Erica and David started dating way back in 2001, and in 2005 they tied the knot. They have two sons together, an 8-year-old and a 6-year-old.

Before, Erica was married to Wesley Parker from 1996 to 1999 ... but it ended in divorce.

Erica Durance on Smallville as Lois Lane Alamy

Besides "Smallville," Erica played Dr. Alex Reid in "Saving Hope" from 2012-2017 and Alura Zor-El in "Supergirl."

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Insane Attempted Carjacking Hero Takes On Group Of Violent Carjackers ... Wins Knock Down, Drag Out Fight!!!

Play video content FENDING OFF THE THIEVES

A Connecticut man turned into a real-life version of Superman as he heroically fought off a group of violent carjackers trying to steal his car ... and the savage brawl was all caught on video.

Check out Ring camera footage showing one of the suspects sneaking up to a red Infiniti parked in a driveway while chatting on a cell phone in Rocky Hill, CT, on April 10.

car jacked

He opened the unlocked driver's side door and jumped behind the wheel of the car, but he didn't get very far because a homeowner who lived nearby ran up to him and ripped him out of the seat.

The two started going at it, throwing punches at one another and wrestling on the ground. Two more assailants then entered the picture and continued beating the homeowner.

One of the attackers lost his shoe while kicking the homeowner, who kept defending himself. The aggressor scooped up his sneaker and proceeded to whack the homeowner in the head with it.

Then a fourth attacker joined in the melee and got in a few licks before the entire crew could no longer trade blows with the homeowner and decided to flee in a getaway car.

car jacked 2

Investigators were still looking for the perpetrators as of this morning.

As for the homeowner, he was not seriously injured by the assault. It wasn't clear if he was also the owner of the car that was almost jacked.

But, one thing is for sure ... he should get a cape with a large "S" stenciled on back.

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Lady Gaga Up-Close Look At Her Harley Quinn ... As 'Joker 2' Wraps

lady gaga harley quinn @toddphillips

Here's a close-up look at Lady Gaga's take on Harley Quinn for the upcoming 'Joker 2' movie ... and this version looks dark and sinister.

Director Todd Phillips shared the in-your-face photo Wednesday on social media, announcing filming has wrapped and it's time for him to hunker down and transform hours of footage into a movie.

Play video content 4/3/23 CLOWNIN' AROUND

Lady Gaga's hair and makeup seem to match up with a scene she filmed earlier this week ... when she was singing and dancing on the very same outdoor Bronx staircase Joaquin Phoenix danced on in the first "Joker" film.

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Remember ... we previously saw Lady Gaga in full costume as Harley Quinn last month, but she was sporting a different look than this grimy version.

Before, LG was looking pretty clownish as HQ ... and both versions seem darker than Margot Robbie's take on Harley Quinn, which has been well-received in several different flicks.

margot robbie in costume as harley quinn Alamy

Todd's got some time to work his movie magic ... the new 'Joker' is due out in Oct. 2024, and it will be interesting to see fan reactions to Lady Gaga's Harley.

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