The last time Superman fly across the Hollywood’s universe, the role of Martha “Ma” Kent was played by the 80-something actress Eva Marie Saint. She acted as Clark Kent’s mother played by Brandon Routh. However, just like the trend in other superhero movies such as “Spider-Man” and the “X-Men,” which cast younger actors and actresses to play some of the roles, the Zack Snyder’s version of “Superman” will also use younger casts.
This does not apply to the protagonist of the film as Henry Cavill is 27. In relation with the news, Kevin Costner will play the role of Pa Kent in the film and recently, Warner Bros. has announced that Diane Lane just signed a contract to play the role of Martha Kent. The age of 46 may not be young for some. However, for a parental role with a “Superman” pushing at his thirties, casting a younger mother is truly a twist on the role usually dominated by older women and expectations of the audience.
According to a press release by Zack Snyder, he said, “This was a very important piece of casting for me because Martha Kent is the woman whose values helped shape the man we know as Superman. We are thrilled to have Diane in the role because she can convey the wisdom and the wonder of a woman whose son has powers beyond her imagination.”
This is not the first time that Diane Lane played as the mother of someone with superpowers. In 2008, she was the mother of Hayden Christensen’s David Rice in ‘Jumper.’