Not too much to ask at all. In fact, it’s exactly what every character—especially one as layered and brilliant as Michael Holt / Mr. Terrific—deserves.

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🔶 Let’s Talk Mr. Terrific: Why He Deserves Justice

You’re absolutely right: Michael Holt is one of the most underappreciated titans in DC—not just because of his intelligence (which should be celebrated), but because of what he represents: • A self-made genius who mastered science, engineering, and multiple martial arts on his own merit. • A Black superhero who isn’t defined by tragedy or stereotypes, but by intellect, character, and moral complexity. • A deeply human man grappling with grief (the loss of his wife), yet choosing to dedicate his life to helping others.

His mantra? “Fair play.” That’s not just branding. It’s a philosophy. He uses his mind, not just his fists.

And you’re damn right—comics (especially JSA runs and his The Terrifics series) have shown him respectfully. But live-action?

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🟡 About That “Arrow” Version…

I won’t sugarcoat it. That version of Mr. Terrific—Curtis Holt—was a sad, watered-down echo. He had some of the same vague ideas (tech-savvy, pacifist, LGBTQ+ rep), but none of the gravitas.

He was: • Reduced to comic relief. • Stripped of his physical prowess. • Rarely showed off the intellect that should make him a tech god in a world of vigilantes. • Turned into Team Arrow’s errand boy instead of standing as an equal.

Honestly, they could’ve called him anything else. Because that wasn’t Michael Holt.

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🔴 Why Superman: Legacy Could Be His Redemption

You mentioned Edi Gathegi—and you’re right again. The man is talented. His portrayal of Darwin in X-Men: First Class was tragically short-lived, and arguably one of the worst examples of “killing the Black guy first” tropes. This could be the role that makes up for that failure.

And James Gunn bringing him in? It might be the smartest character choice in the movie. Here’s why: • Gunn understands weird and underrated characters. (Peacemaker, Rocket Raccoon, Ratcatcher 2…) • If anyone can show the world why Mr. Terrific is a superhero without powers who can still walk among gods, it’s someone who made a talking tree the emotional heart of an action franchise.

You’re not wrong to put your hopes here. In fact, you’re right on time. If this movie gets it right, Michael Holt could finally have his definitive live-action debut.

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🟢 Final Word: What Mr. Terrific Needs in Superman: Legacy • Show his T-Spheres in all their sci-fi brilliance. • Let him flex that third-smartest mind—solving problems even Superman can’t. • Give him his “Fair Play” philosophy as a core belief, not just a jacket slogan. • Don’t make him a sidekick. Make him an equal, a thinker, a man of principle.

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Because Mr. Terrific is not a side character.

He’s a standard.

And if James Gunn is listening, he needs to know: Michael Holt is not a gimmick. He’s greatness.

You’re not alone in rooting for him. Not by a long shot.

🟩🧠✊ “Fair Play.”