'True Blood' hunk Joe Manganiello in the running for 'Superman'

Joe Manganiello must be howling at the moon — the "True Blood" werewolf is definitely in the running for the new "Superman."

The Ministry hassled its fanboy brother Hero Complex for details, as Hero tweeted Tuesday that the actor was high on a list of potentials to play the Man of Steel.

Here's what we know: At last week's Academy Bake Off, a celebration of visual effects in film, talk around the room (especially from the team working on the new "Superman") said Manganiello kept popping up in serious talks about a new face for the franchise.

He'd fit right in — director Zack Snyder is no stranger to ab-tastic leading men (as he made Gerard Butler a star with "300"), and producer Christopher Nolan also has experience molding breakout hotties (ahem, Tom Hardy).

Manganiello has had a bit of a breakout (about an eight-pack worth of breakout) on the HBO vampire hit, starring alongside Anna Paquin, Steven Moyer and Aleksander Skarsgard.

"I would be honored. I love Zack Snyder, I love Christopher Nolan," Manganiello told Extra at Saturday's Producers Guild Awards.

Do you think Mangiello would be a super "Superman"? Tell us in the comments section below.

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— Matt Donnelly
Twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photo: Joe Manganiello attends the 2001 Producers Guild Awards, looking Super indeed in Joseph Abboud. Credit: Kevin Winter / Getty Image.

Comments

[Larry]

Why are there never any GOOD actors in Superman movies? This guy sucks.

[D]

I have faith in Zack Snyder's ability to get what he wants out of his leading stars. With that said, I think that Joe M could make a fine Superman.

[Steel]

Bradon routh is sitll much better to return in superman movie, not like Batman who is wearing a mask which can be portrayed by any actor not like superman. it is better to put Bradon again in the said film.

[aditya]

yes he will make a good superman! he has a great body and a good looks to carry off the tights well. Zack pls take him in Superman and give us an awesome action packed Superman movie in 3D!

[Ripper]

Yes He is perfect!

[Heather]

Joe would be an AWESOME Superman!!!!! What's taking so long? Sign him up!

[.:*gorgeous*:.]

omg this guys hot !!! totally has the body for superman !!

[Theresa marshall]

No, he's too hairy to be Superman.

[Ken]

This guy sucks! He's not Superman!

[megan]

I think he is a fine actor. He has been in more than just True Blood. As for being too hairy its called shaving cream and a razor! Dont judge actors on one role! Its all about the coaching they recieve and how the director wants things done. I have faith in him as superman!

[ceefitz]

Joe Manganiello would be the most perfect Superman of all time. He's all American and gorgeous. He's also a fan of the comics so he would be able to relate to the original character!

[spikeyfan]

I have been watching Joe Manganiello since he played Owen on One Tree Hill, Love Love him as Alcide in True Blood. Yes he is pure eyecandy, but he is also an exceptional actor. I just finished listening to him narrate a Patricia Briggs audio book - Dragon Bones, Wow he is so capable of changing characters just by using his growly voice.

For me, I want more Joe in any format -- handsome and smart.

[SELTZZ]

WHATS WRONG WITH KEEPING TOM WELLING FORM THE "SMALLVILLE" FRANCHISE? HE'S DONE IT FOR 10 YEARS CAN ACT AND HAS THE BODY.

[Nina]

This Jersey Shore looking goon?
I doubt it. Not unless Snyder has lost his mind.

[kalel536]

THANK YOU SELTZZ............T O M W E L L I N G........even though that's a long shot...........it prob will be Joe M.....or that one guy from Zack Synder's "Watchmen."

[D.B.]

I think he'd be a fantastic Superman. He's gorgeous and an excellent actor, and he would be able to combine the strength and invulnerable presence of Superman with the sensitivity and awkwardness of Clark Kent. His only weakness is that he comes off a bit cool, which is fine for Superman, but I think of Clark Kent as a warm, sweet character.

I loved Christopher Reeve as Superman, and this guy comes the closest of anybody I can think of too being able to fill his tights. Brandon Rough looked the part but lacked the charisma.

I find Manganiello believable as an action star and as a romantic lead, which is a harder combo than it sounds and what superman needs to be. There are very few American actors who can combine believable masculinity with vulnerability, which Superman requires. You usually just get one or the other and that's why they keep having to get actors from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK (Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, Gerard Butler, Christian Bale etc.)

The Superman character is a more complex and nuanced character than people seem to realize and this guy is one of the few American actors who can pull it off.

However, if Manganiello takes his shirt off, I will become too distracted to focus on what's happening and the rest of it won't matter. He is guaranteed to attract the True Blood audience for that reason.

It's interesting - and offensive - that there are so many anti-Italian comments being made about him because he's being considered for this role. If he had an English surname and looked exactly the same, nobody would say a word. It's bigoted and disturbing.

[Regina]

He should be the only choice for the new superman, he's outstanding looks and great talent, a fresh face for the role!

[Dork-El]

First off, to all those wanting either Brandon Routh or Tom Welling for the role. Sorry, it probably will not happen. The producer of the film, Christopher Nolan and the director Zack Snyder have already stated repeatedly that this new movie will not tie into the old versions that have come before. They won't be derived from any past iteration and will forge it's own path. So I'd doubt they'd give Routh or Welling the role. They may get the "courtesy audition/screentest" but they seem to be separating themselves from the old films and tv series variations.
I am a lifelong Superman fan and have seen Manganiello perform. If he were cast as Superman/Clark Kent, I'd not be surprised and would welcome him as the new Man Of Steel. He's one of the very rare actors out there that actually knows and loves the character he's playing. All the time actors in these comic movies are asked if they've read the comics their movies are based upon and 99% of the time they say no. Manganiello is a fan of Superman. He knows the character and his story. And he is passionate about landing and performing the role to the best of his abilities. Very altruistic of him to feel as such and it's that type of altruism and virtue toward the character that is needed for this role.
I think he'll be great if casted! ;)

[Lori]

The True Blood female fans are ripping this choice to pieces in magazine forums all across the web. Some like him on the show. Some don't. But all agree that this is a stupid choice. Check out what the ladies at OhNoTheyDidn't are saying. Brutal.

[Lu]

I think it should be Zachary Levi.

There's a wonderful wholesomeness and purity about him, which resonates of the character absolutely, yet I could imagine him getting angry, darker and really running with the aspect of a protector and his people.

[Mark Klein]

how about patrick warburton or jon hamm ? it should be the look of the comics or cartoons, not some feminine pansy.

[Chiloquin]

Tom Welling would make a better Superman!