The next Superman movie in 2025 won’t just focus on the Man of Steel. Among the heroes who will share the screen with him will be Mr. Terrific, also known as Michael Holt
Although Mr. Terrific has appeared outside of the comics on other occasions, this will be his big opportunity on the big screen. This inclusion suggests that the film and DC’s shared universe will take inspiration from a variety of sources. For many, it will be the first time they discover this important but often underrated character.
The Golden Age of DC
Mr. Terrific has his roots in the Golden Age of Comics, but initially not as Michael Holt, but as Terry Sloane. Debuting in Sensation Comics #1 by Charles Reizenstein and Hal Sharp, Sloane was a genius and master of almost everything. Discouraged by the lack of challenges, he becomes a vigilante after saving a young girl from jumping off a bridge. With a flashy green and red suit and the phrase “Fair Play,” Mr. Terrific fought against youth gangs. Although he did not have superpowers, his skill in multiple disciplines made him known as “The Man of 1,000 Talents.”
Holt debuted in Specter #54 Mr. Terrific is a fictionalized version of the classic superhero film by John Ostrander and Tom Mandrake, and is even more impressive than his predecessor. An Olympic athlete and genius with numerous PhDs, Holt becomes Mr. Terrific after a series of personal tragedies. The death of his brother and then his wife Paula in a car accident left him devastated. An encounter with the Spectre inspired him to take on the mantle of Mr. Terrific, using his intellect and gadgets such as the T-Spheres.
Prominent member of the Justice Society
In the ’90s, DC revived the Justice Society, including Holt as part of the team. As president, Holt integrated into the group’s dynamics, although he had no direct connection to his predecessor. His friendship with heroes like Stargirl and Dr. Mid-Nite, and his role in organizations like Checkmate, demonstrated his value in the DC universe. Despite being paralyzed, he remained a prominent member of the JSA.
The New 52 reboot in 2011 significantly altered the character’s history. With his own short series, Holt took on business rivals and traveled the galaxy, although he became disengaged from the Justice Society. Despite maintaining a similar origin story, his connection to Terry Sloane and The Specter was removed, making him a more independent hero.
Leadership in The Terrifics during DC Rebirth
In 2016, DC Rebirth restored much of the pre-New 52 continuity, including the Justice Society’s history. Michael Holt led a new team called The Terrifics, consisting of Phantom Girl, Plastic Man, and Metamorpho, in a series reminiscent of Marvel’s Fantastic Four. Together, they took on multiversal adventures and characters from outside the DC universe.
Since 2022, DC has promoted the Justice Society more than ever, restoring its history and adding new members. Among them, Jeffrey Holt, Michael Holt’s unborn son, has emerged as a new hero named Fairplay. Additionally, Mr. Terrific has been instrumental in the JSA’s new adventures, recruiting former villains like Icicle.
Adaptation in television and cinema
In series like Justice League Unlimited and Arrow, the character has appeared in different forms. In ArrowCurtis Holt, a loose adaptation of Holt, becomes Mr. Terrific, standing out as a hacker and Olympic athlete. This version also depicts him as a gay man, showing the diversity of the character.
Holt’s version in James Gunn’s Superman movie will be based on the post-Crisis and post-Flashpoint comics. His costume and characterization will reflect modern stories, contrasting with the optimism of David Corenswet’s new Superman. Gunn has hinted at the formation of The Terrifics in the new DCU, so fans will have to wait until 2025 to see how these narrative threads play out.
With a rich history and deep connections in the DC universe, the classic hero is ready to earn the recognition he has always deserved. And although his path has been complex, the future promises to be fair for this fascinating hero.
