The Real-World Impact of Mr. Terrific in SUPERMAN

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At last, we’ll witness one of DC Comics’ most remarkable, intelligent, and ingenious characters make his big-screen debut: Michael Holt, better known as Mr. Terrific. Besides being a mental titan, he stands as a significant symbol of Black excellence in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). In James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film, Edi Gathegi brings his intelligence, might, and resourcefulness to life. Moreover, he plays a pivotal role in teaming up with Superman to save the world. This representation has a profound impact that transcends movies, entertainment, and comic books.

In most stories, both fictional and real, there aren’t many characters, whether they be heroic, supernatural, or villainous, that have a strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) focus. This matters because it can inspire new aspirations, challenge existing stereotypes, and potentially impact industry trends.

The Inspiration Gap: Black Professionals in STEM

In the realm of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), the situation remains dishearteningly imbalanced. As reported by Pew Research in 2018, Black students accounted for no more than 9% of all STEM degrees granted at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. This percentage drops significantly within engineering and physical science fields. Moreover, Black women make up only around 2-2.5% of the U.S. STEM workforce.

Black professionals in STEM also report a higher incidence of workplace discrimination: approximately 62% claim to have faced racial prejudice at their jobs, which is significantly higher than other groups. This mix of underrepresentation and discomfort can be a powerful deterrent for young Black individuals, discouraging them from even considering careers in STEM.

Here is where Mr. Terrific makes his big-screen debut – a powerful representation of a person of color who combines scientific genius, strength, and unwavering moral principles. Research indicates that witnessing someone similar to oneself in a profession can spark more curiosity and determination.

In simpler terms, having a teacher of the same race in STEM subjects can lead Black students to have more favorable experiences and feel encouraged to continue in those fields. Using movie characters as an analogy, a young viewer who identifies with Michael Holt (a character who excels in his field) might think, “If he’s here, I belong here too.

This approach subtly encourages budding minds in science, engineering, and innovation, possibly igniting their curiosity and leading them to explore real-life role models such as Lonnie G. Johnson (a NASA engineer and the inventor of the Super Soaker), Mae C. Jemison (the first African American woman to journey into space), or Alan Emtage (who is known for creating Archie, the world’s initial internet search engine).

Past and Present: Black STEM Heroes in Genre Storytelling

Although the appearance of Mr. Terrific is certainly a significant success, it’s important to note that the journey towards authentic Black representation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) narratives has not always been smooth or consistent. For every advancement, there have been unfortunate oversights or errors.

Consider the movie “Blankman” (1994), for example, featuring Damon Wayans as a socially awkward, nerdy crime-fighter with a knack for inventing. He creates gadgets using scraps from junkyards and even has his own base built out of these materials. In many ways, he resembled a less wealthy, non-muscular amalgamation of Iron Man and Batman. This portrayal came about decades before “Black Panther” and was one of the earliest representations of a Black superhero in STEM on the big screen.

Later, there’s the movie “Steel” (1997) featuring Shaquille O’Neal as John Henry Irons, an ingenious weapons engineer who constructs an armored suit following a devastating event. It’s important not to overlook Dr. Karen Jensen, portrayed by N’Bushe Wright in the film “Blade” (1998). In this movie, she employs her medical knowledge to search for a remedy for vampirism and becomes an essential ally to Blade.

In 1997 came out the movie called “Steel”, starring Shaquille O’Neal as John Henry Irons, a resourceful weapons engineer who invents his own armor suit due to a terrible accident. Dr. Karen Jensen, played by N’Bushe Wright in the 1998 film “Blade”, is also significant; she uses her medical skills to look for a cure for vampirism and ends up being Blade’s crucial ally.

In the Nolan’s Batman trilogy, Lucius Fox, portrayed by Morgan Freeman, should not be overlooked. He serves as CEO of Wayne Enterprises and ingeniously equips Batman with his cutting-edge technology. More recently, Shuri, played by Letitia Wright in Black Panther (2018) and Wakanda Forever (2022), holds a similar role as the mastermind behind Wakanda’s technology. Her genius is integral to both stories.

As a devoted admirer, let me share my thoughts: The vast majority of intellectuals hailing from the extraordinary nation of Wakanda are masters in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and this country’s very essence is rooted in these principles. Standing shoulder to shoulder with them is none other than Ironheart, portrayed by Dominique Thorne – a brilliant teenage inventor who designs an Iron Man-caliber suit while still attending MIT. Even the esteemed T’Challa, skillfully played by Chadwick Boseman, demonstrates that he’s not just a warrior-king; he’s also a physicist whose intellect contributes significantly to Wakanda’s cutting-edge scientific advancements.

In addition to Cyborg (portrayed by Ray Fisher), who’s storyline in both Justice League (2017) and Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) revolves around his advanced cybernetics and hacking abilities, we have Dr. Bill Foster (played by Laurence Fishburne in Ant-Man and the Wasp) – a prominent biochemist with a background in Pym Particle research. Regrettably, characters like these are not common. However, it’s worth noting that even our STEM-oriented villains, such as Jamie Foxx’s Electro from The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and No Way Home, or Black Manta, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in the Aquaman movies, are exceptions. Nevertheless, they make significant contributions as antagonists.

How Superman Gets Mr. Terrific Right

I appreciate how the movie Superman adheres to the “show, don’t just tell” principle when it comes to depicting Michael Holt’s genius. Unlike many genre stories that stereotype Black intellectual characters, this film avoids portraying Mr. Terrific as a mere “walking supercomputer” or an IT specialist for superheroes. Instead, the T-Spheres in the story function as active extensions of his mind, demonstrating Holt’s intelligence through practical problem-solving and innovation.

Somebody get Mr. Terrific a movie greenlit ASAP.

— Gray Harden🦇💪 (@GrayHarden77) July 9, 2025

As a movie aficionado, let me share my thoughts about the latest superhero flick: In this film, Mr. Terrific isn’t simply a one-dimensional tech whiz; he’s got a knack for dry humor, showcasing various facets of his character, and even holding his own alongside Superman and Lois in their battle against Lex and his gang. The movie doesn’t shy away from giving him autonomy, allowing his internal struggles and choices to shape pivotal scenes. This authentic portrayal is what makes watching Mr. Terrific on screen feel incredibly relatable.

A Terrific Moment for STEM and On-Screen Representation

In the movie “Superman,” Mr. Terrific is a major character who shares equal screen time with other superhumans. Unlike some brief appearances in movies that can be easily overlooked, Mr. Terrific significantly influences the story’s outcome. Longtime fans of the character and actor Gathegi (who portrayed Darwin in “X-Men: First Class”), who were disappointed by his premature death in a previous series, will undoubtedly be thrilled to see him given more attention and a larger role in this production.

Watching a Black STEM superhero shine in the limelight isn’t just significant for fans or independent productions – it needs to be showcased on the grandest scale. The depiction of Mr. Terrific transcends the boundaries of the new DC cinematic universe, sparking thoughts, fueling ideas, and broadening horizons. This portrayal plays a crucial role in fostering hope and potential for future generations.

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2025-07-11 18:03