James Gunn Says ‘Big Brother 28’s Rick Devens Was Set For ‘Man Of Tomorrow’ Cameo But “Had To Cancel” Due To CBS Competition

James Gunn, the acclaimed filmmaker and co-head of DC Studios, has revealed a surprising connection between his highly anticipated superhero sequel, "Superman: Man of Tomorrow," and the popular CBS reality competition series "Big Brother." Gunn, a known fan of the long-running show, shared that his friend, "Survivor" veteran Rick Devens, was slated to have a cameo in "Superman: Man of Tomorrow" but had to withdraw due to his commitment to the 28th season of "Big Brother." The revelation came to light after Devens, who is currently a contestant on "Big Brother 28," gave Gunn a direct shoutout during a live eviction episode, sparking a conversation on social media platform Threads.

A Surprising On-Air Shoutout Ignites a Hollywood-Inside-Reality TV Connection

The unexpected intersection of Hollywood blockbuster filmmaking and the intense social experiment of "Big Brother" began on Thursday’s eviction episode of the CBS series. During the live broadcast, Rick Devens, a fan-favorite contestant known for his strategic gameplay and engaging personality on "Survivor," was in the process of casting his vote to evict a fellow houseguest. In a moment that quickly captured the attention of both "Big Brother" viewers and followers of James Gunn, Devens explicitly mentioned the DC Studios co-head.

"I’m going to vote to evict [Houseguest Name]," Devens stated, before adding a personal touch that resonated with many online: "And hey, James Gunn, I hope you’re watching." This direct address to the filmmaker, known for his work on the "Guardians of the Galaxy" franchise and the recent "Superman" reboot, immediately set social media abuzz.

Gunn Confirms Friendship and Near-Cameo Through Social Media Exchange

Following the episode, James Gunn shared a clip of Devens’ on-air mention on his Threads account, a social media platform that has become a favored channel for the director to engage with his fanbase. The post quickly garnered attention, with one inquisitive follower posing a question that many were likely pondering: "Would he have been in the Superman sequel?"

Gunn’s response was both direct and revealing. "No because he’s on Big Brother! Otherwise he would have been," he replied on Threads, confirming that Devens’ participation in the reality show had directly impacted his potential appearance in the upcoming DC film. This statement not only validated the connection but also hinted at a pre-existing relationship between the filmmaker and the reality TV personality.

Further elaborating on the nature of their acquaintance, another Threads user inquired if Devens actually knew Gunn personally. Gunn’s subsequent reply shed more light on the depth of their friendship and the circumstances surrounding the near-cameo. "We do," Gunn confirmed. "He was gonna appear in the background of MoT but he had to cancel (his awesome wife and kids still came). He couldn’t tell me why but told me I’d be excited. Obviously I was!" The mention of "MoT" clearly refers to "Superman: Man of Tomorrow," the sequel to the recently released "Superman" film. This explanation adds a layer of intrigue, suggesting that Devens had prior knowledge of his "Big Brother" casting and intentionally kept it under wraps, knowing it would be a significant development for his filmmaker friend.

"Superman: Man of Tomorrow" and the Expanding DC Universe

The context surrounding this revelation is the highly anticipated "Superman: Man of Tomorrow," slated for release on July 9, 2027. This film serves as the direct sequel to the recently released "Superman," which has been a significant box office success for DC Studios. The rebooted "Superman," starring David Corenswet in the titular role, has already made its mark on the industry. The film opened to a strong domestic box office performance of $125 million and has since surpassed $300 million globally, marking a significant achievement for DC’s cinematic universe since "The Batman" in 2022.

James Gunn, alongside Peter Safran, is at the helm of DC Studios, tasked with revitalizing the DC Extended Universe into a cohesive and compelling narrative known as the DC Universe (DCU). "Superman: Man of Tomorrow" is a cornerstone of this new vision, aiming to re-establish Superman as a central figure in the modern superhero landscape. The film’s production is underway, with Corenswet reprising his role as the Man of Steel, and the creative team is meticulously crafting a narrative that will further explore the iconic character. The inclusion of cameos and background roles is a common practice in large-scale productions like these, often used to add depth, create easter eggs for fans, or even hint at future plotlines. The fact that Gunn had a specific, albeit minor, role in mind for Devens underscores their personal connection and Devens’ potential value as a performer.

Rick Devens: From "Survivor" to the "Big Brother" House

Rick Devens is no stranger to the world of reality television and its inherent challenges. He first gained widespread recognition as a contestant on the 38th season of CBS’s "Survivor: Edge of Extinction," where he ultimately finished in third place. Devens captivated audiences with his charisma, strategic prowess, and ability to overcome adversity, making him a memorable figure in "Survivor" history. His return to CBS reality television in "Big Brother 28" marks a significant move, placing him in a different, yet equally demanding, social and strategic environment.

The cast of "Big Brother 28" features a diverse group of individuals vying for the grand prize of $750,000. Alongside Devens, the season includes Angela Murray, Ashley Trail, Barrett Pfeiffer, Chuck Anyanwu, Drew Campbell, Haley Thogmartin, Jason de Puy, Kamuela "Kamu" Kirk, LaTrice Verrett, Lyric Medeiros, Mallory Aurichio, Melody Morris, Rome Seymour, and Taylor Brown. Each contestant brings their unique backgrounds and personalities to the "Big Brother" house, creating the fertile ground for alliances, betrayals, and the constant strategic maneuvering that defines the show. Devens’ presence on the show is a significant draw for fans of both "Survivor" and "Big Brother," given his established reputation as a formidable reality television competitor.

The Impact of Reality TV Commitments on Hollywood Projects

The situation with Devens and "Superman: Man of Tomorrow" highlights a recurring dynamic in the entertainment industry: the scheduling conflicts that can arise when individuals are involved in multiple high-profile projects, particularly those with demanding filming schedules. Reality television, while often perceived as less scripted than traditional filmmaking, requires significant time commitments from its participants. The "Big Brother" house operates under a strict schedule, with contestants isolated for extended periods, often for months, without external contact. This level of commitment naturally makes it challenging for contestants to simultaneously participate in other professional endeavors, especially those requiring their physical presence on set.

Gunn’s explanation that Devens had to cancel his cameo because he was on "Big Brother" underscores the intense nature of reality competition filming. The fact that Devens could not reveal the reason for his absence, but assured Gunn he would be "excited" by the eventual outcome, suggests a level of secrecy surrounding his "Big Brother" casting that is typical of such shows. This also points to a strong rapport between Gunn and Devens, where such a promise from a friend would be met with anticipation.

A Look Ahead: DC’s Ambitious Slate and "Big Brother’s" Enduring Appeal

The revelation serves as a charming anecdote that bridges two distinct corners of the entertainment world. For DC Studios, it’s a small glimpse into the intricate process of bringing a major blockbuster to life, where even background roles are carefully considered. For "Big Brother" fans, it adds another layer of interest to Devens’ journey, knowing that he was once on the cusp of appearing in a major superhero film.

As "Superman: Man of Tomorrow" continues its development, audiences will be eager to see how Gunn and his team will shape the future of the DCU. The film is expected to be a pivotal entry, laying the groundwork for future narratives and characters. Meanwhile, "Big Brother 28" is unfolding week by week, with Devens navigating the complexities of the game. Whether his strategic mind from "Survivor" will translate to success in the "Big Brother" house remains to be seen, but his journey has already provided an unexpected crossover moment with one of Hollywood’s most prominent directors. The enduring appeal of both "Big Brother’s" social dynamics and DC’s expansive superhero universe continues to captivate audiences, and this recent connection serves as a testament to the unexpected ways these worlds can intersect.