‘Superman’ Star David Corenswet To Lead Skydance Sports’ ‘Mr. Irrelevant’, Inspired By Label Given To Last Player Taken In NFL Draft

EXCLUSIVE: Having landed the coveted role of Clark Kent in DC Studios’ Superman, David Corenswet looks to have his sights set on a follow-up project. Sources tell Deadline that he is in negotiations to star in the Skydance Sports pic Mr. Irrelevant.

The movie is about John Tuggle, who was given the title after being the last pick of the last round of the 1983 NFL draft.

More from Deadline

Jonathan Levine is directing, with Emmy-nominated writer Nick Santora is penning the script.

Mr. Irrelevant will be produced by Skydance Sports, with Levine producing with Gillian Bohrer for Megamix along with Santora, who’ll produce through his Blackjack Films banner. The film will tell the inspiring and heartfelt true story of Tuggle, drafted by the New York Giants, and his enduring impact on his team and teammates.

“Mr. Irrelevant” first started in 1976 with the drafting of USC receiver Paul Salata, launching a series of events that have come to be known as Irrelevant Week. A handful of players in that position have gone on to success, but Brock Purdy has given the moniker a face-lift since he took over starting duties for the San Francisco 49ers, leading them to the Super Bowl after the 2023 season.

While Tuggle’s story is much different then Purdy’s, it still touches on the notes that make for an ideal movie to add to Skydance Sports’ film slate.

As for Corenswet, the rising star has had himself quite a year after beating out a number of actors to play the iconic Clark Kent aka Man of Steel in director James Gunn’s Superman. Production recently wrapped on the film that also stars Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Corenswet had been eyeing several scripts before ultimately landing on this pic following a meeting with Levine.

Corenswet’s credits also include the A24 horror pic Pearl and Universal’s Twisters. He is repped by CAA, Untitled Entertainment and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.