James Gunn Reveals Rick Devens Big Brother Cameo Was Cancelled

Director James Gunn revealed on March 14, 2024, that Rick Devens, a contestant on CBS's Big Brother Season 28, was originally intended to have a cameo appearance in the film "Superman: Legacy." Gunn, a known fan of the reality competition series, shared that Devens had to withdraw from the planned cameo due to contractual restrictions imposed by CBS, the network airing Big Brother. Devens, who was a prominent figure in his season, had given Gunn a shoutout during a live eviction episode, prompting Gunn to share the clip and disclose the canceled cameo.

The revelation came after Devens mentioned Gunn during a live broadcast on Thursday. Gunn subsequently posted a clip of this moment on social media, explaining the circumstances behind the unfulfilled cameo. The director indicated that the conflict arose from Devens's ongoing participation in the CBS competition, which likely prevented him from fulfilling commitments with DC Studios. While the specifics of the contractual conflict were not detailed, Gunn's statement implies that CBS's agreement with Devens prohibited external acting roles during his time on the show. This situation highlights the complex contractual landscape for reality television personalities and their potential involvement in other media projects.

"Superman: Legacy," now titled "Superman," is scheduled for release on July 11, 2025. The film is written and directed by James Gunn and stars David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The casting of Devens, a non-professional actor known for his Big Brother appearance, would have marked a unique crossover between reality television and the DC Universe. The cancellation means that this particular fan-service element will not be present in the upcoming superhero film. Gunn's openness about the situation provides insight into the production process and the challenges of integrating personalities from different entertainment spheres.