Quantum Leap Reboot Casts Superman Actor Brandon Routh In Key Role

NBC’s Quantum Leap reboot has cast former Superman and Legends of Tomorrow actor Brandon Routh in a key role for an upcoming season 1 episode.

Former Superman and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow actor Brandon Routh is set to join NBC’s Quantum Leap reboot in an upcoming episode. Routh portrayed DC’s iconic Man of Steel in 2006’s Superman Returns and reprised the role in the CW’s Arrowverse franchise, where he also played The Atom on Legends of Tomorrow. NBC’s Quantum Leap reboot is set after the events of the original series, which ran from 1989 to 1993. In the new show, one of the physicists behind the revitalized Project Quantum Leap, Ben (Raymond Lee), embarks on his own mysterious adventures across history.

As revealed by IGN, Routh has been cast as Alexander Augustine, the father of Caitlin Bassett’s Addison Augustine in an upcoming Quantum Leap season 1 episode set to air on February 27.

In the episode, titled “S.O.S”, Ben leaps into a naval war game held in 1989, leading to him encountering his fiancée Addison’s father, who is serving on board the ship. In a statement given by Routh, the actor praises his Quantum Leap co-stars Lee and Bassett, stating it was an honor to join the series. He says:

Growing up watching Quantum Leap, it was an honor to portray such a pivotal character in Addison’s life. Ray and Caitlin are a fantastic duo and I loved being a part of the QL team. As an Iowan, it was also exciting to film on the USS Iowa.

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How Brandon Routh’s Quantum Leap Role Could Affect The Rest Of The Season

Routh’s appearance in Quantum Leap season 1 comes as the revival continues to unravel the mystery behind what has driven Ben on his journey into the past. After making his first leap, Ben suffered sudden amnesia that led to him forgetting why he began his quest, though through the efforts of his friends at Project Quantum Leap, it is revealed that Ben aims to reach a specific point in the future to save Addison. However, it was revealed that Ian (Mason Alexander Park) is also a Leaper in Quantum Leap episode 13, causing uncertainty among the team.

With trust being tested within Project Quantum Leap, the reveal of Routh’s Alexander Augustine comes at a tense time. Addison has been Ben’s “observer” and advisor throughout Quantum Leap season 1 and guided him on his journey, though the pair have been at odds. Addison previously established that she came from a broken home, so witnessing Ben interact with her father could cause distress that strains their relationship further, potentially at a troubling point after the fatal risk of Ben’s leaping was revealed.

Quantum Leap‘s return to screen has followed a story that explores the true risks surrounding the concept of leaping while also continuing the story long after Scott Bakula’s Sam Beckett disappeared. As such, not only will Routh’s presence see the beloved Superman and Arrowverse star return to screens, but it promises to tackle even more personal questions surrounding the costs of meddling with time. While significant answers may not come until season 2, Routh’s role may give more emotional weight to Ben’s personal mission on Quantum Leap.

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Source: IGN