TRENTON, Ga. — Neva Howell, a longtime actress from Dade County, is set to make her mark on the big screen this July as she takes on the role of Ma Kent, the mother of Clark Kent, in the upcoming Superman movie.
Howell, who has been acting for over 30 years, describes this as the biggest role of her career. “If I’m going to be in a Superman film, I’m so glad it’s this one,” she said. “It has so much heart — a beautiful, beautiful heart. I’m proud to be part of this particular Superman.”
Howell’s extensive résumé includes roles in television shows such as The Originals and Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, as well as films like Diary of a Wimpy Kid. She studied acting in New York and spent several years in Los Angeles before returning home to Georgia.
Her journey to landing the role of Ma Kent began about a year and a half ago. “James Gunn called me over and said, ‘I don’t want you to have to wait. We want you to be our Ma.’ I was so shocked,” Howell recalled.
To prepare, Howell received an audio recording of a Kansas farmer’s wife, which director and writer Gunn wanted her to emulate. “I listened to it over and over for months. That gave me the flavor of Ma Kent,” she said. “I also combined traits from my grandmother, a stern Christian woman, and my mother, who was gentle and loving.”
Howell recognizes the strong connection fans have to the character of Ma Kent and hopes they will embrace her portrayal. “I didn’t take this role lightly. I know how much it means to fans, and I just hope they like her. If they do, my life might just change,” she said.
The new Superman movie is scheduled for release in theaters on July 11.
