Actor Behind Superman Movie Villain Nuclear Man is Coming to Shreveport

This August, Shreveport's comic con, Geek'd Con returns to Downtown Shreveport. When this event started back in 2015, not many people probably expected the event to still be going a decade later. But it's 2025, and Geek'd Con is coming back to the Shreveport Convention Center, August 22nd-24th. That's right, its Geek'd Con's 10th Anniversary!

This year's guest lineup will feature some callbacks to the original Geek'd Con. Guests like Jeremy London, who appeared at the first Geek'd Con in 2015.

The latest addition to the guest lineup for 2025 is the main villain from the cult classic DC Comics film Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, Nuclear Man actor Mark Pillow.

Who is Nuclear Man in the Superman Films?

Mark Pillow is best known for his unforgettable role as Nuclear Man in the film Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, where he went head-to-head with Christopher Reeve’s iconic Superman.

The film marked the final time Reeve would wear the legendary Superman costume and also featured the last "Lex Luthor" performance by the late, great Gene Hackman; both of whom Mark holds deep respect for and fond memories of working alongside.

Was Nuclear Man Ever in DC Comics?

The character Nuclear Man is a very unique moment in superhero movies. As Nuclear Man did not originate inside the pages of any DC Comics books before making his way to the big screen. The character was created specifically for the screen...meaning Mark Pillow is the first appearance of the character. His likeness is the original design for Nuclear Man.

Eventually, Nuclear Man made his way into comic books. First in the comic book version of Superman IV: The Quest for Peace in 1987. But it took another three decades before Nuclear Man would make his first appearance in DC Comics main continuity. That took place in Superman #2, released in 2018.

Who is Mark Pillow?

Born in Leeds, England, Mark has built a loyal fanbase that spans generations.

After Superman IV, Mark went on to appear at the titular character in 13 episodes of Alaska Kid. He also appeared in the show Wiseguy, alongside Jonathan Banks and Jim Byrnes.

In March of 2025, social media lit up with a viral pop culture moment when he reunited with actor Jon Cryer, who played Lenny Luthor in Superman IV, for the first time in 38 years. The emotional reunion featured both actors standing alongside their original screen-worn costumes from Superman IV, thrilling fans of the Christopher Reeve Superman legacy and reigniting a wave of nostalgic love for the film.

Are Other Celebrities Coming to Shreveport for Geek'd Con?

This year's guest lineup already includes a 35th Anniversary "Shell-a-Bration" for the release of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, with actors representing all four Turtles from the movie. Tony Award winning actor Barry Bostwick will also be at the event. They'll all be joined by celebrities like Jason Lee, Theo Rossi, Ethan Suplee, and Alan Ruck.

Not to mention two of the stars from the Terrifier film series, David Howard Thornton and Samantha Scaffidi. Thornton plays the lead villain Art the Clown, while Scaffidi plays Victoria Heyes. The duo are the only actors to appear in all three Terrifier movies.

Tickets are on sale now: https://geekdcon.ticketspice.com/geekd-con-x-2025