Superman film to showcase artwork from Eastbourne teenager after competition win

Elsie Thompson, 14, won the ‘Create The Card Competition’ which is run by the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification).

It invites young artists to design the official Black Card (containing the age rating) for a major film release.

The judging panel – which included BBFC President Natasha Kaplinsky, BBFC CEO David Austin, and SVP Marketing at Warner Bros. Discovery, Alex Lewis – were ‘blown away’ by Elsie’s winning entry.

Elsie, a self-declared Superman superfan, was ecstatic to hear her artwork will be appearing before every UK cinema screening of Superman and to learn she would be meeting the actors and director.

Elsie said: “It took me two days, a weekend, [to complete]. I water coloured it first and then went over with paint pens to make it pop.” Elsie met the film’s actors, David Corenswet (Superman/Clark Kent), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), and Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor), and filmmaker, James Gunn.

Elsie was presented with a signed copy of her artwork and David Corenswet surprised Elsie with a gift of tickets to the Superman UK Fan Event in Leicester Square.

Elsie said: “As soon as I saw the new Superman film was coming out, I was so excited. I couldn’t believe it when I found the competition - it was perfect for me. Winning feels SUPER! Meeting the actors was so cool and I can’t believe my artwork will be in cinemas too!”

Natasha Kaplinsky said: “Year after year, we've been blown away by the ingenuity, originality, and creativity of the BBFC Create The Card Competition entries, and this year is no different. It was a very tough decision as we had so many outstanding entries, but I am thrilled to congratulate Elsie as our very deserving winner. Elsie's beautifully crafted piece, filled with hope, is perfectly suited for a BBFC Black Card and will have such an impact on the big screen.

“Our Create The Card competitions continue to connect artistic creativity with film classification, and the vital role age ratings play in shaping young people’s viewing experiences. A huge congratulations again to Elsie for creating such a phenomenal piece of artwork. I can’t wait to see it in the cinema.”

Alex Lewis, SVP Marketing, Warner Bros. Discovery UK and Ireland, said: "On behalf of everyone at Warner Bros. and DC, a huge congratulations to Elsie for creating such a fabulous work of art. And a big thank you to everyone who felt moved by the all-new Superman to take part in the competition.”