Summary
A recent Tweet showed that the upcomingSupermanfilm will continue a standard for the actor playing the iconic character.As a character, Superman mixed strength, charisma, and kindness with a bumbling everyman alter-ego, andeverySupermanactorhad to convey these aspects to make the character believable in live action. There have been many iterations of Superman over the years, with each actor bringing something different. Christopher Reeve set the bar when he appeared in 1979’sSupermanand gave a performance that captured Clark Kent’s comedic nervous energy while embodying Kal-El’s striking physicality and humanity.
A total of 11 actors have played Superman at various stages of his life in live-action, film, and television.
In 2006, Brandon Routh played the character inSuperman Returns. While his appearance resembled Reeve in previous films, his performance made Superman and Clark Kent more relatable. During the Snyderverse era, Henry Cavill provided a different feel and emphasized The Man of Steel’s more conflicted side.The actor cast inthe latest Superman filmis David Corenswet, who has turned in solid performances in films likePearlandThe Greatest Hits.His casting is a reminder of one of the biggest strengths across many of the films that brought Superman to life.
David Corenswet Becomes Evil Superman In New DC Universe Art
New DC Universe artwork pitches David Corenswet as two different evil comic versions of Superman in James Gunn’s upcoming superhero franchise.
Superman’s Live-Action Movie Actors Have Been Consistently Impressive
The Castings Tend To Be Praised Even In The More Divisive Movies
Corenswet’s casting as Supermanprompted a recent Tweet which included his headshot along with the other three actors who played Superman on the big screen. The post, courtesy of @CBMoviefan comes with the caption:“Why do movie studios keep choosing these Superman lookalikes to play Superman??“Although the tone is presumably lighthearted, it brings attention to a factor that unites every one of the seven live-action Superman films to date:every actor who has played Superman has been praised, even when the quality of some films was the subject of debate.
Reeve’s performance was seen by many as the gold standard for Superman on the big screen.Routh’s portrayal was so solid that the CW brought him back for a major Arrowverse event in 2019. When he stepped into the role in the Snyderverse,Cavill’s Superman featured subtle detailsthat gave viewers something different and captured the character’s more nuanced, conflicted side. Even though films includingSuperman Returns,Superman IV,andMan Of Steelwere divisive, the casting of the character across these movies tended to be spot-on.
Why Superman’s Future Is Brighter Than Ever
Consistent Casting And A Passionate Creative Team Bode Well For Future Installments
Corenswet’s career to datehas already shown that he is a dependable actor with presence, and James Gunn’s casting in other superhero movies likeGuardians Of The GalaxyandThe Suicide Squadshows he had an exceptional ability to cast actors who do well bringing superheroes to life.Although the new Superman film isn’t out until 2025, the film has already attracted a lot of goodwill, with past actors in the franchise posting support for new actors who have been given major roles in the upcoming film.
It’s clear from what Gunn has shared so far that he is passionate about the upcomingSupermanfilm and alsothe future of the DCU. Corenswet’s casting was similar to his predecessors in that he is a young actor given a pivotal role and a fresh opportunity to bring his take on one of the best-known comic characters of all time.Both Gunn and Corenswet must be aware of the level of expectation for their new film, so the early signs are already in place that they are doing their very best to deliver an exceptional movie.
Superman
Cast
Superman (2025): Superman follows the dual life of Clark Kent, a journalist in Metropolis, as he endeavors to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. Set against a backdrop of personal discovery, the film explores his journey of identity as he navigates his existence in a complex world.
