A new version ofSupermanwill take to the skies next year, and I believe David Corenswet has the potential to make theDC Universe’s Man of Steel the best live-action version of the character. There have been many greatlive-action Superman actors. Among TV series and movies, Superman has thrived in a wide range of projects, with different versions of the character offering interesting insight into both Clark Kent and the Man of Steel. Like many, I thinkthe best to ever do it is Christopher Reeve, who just embodied Superman in every possible way.
While Reeve is the blueprint, I have loved multiple live-action versions of Superman, including Brandon Routh, Tom Welling, Tyler Hoechlin, and Henry Cavill’s takes on the Man of Steel. The latter was the latest to do it in theaters and is the one Corenswet has constantly been compared with before even debuting. While I enjoyed Cavill’s Superman and would have loved to see him come back,James Gunn’s Superman movieis going in a different direction from the one the old DCEU took Cavill’s Superman, and I have to say I’m thrilled about it.
Every Actor Cast In Superman (So Far)
Superman will be the first film released in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe, and the Man of Steel reboot boasts an impressive cast.
David Corenswet’s Superman Comments Show He Understands The Hero
The Actor Knew What Version Of Superman Should Come To Live-Action
Superman is more than a powerful character who can just defeat pretty much every villain with ease. Thankfully,David Corenswet’s 5-year-old Superman commentsshow that he understands who the Man of Steel is at his core. Years before he was cast as the DCU’s Superman or had even started the casting process for the character, Corenswet revealed that his dream role would be to play the Man of Steel one day. Speaking about what version of the hero should come after Cavill’s darker Superman,Corenswet said, “I would love to see somebody do an upbeat, throwback [take on Superman].”
Director Zack Snyder has revealed that his plan for the Man of Steel would have thrown Superman into the darkness before pulling him back to the light and his humanity shining through.
That is exactly what Gunn is aiming for with his Superman reboot. Director Zack Snyder has revealed that his plan for the Man of Steel would have thrown Superman into the darkness before pulling him back to the light and his humanity shining through. However, due to many behind-the-scenes issues, that plan was cut short, with Cavill’s Superman never living up to his potential. That is why I think the best possible way of rebooting the character is bystarting already with the classic optimistic version of Superman, the Boy Scout, who will help anyone the best he can.
James Gunn’s Superman Is Already Fixing A Problem With The DCEU’s Man Of Steel
James Gunn’s Superman is already proving to fix one of the biggest issues that the DCEU had with its depiction of Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel.
I Love What I’ve Seen Of Corenswet In Superman’s Set Photos And Videos
The DCU Superman Reboot Is Making Corenswet’s Wish Come True
After a long period with no updates, whenSupermanstarted filming out in public in Ohio, fans were able to get the first look at Corenswet’s Superman and other DCU heroes in action.I was not very happy with the initial Superman suit reveal, but after seeing it in action in multiple set photos and videos, the bright and vibrant colors, as well as the red trunks, make for the ideal suit for this new version of the hero. I’m happy to say that I loved everything I’ve seen of Corenswet’s acting in the role so far through set videos.
One of the best parts of Reeve’s portrayal is how he makes Clark Kent and Superman feel like different people. I’m a big fan of how Corenswet is seemingly able to do the same, withthe DCU’s Clark Kent looking unrecognizableand acting incredibly clumsy, while his Superman gives off a confident aura. I also love howGunn is making Metropolis' citizens a key part of the film. Set videos show Superman being greeted and loved by the people, with the citizens even helping him get out of a hole, which is the heartwarming relationship Superman should have with them.
11 DC Easter Eggs In Superman’s New Set Photos
Filming is underway on Superman, and among set photos of David Corenswet suited up as the Man of Steel and more, DC Easter Eggs have been spotted.
I Believe Corenswet’s Past Roles Showcase His Skills For Clark Kent & Superman
The Star Has The Acting Skills Needed For The Role
Another aspect that makes me believe that Corenswet could be the best live-action version of Superman yet is the actor’s past. I’ve watched quite a few of Corenswet’s other works before being cast as Superman, and back in 2019,when first watchingThe Politician, Corenswet instantly became my pick to play Supermanafter Cavill. When it was revealed that the actor was one of those fighting for the role, and later cast as the DCU’s Superman, I was ecstatic. The reason for that is, I know from Corenswet’s past roles that he can excel at playing Superman and Clark Kent.
Netflix’sThe Politiciansaw Corenswet play River Barkley. The character fought his own demons and tragically died from suicide. That story showed that the actor can deliver heartbreaking emotion if the DCU asks for it.The Politician’s biggest connection to the Superman role comes from howRiver manages to inspire others. The character was the most beloved and popular student at his high school and a gifted public speaker. Corenswet has a scene in the show where he talks to an auditorium full of people about how every single one of them matters, and it just screams Superman.
Some of David Corenswet’s other notable roles include the TV showsWe Own This City, with Jon Bernthal, andLady in the Lake, with Natalie Portman.
Another Netflix series,Hollywood, was the first time I got to watch Corenswet in a lead role. The actor did not disappoint, delivering a charming performance that made it impossible not to root for his character, a young actor trying to make it big in the industry. As Jack Castello, Corenswet showed shades of what his Clark Kent could look like, with the actorpresenting the same goofy and lovable persona that Clark is known for. Based on his past roles and set videos from 2025’sSuperman, it seems like Corenswet will pull off his DC role in great form.
Who Is David Corenswet? James Gunn’s Superman Actor Explained
David Corenswet has officially been cast as Clark Kent in the DCU’s Superman: Legacy, leading many to wonder about his career up to this point.
James Gunn Has Only Directed Great Superhero Movies And Series
The Superman Reboot Is In Good Hands
Finally, with James Gunn at the helm, Corenswet’s Superman performance will likely be part of an amazing film, which heightens his chances of becoming the best live-action Superman. Brandon Routh’s version of the character is one of my favorites, as is Cavill’s, but I never felt the two got to be part of movies that were just as great as their lead actors. Thankfully, I’m convinced that Corenswet will have a different fate, asGunn has proven his excellent track record with comic book adaptationsat both Marvel Studios and DC.
At Marvel, with his unique blend of humor, action, emotion, and music,Gunn turned the Guardians of the Galaxy from an obscure team into a household superhero squad. The cosmic team has one of theMCU’s best trilogies, and their holiday special was heartwarming. At DC, Gunn went into R-rated/TV-MA territory and delivered two hilarious, emotional, and bloody projects in the form ofThe Suicide Squadand its spinoff series,Peacemaker. Gunn’s fan-favorite and critically acclaimed superhero projects bode well for next year’sSupermanreboot, and I think David Corenswet could come off it as the best live-action Superman.
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.
