Additional Coverage:
- Every actor who’s played Superman, ranked from worst to best, including David Corenswet (businessinsider.com)
After a decade-long absence from the big screen, Superman returns in the new James Gunn film. This time, the Man of Steel is played by David Corenswet, who joins a prestigious list of actors who have donned the iconic suit.
This latest film offers a fresh perspective, skipping the well-trodden origin story and launching viewers directly into a fully realized DC Universe. But where does Corenswet rank among the many actors who have portrayed Superman?
Here’s our ranking of the 12 actors who have played Superman:
- Brandon Routh (Superman Returns): Routh faced a challenging task, stepping into the role after Christopher Reeve’s iconic portrayal. Unfortunately, both the film and Routh’s performance lacked a certain spark, making this a somewhat forgettable entry in Superman’s cinematic history.
- Dean Cain (Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman): Cain possessed the looks and shared strong chemistry with Teri Hatcher’s Lois Lane. However, the show’s sitcom-like tone often undermined the superheroic aspects of the character.
- Channing Tatum (The Lego Movie): Tatum’s exaggerated, ego-driven take on Superman was a perfect fit for the comedic world of The Lego Movie franchise.
- Kirk Alyn (1948 Superman serial): As the first live-action Superman, Alyn set the standard for the character’s on-screen presence, paving the way for future portrayals.
- George Reeves (Adventures of Superman): Reeves’s performance emphasized the all-American aspect of Superman, contributing to the show’s popularity and cementing his place in Superman lore.
- Bud Collyer (The New Adventures of Superman animated series): Collyer, known for voicing Superman on the radio, brought his distinct vocal performance to the animated series, differentiating Clark Kent and Superman with a deeper voice for the latter.
- Nicolas Cage (The Flash): While Cage’s appearance as Superman in The Flash was brief, it offered a tantalizing glimpse of what might have been had Tim Burton’s Superman Lives not been cancelled.
- Tyler Hoechlin (Superman & Lois): Having played Superman across various CW shows, Hoechlin is arguably the most experienced actor in the role. His performance in Superman & Lois solidified his standing as a capable and compelling Man of Steel.
- Tom Welling (Smallville): Welling’s portrayal of a young Clark Kent resonated with audiences for ten seasons, capturing the character’s journey of self-discovery and coming to terms with his powers.
- Henry Cavill (Man of Steel): Regardless of one’s opinion of the DCEU films, Cavill’s physical presence and performance convincingly brought a modern Superman to life.
- David Corenswet (Superman): Corenswet delivers a nuanced portrayal of Superman, showcasing the character’s vulnerabilities while maintaining his godlike abilities. His on-screen chemistry with the cast elevates his performance to one of the best three-dimensional portrayals of Superman and Clark Kent.
- Christopher Reeve (Superman): Reeve’s iconic portrayal remains the gold standard.
His charming smile, bumbling Clark Kent, and effortless flight established him as the definitive Superman for a generation. Reeve set a high bar against which all other Supermen are measured.
Read More About This Story:
- Every actor who’s played Superman, ranked from worst to best, including David Corenswet (businessinsider.com)