Listen, we all know David Corenswet is our new Clark Kent. We’ve seen the suit, we’ve seen the curl, and honestly, the vibes are immaculate. But as James Gunn’s Superman (2025) gets closer, there’s a massive, ginger-shaped hole in the cast list that fans can't stop arguing about. I'm talking about Lana Lang.
Lana is tricky. She’s not just "the ex." She’s the person who knew Clark before he was a god. She’s the human anchor to his Smallville roots. If you mess up the DCU Lana Lang fancast, you basically mess up Clark’s entire emotional foundation. Fans are currently scouring IMDB like private investigators trying to figure out who fits the "Gunn-verse" aesthetic.
The "Smallville" Shadow is Long
It’s been over twenty years since Kristin Kreuk first stepped onto the porch of that Kent farmhouse, and for a whole generation, she is Lana. Then you had Emmanuelle Chriqui in Superman & Lois, who brought this grounded, weary, but hopeful energy to the role.
Gunn has a specific challenge here. He needs someone who feels like they actually grew up in Kansas. Not "Hollywood" Kansas, but real-deal, dirt-under-the-fingernails Midwest.
Top Contenders for the DCU Lana Lang Fancast
The internet has thoughts. Lots of them. Some are wild, some are basically perfect, and some make me wonder if people have ever actually read a comic.
1. Sophia Lillis (The Fan Favorite)
If you’ve seen IT or Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, you get it. Sophia has that specific "spirited but soulful" look. She’s got the red hair (traditionally speaking), but more importantly, she has the range to play someone who is both a confidante and a heartbeat of a small town.
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2. Erin Kellyman
This is a name that keeps popping up in deep-dive Reddit threads. She’s worked with Disney/Marvel before, so she knows the blockbuster machine. She has this incredible, natural freckled look and an intensity that could play well if Gunn decides to go the "Lana knows the secret" route early on.
3. Milana Vayntrub
Okay, hear me out. A lot of people know her from the AT&T commercials, but she’s a genuinely great comedic and dramatic actress. She has a warmth that is essential for Lana. If the DCU is leaning into a more hopeful, "upbeat" tone, she’d be a fascinating choice.
4. Phoebe Dynevor
She actually auditioned for Lois Lane. She didn’t get it (congrats, Rachel Brosnahan), but often in these big franchises, "runners-up" for the lead get slotted into supporting roles. She has that classic, girl-next-door elegance that would make her a great foil to the more fast-talking, urban Lois.
What James Gunn Actually Needs
James Gunn doesn’t just cast "famous people." He casts for chemistry. Look at his Guardians of the Galaxy crew.
For Lana, he needs someone who doesn't feel like a movie star. She needs to be the person Clark feels guilty about leaving behind. If she’s too polished, that dynamic fails. There’s also the question of whether she’ll even be in the first movie.
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Currently, the official cast list for Superman includes:
- David Corenswet (Superman)
- Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane)
- Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor)
- Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen)
- Pruitt Taylor Vince (Pa Kent)
- Neva Howell (Martha Kent)
Notice someone missing? Yeah. Lana. There are heavy rumors that she might be saved for a flashback or a sequel, perhaps titled Man of Tomorrow. Some reports suggest a "major female character" is being cast for the follow-up, and while some think it’s Wonder Woman, the Smallville-sized hole in the story suggests Lana is a massive contender.
Addressing the "Lana vs. Lois" Problem
A lot of writers get this wrong. They try to make Lana a rival for Lois. That’s boring. It’s also kinda dated.
The best versions of Lana Lang—like the one in the Superman: Confidential run or even the animated series—show her as someone who loves Clark but realizes they belong to different worlds. She belongs to the soil; he belongs to the sky. The DCU Lana Lang fancast needs to reflect that bittersweet reality.
Why We Haven't Heard an Official Name Yet
Gunn is notorious for keeping secrets. He also likes to cast his "regulars." People have joked about Molly Quinn (who worked with him on Guardians 2) taking the role. Honestly? It wouldn't be the worst idea. She has the look and the history with the director.
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But there’s also the possibility of a total unknown. Sometimes the best way to make a character feel "real" is to cast someone the audience doesn't have baggage with.
Actionable Insights for Fans Tracking the DCU
If you're following the casting trail, keep an eye on these specific indicators:
- Production Grids: Look for "Untitled Female Role" descriptions that mention "Midwestern," "athletic," or "early 20s-30s."
- Social Media Follows: James Gunn is the king of the "strategic follow." If he follows a rising indie actress who fits the Lana archetype, start placing your bets.
- Smallville Location Shoots: If the production heads back to the Kansas sets later in the year, expect a Lana announcement or a "leak" shortly after.
The search for the perfect Lana is about more than just a red wig. It's about finding the human heart of a superhuman story.
To stay updated on the latest DCU production shifts, you should regularly monitor official trade publications like The Hollywood Reporter or Variety, as they typically confirm Gunn's casting decisions once the contracts are signed and the ink is dry.