If you’ve been living under a rock—or maybe just a very large piece of Kryptonite—you might have missed the massive shakeup at DC Studios. For years, Henry Cavill was the face of the Cape. Then, things got messy. Now, as we roll into 2026, the dust has finally settled on the biggest casting gamble in recent superhero history.
So, who is playing Superman in 2025? The answer is David Corenswet.
He isn't just some random guy who looks like he was sculpted by a Greek god (though, let’s be honest, he kind of was). He’s the centerpiece of James Gunn’s total reboot of the DC Universe. This wasn't a "soft" reboot. It was a "burn it all down and start over" situation. Corenswet’s debut in the self-titled Superman (which hit theaters July 11, 2025) officially closed the book on the old "Snyderverse" and opened a much brighter, more colorful chapter.
The Man Behind the Cape: Meet David Corenswet
David Corenswet is a 32-year-old actor from Philadelphia who basically manifested this role into existence. A few years back, he told Entertainment Weekly that his "pie-in-the-sky" ambition was to play Superman. Dreams do come true, I guess. Especially if you’re 6'4" and have a jawline that could cut glass.
Before he was soaring over Metropolis, Corenswet was a Juilliard-trained theater kid. Most people first noticed him in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix shows, The Politician and Hollywood. He also popped up in the horror flick Pearl and had a role in Twisters right before his life changed forever.
📖 Related: Wrong Address: Why This Nigerian Drama Is Still Sparking Conversations
Interestingly, he didn't just walk into the role. James Gunn looked at hundreds of actors. It eventually came down to a final screen test where Corenswet was paired with Rachel Brosnahan. The chemistry was apparently so undeniable that Gunn knew he’d found his Clark and Lois.
Why he isn't just a Henry Cavill clone
A lot of fans were salty about Cavill being let go. It was a whole thing on social media. But Corenswet brings a totally different energy. While Cavill’s Superman was often "The God among us"—stoic, brooding, and a bit distant—Corenswet’s version is focused on humanity.
Gunn has been vocal that he wanted a Superman who felt like someone you’d want to give a hug. He’s a "big galoot" from Kansas who just happens to be able to move planets. In the 2025 film, we see a Clark Kent who is a "cub reporter" at the Daily Planet. He’s younger, maybe a bit more naive, and desperately trying to balance his alien heritage with his very human upbringing.
The 2025 Superman Cast: It’s a Full House
It isn’t just a solo show. Gunn’s Metropolis is crowded. This is a world where superheroes already exist—it isn't an origin story where he’s the first one to show up in spandex.
👉 See also: Who was the voice of Yoda? The real story behind the Jedi Master
- Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane: If you’ve seen The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, you know she can talk a mile a minute. Her Lois is sharp, feisty, and—according to the 2025 trailers—doesn't have time for Clark’s "aw-shucks" routine at first.
- Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor: This was a brilliant move. Hoult originally auditioned for Superman, but Gunn saw him as the perfect villain. His Lex is a "petty hater." He isn't some world-ending monster; he’s just a billionaire who is insanely jealous that an alien is getting all the attention.
- The "Other" Heroes: The 2025 movie also features Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner (Green Lantern), Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific.
What really happened with the 2025 release?
The movie, simply titled Superman, had a massive $225 million budget. It was filmed largely in Cleveland and Georgia, and even did some location shooting in Norway to get that perfect "Fortress of Solitude" vibe.
When it finally dropped in July 2025, it was a smash. It pulled in about $125 million on its opening weekend alone. People were clearly hungry for a version of Superman that felt hopeful again. Critics loved the "All-Star Superman" inspiration—referencing the famous comic run by Grant Morrison—which portrays Superman as a figure of ultimate kindness rather than just a brawler.
Corenswet reportedly earned about $750,000 for the first movie. That sounds like a lot to us regular people, but in Hollywood terms, it’s a "starter salary" for a franchise lead. Expect that number to skyrocket for the sequel, which is already in the works for 2027.
Some things you might have missed
One of the coolest, weirdest details about Corenswet’s performance? He actually played two roles. He was Clark/Superman, but he also played Ultraman—an armored clone created by Lex Luthor in the film to smear Superman’s reputation.
✨ Don't miss: Not the Nine O'Clock News: Why the Satirical Giant Still Matters
Also, Gunn fixed the "glasses" problem. In the movie, Clark uses "hypnotic glasses" that subtly distort his face to the human eye. It's a throwback to the old comics and finally explains why the world’s best investigative journalists couldn't tell their coworker was the guy flying around in a cape.
Actionable Steps for DC Fans
If you're looking to catch up or dive deeper into the new era of the Man of Steel, here is what you should do next:
- Watch the 2025 Film: It’s already available on Max and VOD services like Apple TV and Amazon.
- Read "All-Star Superman": This is the comic book that James Gunn used as his primary "mood board" for the movie. It’ll give you a great sense of Corenswet’s character motivation.
- Track the 2026/2027 Slate: David Corenswet is already confirmed to appear in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (slated for 2026) and a direct sequel currently titled Man of Tomorrow expected in 2027.
- Follow the Production News: Keep an eye on James Gunn’s Threads account. He’s notorious for debunking fake rumors personally, which is the best way to avoid the "fake news" cycle that usually surrounds these movies.
The era of David Corenswet has officially begun. Whether you were a Cavill die-hard or not, it’s hard to deny that the new Superman has brought a much-needed sense of joy back to the multiplex.