The highly anticipated launch of the new DC Universe (DCU) is almost here, and it’s all starting with the Man of Steel. Scheduled for a July 11, 2025, theatrical release, James Gunn’s Superman (previously titled Superman: Legacy) is the first film in the ambitious DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters slate, and its casting announcements have been nothing short of explosive. Fans were expecting a new Clark Kent and Lois Lane, but the full ensemble cast reveals a film that is much bigger than a simple origin story, introducing a wide array of established DC heroes and villains right from the start. This deep dive into the confirmed cast, as of December 2025, provides the freshest look at the actors and the iconic roles they are set to embody in this pivotal superhero reboot.
The film is set to redefine the iconic hero for a new generation, focusing on a Superman who is balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing, all while working as a reporter for the Daily Planet.
The Confirmed Core Cast and Character Biographies
The foundation of the new DCU rests on the shoulders of its lead actors. Director and writer James Gunn, alongside co-CEO Peter Safran, conducted an extensive search to find the perfect mix of talent, charm, and screen presence for the flagship film. Here is a complete look at the main cast and their professional backgrounds.
- David Corenswet as Kal-El / Clark Kent / Superman: Born July 8, 1993, Corenswet is an American actor best known for his roles in Ryan Murphy's Netflix series, including The Politician and Hollywood. His casting was officially announced in June 2023, following a rigorous audition process. Fans and critics have frequently noted his physical resemblance to the classic Superman look, positioning him as the ideal lead to anchor the entire DCU.
- Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane: Born July 12, 1990, Brosnahan is an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning American actress celebrated for her starring role as Miriam "Midge" Maisel in the Amazon Prime series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Her portrayal of the tenacious Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane is expected to bring a sharp, witty, and assertive energy to the character, moving away from previous cinematic interpretations.
- Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor: The English actor, born December 7, 1989, is known for his versatile roles in films like Mad Max: Fury Road, The Favourite, and X-Men: First Class. Hoult reportedly auditioned for both Superman and Batman before landing the role of Superman’s genius arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor. His casting suggests a younger, potentially more volatile version of the iconic villain.
- Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen: Born July 22, 1996, Gisondo is recognized for his comedic and dramatic work in Booksmart and Licorice Pizza. He will play the beloved, eager-beaver photographer for the Daily Planet and Clark Kent's pal, Jimmy Olsen.
The Unexpected Ensemble: DC Heroes Joining the DCU
One of the most talked-about aspects of the Superman cast is the sheer number of other established superheroes appearing in the film. James Gunn confirmed that the movie is not an origin story for Superman, but rather a look at a world where superheroes already exist. The inclusion of these characters, many of whom are members of the Justice League or Justice Society in the comics, is a clear signal of the DCU's expansive future.
- Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner / Green Lantern: Fillion, a long-time collaborator of James Gunn from The Suicide Squad and Guardians of the Galaxy, is set to play the brash, cocky, and fan-favorite Green Lantern, Guy Gardner. This casting confirms the Green Lantern Corps' presence early in the DCU.
- Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl (Kendra Saunders): Born July 10, 2001, Merced is a Peruvian-American actress who previously starred in Dora and the Lost City of Gold. She will portray Kendra Saunders, one of the many incarnations of the winged warrior Hawkgirl, a character with a famously complex history of reincarnation and cosmic connections.
- Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific (Michael Holt): Gathegi, known for his work in The Blacklist and X-Men: First Class, is cast as Michael Holt, the brilliant, third-smartest man in the world, Mister Terrific. He is a technological genius and a key member of the Justice Society of America in the comics.
- Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho (Rex Mason): Known for his Emmy-nominated role in Barry, Carrigan will play Metamorpho, the Element Man, a hero who can transmute his body into any element or compound. His unique look and comedic talent are expected to make Metamorpho a breakout character.
- María Gabriela De Faría as The Engineer (Angela Spica): The Venezuelan actress, born September 11, 1992, is cast as Angela Spica, a member of the anti-hero team The Authority. Her character possesses nanite-based abilities, making her a powerful and morally ambiguous figure. The inclusion of a character from The Authority directly links Superman to the planned DCU film about the team, adding a layer of topical authority.
Behind the Scenes: Lex Luthor's Crew and Production Updates
Beyond the heroes, the supporting cast fills out the world of Metropolis and Lex Luthor's inner circle, providing crucial connective tissue for the film's narrative. The film's production timeline also confirms this is a fresh, current project.
LexCorp's Inner Circle: Henchmen and Assistants
Lex Luthor will not be alone in his machinations against the Man of Steel. Two classic characters from past Superman films and comics are confirmed to be part of the villain’s entourage.
- Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher: A Portuguese model and actress, Sampaio will play Eve Teschmacher, Lex Luthor's loyal assistant. This character is often depicted as having a moral compass that sometimes conflicts with her boss’s evil plans, a dynamic first popularized in the 1978 Superman film.
- Terence Rosemore as Otis: Rosemore, who has worked with James Gunn on multiple projects, is cast as Otis, Lex Luthor's bumbling henchman. The character is a nod to the comic relief sidekick from the original Superman movies.
The DCU's New Direction: Gods and Monsters
The film officially began principal photography in March 2024, confirming its status as a fresh, currently-in-production project. The movie is the first theatrical release in the new DCU, which is being overseen by James Gunn and Peter Safran.
Gunn has been vocal about the film’s purpose: to introduce a Superman who is already an established hero in a world full of other metahumans, thereby skipping the traditional origin story. He has addressed fan concerns about the large cast, stating that the ensemble is necessary to establish the broader DC Universe from the very beginning, comparing the scale to films like Oppenheimer.
The film is titled Superman because it focuses heavily on the hero's journey to reconcile his two identities: his Kryptonian legacy and his human life as Clark Kent. This thematic focus is what drives the plot, rather than being a simple Justice League setup film. The movie is set to be the cornerstone of DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, which promises a cohesive, interconnected storyline across films and TV shows for the next decade.
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