The question of "Who is playing Superman?" has officially been answered, ushering in a brand new era for the iconic hero and the entire DC Universe. As of late 2025, the actor donning the iconic red cape is David Corenswet, a rising Hollywood star known for his roles in acclaimed television series. This highly-anticipated film, simply titled Superman (formerly known as Superman: Legacy), is not just a reboot; it is the foundational cornerstone of the new DC Universe (DCU), overseen by co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran.
The new movie, scheduled for release on July 11, 2025, promises a fresh take on the Man of Steel, focusing on a younger Clark Kent who is balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human life as a reporter in Metropolis. The casting of David Corenswet marks a definitive departure from the previous Snyderverse iteration, setting the stage for a new, cohesive, and expansive cinematic future.
The Next Man of Steel: David Corenswet’s Complete Biography and Profile
The selection of David Corenswet for the role of Superman/Clark Kent was a meticulous process led by director James Gunn, who sought an actor capable of embodying both the superhero's inherent goodness and the mild-mannered charm of his alter ego. Corenswet’s casting was announced in June 2023, instantly propelling him into global superstardom.
Born David Packard Corenswet on July 8, 1993, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the actor’s roots are deeply connected to the arts. His father, John Corenswet, was a lawyer and former stage actor, while his mother is a lawyer. This background gave him an early exposure to performance.
Corenswet pursued a formal education in acting, graduating from the prestigious Juilliard School in 2016. Before landing the role of a lifetime, Corenswet built a strong resume with significant roles that showcased his range and leading man potential.
Notable Roles Before Superman:
- The Politician (2019): He gained early recognition playing River Barkley in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series.
- Hollywood (2020): He starred as Jack Castello in another Ryan Murphy production, a role that further highlighted his classic Hollywood look.
- We Own This City (2022): Corenswet took on the role of David McDougal in the acclaimed HBO limited series.
- Pearl (2022): He played The Projectionist in the horror film, demonstrating his versatility.
- Twisters (2024): A major blockbuster role alongside Daisy Edgar-Jones, solidifying his status as a cinematic leading man.
At 32 years old (as of late 2025), Corenswet’s age aligns perfectly with James Gunn’s vision for a Superman who is already established as a superhero but is still finding his way in the world, balancing his life as a hero and a journalist.
The Star-Studded Cast of James Gunn’s Superman (2025)
The film’s ensemble cast is packed with talent, signaling a major commitment to building a rich and interconnected DCU. The casting choices have generated immense excitement, particularly the selection of Emmy-winning actors for key roles.
The new film, directed and written by DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn, will feature a diverse lineup of characters, including not only the traditional Daily Planet staff but also several other DC superheroes and villains, firmly establishing the world of the DCU.
Key Confirmed Cast and Characters:
- David Corenswet as Superman / Kal-El / Clark Kent.
- Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane: The Emmy-winning star of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel takes on the iconic Daily Planet reporter.
- Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor: The British actor will portray Superman’s arch-nemesis, a role he reportedly won after a highly competitive audition process.
- Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen: The beloved Daily Planet photographer, adding a sense of youthful energy to the newsroom team.
- Wendell Pierce as Perry White: The veteran actor will play the tough but fair editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet.
- María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer / Angela Spica: A member of the superhero team The Authority, whose inclusion hints at future DCU crossovers.
- Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl / Kendra Saunders: A key DC hero whose presence confirms that Superman is not the only super-powered being in this world.
- Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific / Michael Holt: A genius inventor and superhero, further expanding the DCU's roster of heroes.
- Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner / Green Lantern: The fan-favorite actor will portray the abrasive but heroic Green Lantern from the Corps.
- Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho / Rex Mason: A hero with the power to change his body into any element.
- Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher and Terence Rosemore as Otis: Lex Luthor's classic henchmen, providing a nod to previous Superman films.
- Pruitt Taylor Vince as Jonathan Kent and Neva Howell as Martha Kent: Clark's adoptive parents, whose human values are central to his character.
The sheer number of major characters, including multiple heroes and villains, confirms that Superman (2025) is designed to be a launching pad for the entire interconnected DC Universe, not just a standalone Superman story.
The DCU’s New Beginning: Superman and ‘Chapter One: Gods and Monsters’
The film is the first theatrical release in the new DC Universe, which is officially titled "Chapter One: Gods and Monsters." This new era is a complete reboot, meaning it does not continue the storyline of the previous DC Extended Universe (DCEU) that featured Henry Cavill as Superman.
James Gunn has stated that the film will focus on Superman's journey to reconcile his Kryptonian noble heritage with his human upbringing in Smallville, Kansas. Unlike Man of Steel, this will not be a traditional origin story, as Clark Kent is already active as Superman and working as a reporter at the Daily Planet.
The inclusion of numerous other DC characters, such as Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, and a Green Lantern, is a deliberate choice. This is intended to establish a world where superheroes are not a new phenomenon, allowing the narrative to explore Superman's place among a diverse community of super-powered beings.
Key Themes and DCU Context:
- Balancing Identities: The core of the plot revolves around Clark Kent's struggle to balance his two lives—the alien Kal-El and the human Clark Kent.
- Established World: The story begins with a world that already has superheroes, allowing the film to skip the traditional origin story structure.
- The Authority Connection: The casting of The Engineer (Angela Spica) strongly suggests that the themes and characters from the upcoming DCU film The Authority will be introduced here, linking the cinematic universe immediately.
- Foundation of the DCU: As the first film of "Chapter One: Gods and Monsters," Superman is tasked with setting the tone—a blend of classic superhero mythology with James Gunn's signature humor and heart.
The new direction, spearheaded by David Corenswet, signals a brighter, more optimistic version of the hero, one that fans have been eager to see. With production underway and a confirmed release date of July 11, 2025, anticipation for this new era of the Man of Steel is reaching a fever pitch.
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