The New Man Of Steel: Everything You Need To Know About David Corenswet, The Actor Who Plays Superman Now

The question of "who plays Superman" has an exciting and definitive answer today, December 15, 2025, as the DC Universe (DCU) prepares for its highly anticipated reboot. The new Man of Steel set to soar onto the big screen is the American actor David Corenswet, who will star in director James Gunn’s upcoming film, *Superman* (2025).

Corenswet's casting marks a pivotal moment, ushering in a fresh, optimistic era for the iconic superhero following the conclusion of the previous DC Extended Universe (DCEU) iteration led by Henry Cavill. This article provides a deep dive into the new Clark Kent, the full cast of the DCU reboot, and a look at the other actors who have recently worn the famous cape across film and television.

David Corenswet: Full Biography and Profile

David Corenswet is the actor chosen to embody the dual role of Clark Kent and his Kryptonian alter ego, Superman, in the new DC Universe. His selection by James Gunn was a major news event, signaling a fresh start for the beloved character.

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• Full Name: David Packard Corenswet
• Date of Birth: July 8, 1993
• Age (as of 2025): 32
• Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Height: Approximately 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
• Education: Juilliard School (Drama Division, Group 45, graduated 2016)
• Notable Pre-Superman Roles:
  • *The Politician* (2019-2020) as River Barkley
  • *Hollywood* (2020) as Jack Castello
  • *We Own This City* (2022) as David McDougall
  • *Pearl* (2022) as The Projectionist
  • *Twisters* (2024) as Scott
• Family Background: His father, John Corenswet, was a former stage actor turned lawyer, and his mother, Caroline Corenswet, is an environmental lawyer. This background provided an early exposure to both the law and the performing arts.
• Casting Detail: Corenswet was officially cast in June 2023, following a rigorous audition process.

The new DCU Superman actor has already articulated his vision for the role, which aligns perfectly with director James Gunn's stated goal of a brighter tone. Corenswet has expressed that he wants to bring an "optimistic" and "bright" energy to the Man of Steel, a deliberate tonal shift from the often brooding portrayal in the DCEU.

Fans have noted Corenswet's physical resemblance to classic Superman portrayers like Christopher Reeve, particularly his height and classic leading-man looks. His commitment to bulking up for the role has been documented in recent images, showing his dedication to the physical demands of playing Kal-El.

The New Era: The Full Cast of James Gunn’s Superman (2025)

The upcoming film, titled simply *Superman*, is not an origin story but will focus on Clark Kent balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human life in Metropolis, where he works as a reporter. The casting surrounding Corenswet is a who's who of rising stars and established talent, creating a new foundation for the DC Universe (DCU). This ensemble cast is crucial for building the topical authority and interconnected world that James Gunn and Peter Safran are aiming for.

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Key Cast Members and DCU Entities:

• David Corenswet as Clark Kent / Superman
• Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane: Known for her Emmy-winning role in *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel*, Brosnahan brings a sharp, witty energy to the Daily Planet’s star reporter.
• Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor: The highly-regarded British actor, previously known for *Mad Max: Fury Road* and *The Great*, takes on Superman’s arch-nemesis, promising a compelling and complex villain.
• Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen: The *Booksmart* and *The Righteous Gemstones* actor plays the Daily Planet photographer and Clark Kent’s best friend.
• Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific (Michael Holt): A highly intelligent superhero and one of the world's greatest minds, Gathegi's casting expands the superhero roster beyond the main Trinity.
• Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner / Green Lantern: Fillion, a long-time collaborator of James Gunn, is set to play the polarizing and often abrasive member of the Green Lantern Corps.
• Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl: A winged warrior and a key member of the Justice Society of America.
• Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho (Rex Mason): A founding member of the Outsiders who can transform his body into various chemical compounds.
• Milly Alcock as Supergirl (Kara Zor-El): While she may not have a major role in *Superman* (2025), the *House of the Dragon* star has been cast as the DCU's Supergirl, securing another major entity for the future of the franchise.

The inclusion of so many established DC Comics characters—including heroes like Mr. Terrific, Green Lantern, and Hawkgirl—in the debut film highlights the DCU’s intention to be an immediately expansive and interconnected universe, moving far beyond traditional Superman supporting characters. This approach is a clear differentiator from previous film attempts.

Beyond the DCU: Other Current and Recent Actors Who Played Superman

The Man of Steel is one of the most frequently adapted characters in history, meaning multiple actors often portray him simultaneously across different media. While David Corenswet is the new cinematic Superman, the role has been recently filled by other talented actors in live-action television and animation.

Tyler Hoechlin: The Arrowverse's Man of Steel

For fans of the small screen, the most recent and prominent live-action Superman was Tyler Hoechlin. Hoechlin first appeared as Clark Kent in the CW's *Supergirl* in 2016 and later became the lead in the highly acclaimed series *Superman & Lois*, which concluded its run earlier this year.

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Hoechlin’s portrayal was praised for focusing on Clark Kent as a father and a husband, offering a more mature, family-oriented take on the hero. The show was a successful, self-contained story separate from the DCEU and the new DCU, showcasing the versatility of the Superman character.

Henry Cavill: The Predecessor

No discussion of the current Superman actor is complete without mentioning Henry Cavill. The British actor defined the character for a generation, starring in *Man of Steel* (2013), *Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice* (2016), and *Justice League* (2017/2021). Cavill’s Superman was known for his darker, more conflicted tone and his massive physical presence, setting a high bar for the Man of Steel’s cinematic look. His departure paved the way for the DCU reboot and David Corenswet’s casting.

A Legacy of Live-Action Supermen:

The role of Clark Kent has been passed down through decades, creating a rich legacy that Corenswet is now joining. These actors are integral to the character's history and topical authority:

• Christopher Reeve: The definitive classic movie Superman, starring in *Superman* (1978) and three sequels.
• Brandon Routh: Played the hero in *Superman Returns* (2006) and reprised the role for the Arrowverse crossover event *Crisis on Infinite Earths* (2019).
• Tom Welling: Portrayed a young Clark Kent in the long-running television series *Smallville* (2001–2011).
• Dean Cain: Starred as the hero in the popular 1990s series *Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman*.
• George Reeves: The first major television Superman in *Adventures of Superman* (1952–1958).

David Corenswet's challenge is to honor this extensive legacy while forging a new path for the DCU. His focus on a "bright and optimistic" Superman suggests a return to the character's core values—hope, truth, and justice—that were first championed by actors like Christopher Reeve. As production ramps up for the 2025 release, all eyes are on Corenswet to see how he embodies the most iconic superhero in the world.