From Kirk Alyn To David Corenswet: The 9 Actors Who Have Worn The Superman Cape In Live-Action And Their Latest Updates

The role of Superman, the Man of Steel, is one of the most iconic and challenging in cinematic history, a coveted mantle that has been passed down through generations of actors. As of December 2025, the spotlight is firmly on the newest iteration of the Kryptonian hero, David Corenswet, who is set to star in James Gunn’s reboot, Superman (2025). This article provides a definitive, up-to-date look at the nine major actors who have donned the red and blue cape in live-action film and television, exploring their unique contributions and the latest news surrounding their careers.

The saga of Clark Kent, from the Golden Age of comics to the modern DC Universe (DCU), is defined by the men who brought him to life. Each actor has left an indelible mark, facing the dual challenge of portraying the mild-mannered reporter and the invincible alien savior. Their stories are a fascinating blend of Hollywood history, personal triumphs, and the enduring power of the world’s first superhero.

The Definitive Live-Action Lineup: From Serials to the DCU

The following list details the key actors who have portrayed Superman/Clark Kent in major live-action film and television productions, including their main projects and biographical profiles.

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• Kirk Alyn (1948–1950): The First Man of Steel
• George Reeves (1951–1958): The Television Icon
• Christopher Reeve (1978–1987): The Cinematic Standard
• Dean Cain (1993–1997): The Romantic Reporter
• Tom Welling (2001–2011): The Smallville Star
• Brandon Routh (2006, 2019): The Legacy Sequel
• Henry Cavill (2013–2023): The DCEU Man of Steel
• Tyler Hoechlin (2016–2024): The Arrowverse Hero
• David Corenswet (2025–Present): The New DCU Era

Kirk Alyn: The Original Screen Superman

Biography: Born John Feggo Jr. on October 8, 1910, in Oxford, New Jersey, Kirk Alyn was an American actor who began his career in New York before moving to Hollywood. He is best known for being the first actor to portray Superman on screen.

Key Project: Alyn starred in the 15-chapter 1948 Columbia serial Superman and its 1950 sequel, Atom Man vs. Superman. Interestingly, Alyn was never shown flying; instead, a cartoon animation was used for the flying sequences.

George Reeves: The Television Pioneer

Biography: George Reeves (born George Keefer Brewer on January 5, 1914, in Woolstock, Iowa) became a household name for his portrayal of Clark Kent. His career tragically ended with his death in 1959, which remains a subject of speculation and mystery.

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Key Project: Reeves starred in the highly popular television series Adventures of Superman, which debuted in 1951 and ran for six seasons. His portrayal established the template for the kind, paternal, and slightly goofy Clark Kent.

Christopher Reeve: The Definitive Man of Tomorrow

Biography: Christopher Reeve played Superman in four major films, more than any other actor. He tragically suffered a horseback riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed, after which he became a passionate advocate for spinal cord injury research through the Christopher Reeve Foundation.

Key Projects: Superman (1978), Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983), and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987). Director Richard Donner was initially dead-set on casting an unknown, despite interest from big names like Sylvester Stallone. Reeve had to bulk up significantly for the role.

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Dean Cain: The Romantic Superman

Biography: Born in 1966, Dean Cain brought a more romantic and relationship-focused dynamic to the role, balancing his duties as Superman with his developing romance with Lois Lane.

Key Project: Cain starred as Clark Kent/Superman in the popular ABC series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman from 1993 to 1997. Cain has recently remained in the news, expressing reservations about the direction of the new DC films and announcing his membership with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Tom Welling: The Smallville Icon

Biography: Tom Welling portrayed a young Clark Kent navigating his powers and destiny in Smallville, Kansas. His ten-season run is one of the longest for any live-action superhero actor.

Key Project: Smallville (2001–2011). Welling was famously hesitant to wear the full Superman suit until the very end of the series. He later reprised his role alongside other Superman actors in the Arrowverse crossover "Crisis on Infinite Earths."

The Modern Era: From DCEU to The Arrowverse

The 21st century saw the Man of Steel split across multiple cinematic and television universes, creating a complex but rich tapestry of portrayals.

Brandon Routh: The Superman Returns and Multiverse Hero

Biography: Hailing from Iowa, Brandon Routh had the Midwestern charm that made him a perfect fit for the role. He is one of the few actors to play two major DC heroes, also portraying The Atom in the Arrowverse.

Key Projects: Routh earned international fame for his portrayal of Superman in Superman Returns (2006), a soft sequel to the Christopher Reeve films. He later returned to the cape for the 2019 "Crisis on Infinite Earths" crossover, portraying an older, more tragic version of the hero.

Henry Cavill: The Man of Steel and DCEU Anchor

Biography: Henry Cavill debuted as Superman in 2013 and became the face of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). His tenure was marked by a darker, more serious take on the character, often referred to as the "Snyder-verse" Superman.

Key Projects: Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Justice League (2017/2021). Cavill's return was briefly announced after a cameo in Black Adam, only to be reversed when James Gunn and Peter Safran took over DC Studios, leading to the current reboot.

Latest Update: Post-Superman, Cavill has secured major roles, including starring in the third installment of Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon and taking on a leading role in a TV series based on the popular Warhammer franchise.

Tyler Hoechlin: The Family Man of Steel

Biography: Tyler Hoechlin has provided a consistent and wholesome portrayal of the character for a modern TV audience, focusing heavily on Clark Kent's role as a husband and father.

Key Project: Hoechlin first appeared as Superman in the series Supergirl and later anchored his own successful series, Superman & Lois (2021–2024), which exists within the broader CW/Arrowverse universe. His run, which is one of the most recent to conclude, emphasizes the emotional depth of the hero.

The New Era: David Corenswet and the Future of Krypton

The latest and most significant update in the Superman canon is the casting of a new actor to lead the revitalized DC Universe.

David Corenswet: The DCU’s Man of Tomorrow

Biography: Born July 8, 1993, David Corenswet is an American actor known for his roles in projects like The Politician and Twisters. He famously commented in 2019 about wanting to play Superman, wishing for a version that was "vulnerable and sweet" but also "really buff."

Key Project: Corenswet will star as Clark Kent/Superman in the upcoming film Superman (2025), directed by James Gunn. This film, formerly titled Superman: Legacy, marks the true beginning of the new DCU. The casting has generated significant buzz, with Corenswet having already had discussions with Will Reeve, the son of the late Christopher Reeve, about taking on the immense legacy of the role.

The continuous cycle of recasting and reinterpreting Superman reflects the character’s timeless nature. From Kirk Alyn's serial adventures to David Corenswet's upcoming debut, each actor has contributed a vital chapter to the legend of the Man of Steel. The transition from Henry Cavill to Corenswet signifies a new creative direction for DC Studios, promising a fresh take on the classic hero that fans eagerly await in 2025.