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The New Man Of Steel: Everything You Need To Know About David Corenswet As Superman In James Gunn’s DCU

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The question "who is playing Superman" has finally been answered, ushering in a brand new era for the legendary hero in the DC Universe (DCU). After months of intense speculation and a highly secretive casting process, filmmaker James Gunn, the co-CEO of DC Studios, officially selected actor David Corenswet to take on the mantle of the Man of Steel in the upcoming film, Superman: Legacy, which is currently scheduled for a July 11, 2025, release date. This casting decision marks the true beginning of Gunn's new DCU, moving past the previous cinematic iterations and introducing a fresh, unique, and deeply moral version of Clark Kent/Kal-El to a global audience. The excitement surrounding Corenswet’s casting, alongside Emmy winner Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, signals a return to a more traditional, optimistic, and compassionate portrayal of the character, balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his Kansas upbringing. The film is one of the most anticipated superhero projects of the current year, promising a new foundation for the entire DC cinematic slate.

The selection of David Corenswet is particularly notable as it fulfills a long-standing fan desire for an actor who physically resembles the classic comic book depiction of the hero, while also possessing the dramatic depth required for the role. Born in Philadelphia and a graduate of the prestigious Juilliard School, Corenswet has already garnered critical acclaim for his performances in popular Netflix series like The Politician and Hollywood. As of the current date, December 22, 2025, production is in full swing, with set photos and official announcements continually fueling the hype for what is being called a complete cinematic reset for the Last Son of Krypton. This article dives deep into the new Superman, his supporting cast, and the fresh direction James Gunn is taking with the DCU’s flagship hero.

David Corenswet: Biography and Key Filmography

The choice of David Corenswet as the new Superman was a deliberate move by James Gunn to cast an actor who embodies the classic, wholesome look of Clark Kent while possessing the gravitas to portray the superhero Kal-El. His background as a trained stage and screen actor provides a strong foundation for this career-defining role.

David Corenswet Full Profile:

  • Full Name: David Packard Corenswet
  • Date of Birth: July 8, 1993
  • Age: 32 (as of the film's scheduled release)
  • Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
  • Education: Juilliard School (Drama Division, graduated 2016)
  • Height: Approximately 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m), closely matching the towering presence of Superman.
  • Early Career: Began stage acting at the age of nine, inspired by his father, a former New York theater actor.

Notable Roles Before Superman:

  • The Politician (2019): His breakthrough role as River Barkley, the charismatic and troubled high school politician on the Netflix series created by Ryan Murphy.
  • Hollywood (2020): Played Jack Castello, an aspiring actor in post-World War II Hollywood, another major role in a Ryan Murphy production.
  • We Own This City (2022): Portrayed David McDougall, a federal prosecutor, in the HBO miniseries.
  • Look Both Ways (2022): Starred as Jake in the Netflix romantic comedy.
  • Twisters (2024): Starred in the disaster film, showcasing his range in a major studio project just before his Superman debut.

Corenswet’s casting has drawn comparisons to the original Superman actor, Christopher Reeve, due to his striking resemblance, height, and chiseled features. Furthermore, Corenswet had previously expressed an ambition to play Superman, stating in a 2019 interview that he would love to see a new version of the character that is "very bright and optimistic." This stated intention aligns perfectly with James Gunn’s vision for the character in the DCU.

The Fresh Direction: What James Gunn’s Superman Will Be

Superman: Legacy is not an origin story, but rather a film that will focus on Clark Kent as a young adult who is already operating as Superman. Director and writer James Gunn has clarified that the movie will center on Superman's journey to reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing in Smallville, Kansas.

The core intention is to present a "more traditional version of the hero" that emphasizes his morality, kindness, and inherent goodness—traits that have been central to the character for decades but were sometimes sidelined in previous cinematic portrayals. The film's synopsis describes Clark as a "cub reporter in Metropolis" embarking on this pivotal journey of self-discovery.

This fresh approach is meant to establish the tone for the entire new DCU, which Gunn has dubbed "Chapter One: Gods and Monsters." Superman, as the first hero in this new continuity, will be the moral compass and the heart of the franchise. The narrative will explore the complex balance between his alien status as Kal-El and his human identity as Clark Kent, a theme that resonates deeply with the character's enduring legacy.

The Full Confirmed Cast and The New Justice League Setup

One of the most exciting aspects of Superman: Legacy is the sheer number of established DC heroes and villains confirmed to appear, which immediately establishes a wider, interconnected cinematic universe. This is a significant departure from previous DC films, which often introduced characters in isolation. The film will feature a blend of classic Metropolis characters and members of the superhero team The Authority.

The confirmed cast is a powerful ensemble of rising stars and established talent, ensuring topical authority for the new DCU.

Key Confirmed Cast and Characters:

  • David Corenswet as Clark Kent / Superman / Kal-El
  • Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, the intrepid reporter for the Daily Planet.
  • Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Superman's arch-nemesis. Hoult is known for his roles in Mad Max: Fury Road and The Great.
  • Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, the photographer and friend to Clark and Lois at the Daily Planet.
  • Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, a winged hero and member of the Justice League-adjacent team, The Authority.
  • Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific (Michael Holt), one of the world's most intelligent men and a superhero.
  • Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho (Rex Mason), a hero with the ability to change his body into various chemical compounds.
  • Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner / Green Lantern, a member of the Green Lantern Corps.
  • María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer (Angela Spica), a villain/anti-hero whose body is merged with liquid nanotechnology.

The inclusion of heroes like Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, Metamorpho, and a Green Lantern (Guy Gardner) is a clear signal that Superman: Legacy is not just a solo film. It is a foundational movie that immediately integrates Superman into a world already populated with other super-powered individuals. The presence of Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, ensures a classic battle of wits, while the confirmed appearance of The Engineer suggests a modern, high-tech threat that will challenge Superman's morality and power.

The Legacy of Superman: Why This Casting Matters

The choice of David Corenswet is more than just selecting an actor; it is a statement about the new DCU's core identity. For years, fans debated the tone of the Superman character—whether he should be a brooding, serious figure or a beacon of hope. James Gunn has made it clear that this version will embrace the latter, focusing on the optimism and moral clarity that has defined Superman since his creation by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

Corenswet's relative newness to major blockbuster cinema gives him a clean slate, allowing him to define the character for a new generation without the baggage of previous portrayals. His past performances, particularly in Ryan Murphy’s dramas, demonstrate an ability to convey both earnestness and a deep internal struggle, which will be essential for portraying Clark Kent as he navigates his dual life. The narrative of Superman: Legacy, which emphasizes the hero's struggle to unite his two identities, promises a film that is character-driven and emotionally resonant.

The film is poised to be the cornerstone of the DCU's "Gods and Monsters" chapter, setting a high bar for all subsequent projects. With a confirmed release date, a full and exciting cast, and a clear creative vision from James Gunn, David Corenswet’s debut as the Man of Steel is arguably the most anticipated superhero event of 2025, promising a fresh and unique take on the world’s most iconic superhero.

The New Man of Steel: Everything You Need to Know About David Corenswet as Superman in James Gunn’s DCU
who is playing superman
who is playing superman

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