With James Gunn’s Superman (2025) coming to theatres today, moviegoers will witness history as they see David Corenswet don the red cape and tights. In celebration of this, we will be giving a brief guide to every Superman actor who has appeared on film and TV.
Superman has been appearing on screen for over 70 years, with multiple actors who have taken the role. Though some are more remembered than others taking on the mantle of such an iconic hero is a momentous occasion. Every Superman actor has brought something unique to the role, whether it be younger versions of the hero or showing more darker sides.
The creation and origin of Superman
Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1928, Superman first appeared in Action Comics #1. Superman was born on the alien planet of Kyrpton as Kal-El, and sent to earth by his parents as his planet destroyed. On earth he was adopted and raised in the fictional town of Smallville, Kansas by Jonathan and Martha Kent and lived under his alter-ego Clark Kent.
Later in his adult life, he would join the Daily Planet as a reporter and meet Lois Lane who would go on to be his lover. Vowing to be a symbol of hope and peace and protecting the American way, Superman would fight earthly and otherworldly threats in the comic and would go on to be a founding member of The Justice League.
When it comes to fictional icons, beyond even Superheroes, it’s hard to deny Superman’s legacy. That is the reason why any actor to take on the role is bound to make headlines. And just like with actors who have played James Bond, every Superman actor’s career has been defined by the character.
Here is a guide to every Superman actor
Kirk Alyn (1948 -1950)
Superman was first played by Kirk Alyn in the 1948 film serial series Superman. The film serial was split into 15 parts and aimed for children. Due to it’s success it spawned a sequel, Atom Man vs. Superman in 1950. Alyn was known for playing the dual nature between Kent and Superman, clearly distinguishing the two characters apart.
George Reeves (1951 – 1958)
Reeves took on the role in Superman and the Mole Man in 1951. The film was actually a low-budget production meant to promote The Adventures of Superman TV series which Reeves would star in from 1951 to 1958. Reeves helped to define the heroism of Superman, and helped to promote the caped hero to the general American audience. The role of Superman would go on to affect Reeves public appearances, causing to quite smoking and act more friendly to kids. At age 45 Reeves wanted to quit playing, not expressing interest to play him again in a stage show. He sadly died in 1959 through a gunshot.
Christopher Reeves (1978 – 1987)
Though two actors had put on the cape before him, Christopher Reeves defined the character of Superman on the big screen. Many consider him as the definitive portrayal of Superman, akin to Sean Connery‘s James Bond. Reeves played Superman in the 1978 film which was a big blockbuster for a time when superhero movies weren’t common. Reeves portrayal of Superman made the path for more heroes to come like Tim Burton’s Batman and Sam Raimi’s Spiderman.
The quintessential hero, Reeves portrayed Clark Kent and Superman with charm, grace, and charisma that melted the hearts of movie-goers. The role made Reeves an Hollywood star would continue with three more sequels until a tragic horse riding accident would leave him paralyzed till his death until 2004.
Dean Cain (1993 – 1997)
Picking up the mantle from Reeves on the small screen was Dean Cain, who played Superman in Lois and Clark. The first series to focus on the relationship between Kent and Lane, the series was popular for a short four season run until 1997. Playing up more of the romantic will-they-won’t-they aspects of the relationship, the series made Lane unaware that Kent was Superman which kept audiences on their toes.
Tom Welling (2001 – 2011)
To many growing up in to 2000s Smallville was a moment in time not to be forgotten. Focusing on Kent’s small town life growing up before he became Superman, the series played into the high school drama tropes that were popular during the early 2000s. Tom Welling played a young Clark Kent, still figuring out how to be a superhero and what exactly to do with his powers. Welling played up the angsty conflict within a growing Kent and gave an intensity to his performance that audiences remember till today.
Brandon Routh (2006)
Brandon Routh played Superman in the 2006 film Superman Returns which was met with mostly positive reviews. The film was directed by X-Men director Bryan Singer and was perceived as more slower paced film with a 154 minute runtime. Routh portrayed the more sensitive and vulnerable sides of Superman and made him more relatable to the everyman. However, some critics point out that his portrayal lacked the charm of Reeves. All things considered it wasn’t easy for any film to follow-up the Reeves film series.
Henry Cavill (2013 – 2022)
The most recent and popular actor to have donned the cape and skipped the trunks, Henry Cavill took flight in Zack Snyder’s 2013 film Man of Steel. Known as the more darker and brooding Superman, Cavill did portray the alien almost god-like powers of Superman. He also brought out the inner turmoil of Superman dealing with the evil of the world. Cavill’s Superman is probably one of the most popular right next to Reeves. An impressive feat for the first English actor to play the superhero. After playing Superman in Batman v Superman and Justice League, many fans were asking for a solo sequel to Man of Steel. Sadly, after Gunn took over the DC films, Cavill announced his departure from the role and hung his cape for the next actor to wear. (Now, will he pick up a martini and tuxedo next?)
Tyler Hoechlin (2021 – 2024)
Playing Superman in the CW universe which existed within shows like Supergirl, Arrow, and The Flash was Tyler Hoechlin. First appearing in Supergirl before appearing in his own show Superman & Lois, Hoechlin was beloved by a niche group of fans for his ‘bigger brother’ version of Superman to Supergirl. Hoechlin appeared as brighter and charming version of Superman that was a refreshing change from Cavill’s brooding. Superman & Lois would air it’s series finale in 2024, alongside the end of the CW DC universe.
David Corenswet (2025 – Present)
The latest actor to take on the role in James Gunn’s Superman, David Corenswet will be the next actor to take on the alien superhero on the big screen after Cavill. A relative unknown actor who appeared in Twisters and Hollywood, people were not sure what to expect from Corenswet. It’s certainly no easy task for every Superman actor following Cavill, but early reviewers have praised his brighter portrayal of Superman. You can see him as Superman in cinemas now.
Bonus: Nicolas Cage
Yes, the Nicolas Cage was set to become Superman in Tim Burton’s version called Superman Lives. From 1996 to 1998, Burton was set to reboot the Superman film series with an adaptation of The Death of Superman storyline. Cage’s Superman was reportedly not able to fly and was to fight a giant spider for the film’s finale. The project was shut down in April 1998, just three weeks before filming. Cage’s Superman would make his film debut in a cameo in Ezra Miller’s The Flash film.
(Hero and feature image credit: Warner Bros)
