David Corenswet—tall, striking, with a smile that could thaw the iciest of hearts—is on the cusp of donning the iconic red boots of Superman. The actor is stepping into a role that many actors would give an arm and a leg for—Clark Kent. And while countless renditions of this character have graced the screen, Corenswet’s take, under the sharp eye of James Gunn and Peter Safran, promises something unique.
Gone are the brooding shadows and grim intensity; the new Superman is a beacon of hope, compassion, and… a whole lot of charm.
David Corenswet as Superman | Credits: Instagram @jamesgunn
But who is David Corenswet? Where did he come from? Is he just another handsome face in Hollywood’s crowded scene, or does he have the chops to elevate the Superman legacy to unprecedented heights? That being said, are you ready to meet the man behind the cape? Hold tight, because here are five things you probably didn’t know about the new face of the Man of Steel.
David Corenswet has already worked with Hollywood’s elites
When David Corenswet first set foot in Hollywood, it was like a quiet storm gathering momentum—his face already evoking comparisons to past cinematic icons & his ambition blazing like a beacon.
In his own words, the actor once confessed (via Entertainment Weekly), “My pie-in-the-sky ambition is definitely to play Superman,”. And just like that, Corenswet’s journey from an up-and-comer to the new face of Superman feels less like luck and more like destiny.
His rise has been nothing short of exhilarating. In what feels like the blink of an eye, the actor has already shared the screen with Hollywood’s finest. Much of his breakthrough came courtesy of Ryan Murphy, whose creative influence gave Corenswet pivotal roles in The Politician and Hollywood. There, he rubbed shoulders with icons like Jessica Lange, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jeremy Pope.
But it’s not just the star-studded projects that have highlighted Corenswet’s range. He also left a mark in Pearl (2022), a visceral horror-thriller where he played The Projectionist, entangled in Mia Goth’s unhinged performance. Pearl was a critical success, boasting a gorgeous 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Corenswet’s talent didn’t go unnoticed. The same year, the actor took on a standout role in We Own This City, an intense HBO drama that delved into the corruption within the Baltimore Police Department. The show struck a chord with both critics and audiences, scoring a solid 93% on Rotten Tomatoes.
His role in Alma Har’el’s Lady in the Lake, based on Laura Lippman’s bestselling novel, was another milestone. Set in 1960s Baltimore, the series also features Natalie Portman and Moses Ingram.
David Corenswet is a Philadelphia native with big dreams
David Corenswet in a still from Pearl (2022) | Credits: A24, Universal Pictures
Some are born to blend in, others to stand out. David Corenswet, at 6’4″—the tallest Superman actor in DC’s 37-year history—was never destined for the former. Raised in Philadelphia, he wasn’t just waiting for his big break—he was actively creating it.
Corenswet’s journey started far from the beautiful lights of Los Angeles. Growing up in Philadelphia, he was involved in everything from regional theater to forming a cappella group called Three Card Monte in high school. He even produced and starred in a YouTube series called Moe & Jerryweather.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting—Corenswet isn’t just another actor playing Superman. His heritage—specifically his Jewish background (via The Times of Israel)—adds a layer of depth that makes his version of Clark Kent stand apart.
Superman’s creators, Jerry Siegel, and Joe Shuster, were both the children of Jewish immigrants. And while Superman’s Jewish roots have never been front and center in the comics, Corenswet brings something authentic to the table.
Also, did we mention that Corenswet’s father, John Corenswet, certainly didn’t take the typical route to success? Originally gracing the stage as an actor, John Corenswet was no stranger to the spotlight. But like many with a knack for the dramatic, he decided to trade in his actor’s script for a lawyer’s briefcase (via Marca).
David Corenswet has never dreamed of ‘being an actor’?
People don’t take risks to become famous; they take risks to do something that matters. This line perfectly captures David Corenswet’s ethos. Fame is a byproduct of his craft, not the driving force. For the actor, the journey has always been about creating meaningful, resonant work, not basking in the limelight.
In a candid interview with MTV (via Yahoo), Corenswet admitted he didn’t dream of being an actor, despite his father’s career in theater. It’s proof that for him, the passion for the craft, not the fame, has always been the priority. I didn’t have a dream of being an actor, even though my dad was a theater actor for many years. When I auditioned for my first play in Philadelphia when I was nine, he knew the territory a little bit.
David Corenswet and Mia Goth in Pearl (2022) | Credit: A24
His first stage experience came at the age of nine when he auditioned for his first play in Philadelphia. Raised by parents with a clear love for classic films, Corenswet’s early life was steeped in the golden age of cinema. He further shared: My mom and dad raised us watching a bunch of old movies.
It’s safe to say that Corenswet’s days of anonymity are quickly coming to an end now that he has been cast as one of the most famous characters in pop culture history: Superman. But before Corenswet became the face of the iconic superhero, he had a very different kind of reality. In fact, while speaking to Magazine C, Corenswet joked about his relatively low profile, saying: I can’t even get [my] mom on the phone half the time.
Superman trailer on YouTube | Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Corenswet has never been one to buy into the hype surrounding himself. When he had to portray a bad actor in Hollywood (a role that might have been embarrassing for others), he embraced it fully, sharing with Entertainment Weekly: The highest compliment I could possibly get is that my bad acting is believably bad.
And what about his personal life? For those hoping to snag Superman, sorry to burst your bubble—he’s already taken! So, go ahead and cry into your pillow for the next five minutes—because Corenswet has been married to Julia Best Warner since 2023.
David Corenswet’s simple dream: A big dog for wrestling and a travel pup
Well, sometimes the simplest things bring the most happiness. Amid the hustle and bustle of Hollywood’s bright lights, David Corenswet’s wish couldn’t be simpler: he just wanted a dog. Not just any dog, mind you—a big dog for wrestling and one smaller companion for long flights. He confessed in a 2019 interview with Suburban Life Magazine: I hope I end up with a dog. A big dog for wrestling, and one travel-sized dog for long flights.
And speaking of dogs—his own four-legged companion, Ira, has become a star in his own right. The internet went wild when Superman director James Gunn shared a photo of Ira in the director’s chair, joking about the puppy’s potential to steal the show.
Also, the latest Superman trailer offers a truly epic twist, not just in its depiction of the Man of Steel, but in the unexpected inclusion of a super canine companion that steals the spotlight. Krypto, often seen as Superman’s friend in the comics, gets a proper moment to shine on screen, not just as a pet but as an integral, cape-wearing partner.
David Corenswet has the endorsement of two former Supermen
Tyler Hoechlin as Superman in Superman & Lois | Credits: The CW
When it comes to Superman, the mantle of the Man of Steel has been passed down through generations of actors, each leaving behind their own distinct legacy. From Christopher Reeve’s iconic portrayal to Henry Cavill’s darker, more conflicted version, fans have been lucky to witness a variety of takes on the character. And now, it’s time for the next chapter in Superman’s saga, with David Corenswet stepping into the role under the direction of James Gunn.
The most exciting part? Two previous Supermen actors have already given their enthusiastic endorsement.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Tyler Hoechlin, who has donned the cape in Superman & Lois, expressed his confidence in Corenswet’s talent, saying:
I’m sure he’s gonna do a great job. He actually did [a] really nice letter as we were wrapping up, so that was really lovely of him to do. But yeah, I wish him the best, and I have no doubt that they are gonna do great.
In addition to Hoechlin, Brandon Routh—who portrayed the iconic superhero in Superman Returns—also took a moment to weigh in on the new casting. Reflecting on his own experience as Superman, Routh emphasized the multi-faceted nature of the role. He noted (via Rama’s Screen):
There are many layers to the character of Superman. There’s the role itself and presenting it on TV or film, and then there’s something you don’t fully experience until you’ve been the guy—it’s a whole other responsibility that exists.
Brandon Routh as Superman in a still from Superman Returns | Warner Bros., DC Studios
While Routh hasn’t met Corenswet personally, he expressed his belief in the actor’s potential, stating: I know he’ll embrace that and help Superman continue to be a guiding light.
With the approval of both Hoechlin and Routh, Corenswet is stepping into a role surrounded by optimism and excitement. We can’t wait to see how he’ll put his own spin on the iconic character, especially with Gunn’s film promising to chart a fresh, brighter path for the legendary hero.
The film features an all-star lineup including Edi Gathegi, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Anthony Carrigan, María Gabriela de Faría, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Wendell Pierce, Alan Tudyk, Sara Sampaio, Pruitt Taylor Vince, and Neva Howell.
In this thrilling new take, Superman’s journey to reconcile his alien roots with his human family takes center stage—because even a Man of Steel has to figure out where he fits in this crazy, mixed-up world!
Superman will be hitting theaters on July 11, 2025.
