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Hollywood lost one of its most defining voices with the passing of Terence Stamp at age 87. Here’s the thing that’ll blow your mind: this legendary English actor didn’t just play one memorable Superman character; he played two completely opposite roles that somehow created the most fascinating character arc in superhero history.

Terence Stamp went from being the terrifying General Zod who made audiences tremble with his “kneel before Zod” command to becoming the compassionate voice of Jor-El, Superman’s Kryptonian father. Talk about a complete 180! This isn’t just actor versatility; it’s storytelling magic that proves sometimes the best plot twists happen in real life.

Revisiting Terence Stamp’s Role as General Zod Stills of Terence Stamp as General Zod | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

Let’s be real, when you think of General Zod, you’re probably hearing Terence Stamp’s voice in your head right now.

You won't find a comic book pairing more iconic than that of Superman and Lois Lane. You can look across all the realms and multiverses that DC Comics, Marvel Comics, and every other franchise has to offer, and you just won't find any. Oh sure, some have gotten close, but it's just impossible to match the absolute electricity that these two bring to the table.

The Man of Steel and the intrepid reporter have been one of DC's best double acts for close to a century. From the classic old days of Clark Kent and Lois Lane's sparring over the stories they both have to cover to their more modern, beloved workplace romance, fans have been falling head over heels for these two for decades. And it isn't hard to see why, for they have such a unique chemistry that makes them a formidable double act. Whether it's Clark's adorkable personality or Superman's confident heroism,...

Long before Christopher Reeve showed audiences that a man could fly, the cinematic legacy of Superman had already gotten a jump start from all forms of media. The strikingly fluid animation of the early '40s Max Fleischer cartoons made it feel as if you were watching an issue of "Superman" come to life. They were impressive feats for the time and, even today, still look pretty phenomenal, capturing the weight and scale of a powerful superhero living among the people. Later that same decade, Superman's first live-action appearances on the big screen arrived in the form of two serials ("Superman" and "Atom Man Vs. Superman"). Kirk Alyn, who largely went uncredited as the titular superhero, may have become an animated figure when it came to flying, but on the ground, people got to see an actual person in the suit. It would be two years after Alyn's last appearance as the Man of Steel,...

Up, up and away! This looks like a job for Superman’s agents.

After breaking out as “Superman” in the title role, David Corenswet has become Hollywood’s newest leading man. But for the 31-year-old actor, his newfound superhero stardom is also the town’s most notorious career trap.

Corenswet must quickly leverage his breakout role into the right projects before the cape starts to feel like an albatross around his neck. “Superman” has won over critics and fans and delivered a second strong week of box office returns, with Corenswet’s performance being singled out as a particular highlight. He brings Superman back to his boy scout roots and makes the man of steel vulnerable and relatable.

But the career trajectory for actors who have portrayed Superman has been largely abysmal.

If Corenswet doesn’t capitalize on his newfound high profile, he could fall prey to the same typecasting...

Although previously known for his work writing and directing all three Guardians of the Galaxymovies under the MCU banner, James Gunn’s latest project may go on to be his most important. Gunn is the sole writer and director of Superman, the first movie in the new Dcu after the Dceu concluded with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. In addition to writing and directing movies and TV shows, Gunn is also the co-ceo of the newly formed DC Studios with Peter Safran — Gunn controls the creative side of things while Safran makes the business decisions.

Collider’s Chris McPherson recently caught up with Superman experts Robert Greenberger and Edward Gross — who co-wrote the 400+ page Superman: The Definitive History — to talk about the release of James Gunn’s new Dcu movie. He asked what the most challenging part of adapting Superman is, be it on the big or small screen, live-action or animation,...

The Last Son of Krypton, the Man of Steel, the original superhero. Superman has been a part of the very fabric of pop-culture since he first arrived on the comic book scene in 1938 when he truly made people believe that a man could fly. It's no surprise that the awe, the wonder, and the hope that the DC Comics legend has inspired has lasted through the generations, entertaining audiences and readers around the world for almost a century.

We say "audiences" because, yes, the Man of Tomorrow has transcended his genre to become a movie legend, a TV legend, an animated legend, and a video game legend. There are so many fields that the hero has become a part of over the years (and so many more that we haven't mentioned) that it's hard to imagine what they all looked like without him. But that's just another clear example of...

Fans loved David Corenswet as the new Superman, but the iconic suit comes with its list of rules that one has to follow. And here’s a cautionary tale he might want to hear, straight from The Sopranos actor Tim Daly. The actor voiced Superman in the beloved Superman: The Animated Series, but when the follow-up show Justice League came around, he was nowhere to be seen.

Why? Well, it was all because of a joke that sounded funny in Daly’s head but sent Warner Bros. into a major panic. While being interviewed by Al Roker on Comic Book Central, the actor explained what it’s like voicing Superman, especially all the groans and grunts in fight scenes. Then he said:

Come to think of it, it’s a little disconcerting to think the children of America have a pretty good idea what I sound like in bed.

While...

Well, no one can deny that Superman is probably the most iconic superhero ever created, and he’s been captivating audiences for over eight decades now (that’s a long time). From his humble beginnings in comic books to becoming a global phenomenon on the big screen, the Man of Steel has been brought to life by some truly talented actors.

Each one has put their own spin on the Last Son of Krypton, and honestly, it’s fascinating to see how different generations have interpreted this timeless character. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about Superman’s cinematic journey, here’s your complete guide to every actor who’s worn that famous red cape in live-action films and major productions.

1. Kirk Alyn (1948-1950): The Trailblazing Pioneer Kirk Alyn as Superman | Credits: Columbia Pictures

Kirk Alyn deserves way more credit than he usually gets. This guy...

Arguably the most iconic superhero in the world is Superman, the flagship character of DC Comics created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938. A smash success with readers upon his debut, the Man of Steel was immediately adapted into other mediums, from radio and movie serials and among the earliest superhero television series. With that in mind, there have been a lot of actors to play Superman in live-action, beyond small cameos and one-off appearances. And just like the many live-action Batman actors, everyone has their own favorite who played the legendary superhero.

From the franchise's black-and-white days on film and television to its big-budget Hollywood blockbuster era, the coming of a live-action Superman still feels like an event. But as beloved as many of these interpretations of the classic characters are, some just clearly stand as superior compared to their counterparts. Without further ado, here is every live-action Superman actor ranked,...

Happy Superman Day! Today, the skies of cinema are looking bright. While the exhaustive search for the next Man of Steel concluded some time ago with the casting of David Corenswet in James Gunn’s upcoming Warner Bros. Superman, we can still celebrate the enduring legacy of the hero today. Rachel Brosnahan joins him in the role of the intrepid Lois Lane.

Corenswet has some big tights to fill in the role that has been played by a host of actors on film and TV, and radio.

The first Superman was voiced by veteran actor Bud Collyer on the Adventures of Superman radio show that aired from 1940 to 1951. Collyer was also the voice of Superman in the animated series Superman (1941-1943) and the New Adventures of Superman (1966-1970).

The first on-screen Clark Kent was Kirk Alyn in Superman (1948) and Atom Man vs. Superman (1950). George Reeves followed in Superman & the Mole Men...

This article contains spoilers for "Superman."

Superman, aka Kal-El of Krypton, aka Clark Kent of Metropolis and Smallville, Kansas, has existed as a pop culture figure for 87 years. His image, name, and origin story have become so ingrained in pop culture that he's achieved iconic status. His costume's "S" shield logo is instantly recognizable around the world, and while the character has enjoyed a variety of super powers throughout his long and complex history in the pages of comic books and on the big and small screens, everyone knows that Superman can fly and he stands for truth, justice, and the American way. Perhaps not necessarily the American way as it is, but the ideals that the country is supposed to represent.

While there are constants in his character ever since his creation by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938, there have been many more differences, as seen in the...

From Kirk Alyn to Henry Cavill – Here’s What Every Actor Earned For Playing Superman Before David Corenswet Took Flight(Photo Credit –Instagram)

Before David Corenswet debuted in James Gunn’s Superman, Henry Cavill had established himself as the DC superhero, having featured in Man of Steel in 2013.

Cavill later continued to play Superman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Justice League (2017). He even made a special appearance in Black Adam, which was released in 2022. However, his abrupt exit from the DC world left everyone disheartened.

Soon after his departure, James Gunn announced that David Corenswet would be the new Superman. Over the years, we have seen different actors wear the same cape and channel the powers of Superman. While Corenswet tries to sweep the audience with his charm, did you know how much the other actors earn from playing Superman from time to time? Scroll ahead.

How...

Superman has a long history. His first appearance was in Action Comics #1, 87 years ago. He's arguably the first superhero, though it's easy to get into complicated origins between things like Campbellian Monomyth, works like Philip Wylie's Gladiator, and costumed heroes like The Shadow and The Phantom.

That's even before we have arguments about popularisation and pop-cultural impact, figures like Hercules and Achilles are still making it to screens millennia later but they've not got a John Williams' theme that still stirs. Though if one does the arithmetic, Richard Donner's iteration has been around for more than half of the character's span. Thanks to accessibility, Christopher Reeve is probably still the actor most associated with the role, though Kirk Alyn was in the suit 30 years before him.

In what we'll label as James Gunn's Superman the last son of Krypton, Kal-El, Jimmy Olsen's pal, Louis...

Christopher Reeve's Superman rescued cats from trees. Now Superman's David Corenswet rescues dogs from kaijus.

Rotten Tomatoes shared a new clip for James Gunn's long-awaited Superman reboot, in which the Man of Steel steps in to catch a giant monster's foot before it steps on a dog. But instead of running from the monster, the dog continues to bark, forcing Superman to use super-breath to push it out of harm's way before launching a counterattack.

The clip was one of several dropped ahead of the movie's July release, with one focusing on Clark Kent's relationship with Daily Planet co-workers Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen and the other seeing him react to Krypto the Super-Dog's antics in the Fortress of Solitude. Superman's relationship with Krypto has been frequently highlighted in Superman's marketing campaign, with a previous clip seeing him interrogate Lex Luthor over his dog's whereabouts.

According to Gunn,...

Recently, Superman star David Corenswet opened up about donning the cape, revealing the downsides to wearing a supersuit. The actor makes his debut in the James Gunn-helmed film this July alongside Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult. Corenswet joins a long line of actors to play the Man of Steel, starting way back in the 1940s with Kirk Alyn up until the 2020s with Henry Cavill. Each Superman has had a distinct suit—with the notable exception of Tom Welling in Smallville—and these outfits come with some pitfalls.

Speaking with People, Corenswet revealed the most constricting part of wearing the suit: bathroom breaks. The actor explained: "There are lots of zippers, but there's no single zipper that allows me to go to the bathroom, which you would think would be quite straightforward, but nothing is straightforward about these things." According to Corenswet, tailoring the costume to make it more easily removable was cost-prohibitive.

Superman is an iconic superhero who has been portrayed by several actors, but in live-action projects, as well as voiceovers in animated films or series. Now, the new actor to play Clark Kent/ Kal-El is David Corenswet.

The actor is the person to take over from Henry Cavill, who was the face of Zack Snyder's DC Extended Universe between 2013's Man of Steel. Since Cavill was the most recent person to play the character, there have been some comparisons between him and Corenswet, especially since the Snyderverse continues to be extremely popular, even four years later. However, during an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Corenswet revealed there is another Superman actor he gets compared most with, and that is not Cavill.

Superman is one of the most iconic superheroes. The character is a staple in the genre and is arguably one of DC's biggest stars. While Corenswet is the newest Superman,...

Everyone has their favorite something: Favorite chocolate bar, movie-theater chain, restaurant, food; you name it, someone has it. But what about your favorite Superman? It may be odd to think about, given how momentous it feels every time someone gets cast as the Man of Steel, but there have actually been a lot of Clark Kents throughout the decades... like, a lot. 

Starting from the 1940s, the Big Blue Boy Scout has been a consistent presence in both television and film. Having so many iterations of the same character got me wondering something: What is the community's favorite live-action Superman? The iteration you felt best captured the Man of Steel. The actor you take one quick look at and proudly express to yourself, "Yes, that is my Superman."

As mentioned, there have been a lot of interpretations of the character. So, for those who need a refresher, below is a...

There is something wrong with Superman.

As the release date for the Man of Steel's latest cinematic adventure — James Gunn's Superman — approaches, I keep thinking about the Last Son of Krypton. Being a lifelong fan of the character, that isn't rare for me, but, an interesting fact keeps finding its way into my thoughts: Despite his cultural status, Clark Kent has rarely been a box office draw. It's strange to ponder, isn't it? One of the biggest... nay, the quintessential superhero, has usually struggled to gather enough audience interest to carry his multitple live-action entries into the realm of profitability.

His financial struggles are only part of the problem, however. An underlying issue has subtly plagued the hero throughout his storied Hollywood career; an issue that surfaced not long after his 1978 film delivered on the promise to make us believe a man could fly: His image. As strange as it may sound,...

As James Gunn's highly anticipated reimagining of "Superman" soon approaches, it's imperative to pay tribute to the many big screen incarnations of the DC superhero that paved the way for David Corenswet's arrival. We wouldn't be at this exciting new stage for the Man of Steel without George Reeves, Christopher Reeve, Brandon Routh, and Henry Cavill. While it would be easy to regale you with stories from their respective tenures, there's another actor absent from this incredible bunch that never quite got the flowers he deserved.

Theatergoers of the early '40s already had a taste of "Superman" with the stunning Fleischer cartoons, but in 1948, they received their first live-action glimpse of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster's creation in the form of the vaudevillian-trained Kirk Alyn.

The 15-part serial from Columbia Pictures and its 1950 follow-up "Atom Man Vs. Superman" saw Alyn play the Clark Kent/Superman dynamic...

You know what they say about fate, right? Sometimes you’re the hammer; sometimes you’re the nail. But for Henry Cavill, it seems like he’s managed to dodge the hammer altogether, especially when it comes to the infamous Superman curse. For decades, the role of the iconic Man of Steel has been a double-edged sword, slashing away at the careers of many actors who’ve donned the cape.

Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher | Credits: Little Schmidt

Yet, The Witcher star, the British heartthrob who’s faced more setbacks than most actors can handle, somehow seems to have sidestepped it all. And while many before him have struggled under the weight of the red cape, Cavill appears to have transformed the supposed curse into his blessing.

He may just be the one star who broke it—against all odds.

The Superman Curse that hangs over the cape

The Superman Curse,...

It doesn't get more timeless than the Man of Steel. Superman has been a fixture of the pop-culture landscape for almost a century, and you don't need to look too hard to see why. The first real superhero to ever grave the pages of comic books, Kal-El of Krypton is faster than both a locomotive and a speeding bullet, he can leap tall buildings in a single bound, and is stronger than steel itself.

Yet Superman's most enduring quality is the hopeful and triumphant nature of the character. In spite of the awful things that happen in the DC Universe, he never fails to see the hope for humanity, and he's pretty good at inspiring that hope, too. He's a beacon of light in a sometimes too dark world, showing us all that can we can better, we can better super in our ways.

But did we also mention that he's really strong?...

With less than five months to go until Superman hits theaters, writer-director James Gunn has shared a new look at the DC Universe movie. The image was taken exactly one year ago, on Feb. 28, 2024, a day before production officially began on the Superman reboot.

Gunn, who is also co-ceo of DC Studios, shared the throwback image on his social media platforms, including X. The image is a close look at Superman's red boots, which are shown standing in the Norwegian snow. "One year ago today. Longyearbyen, Svalbard. Faster than a speeding bullet toward July 11, 2025," Gunn captioned the post, which can be viewed below.

One year ago today. Longyearbyen, Svalbard. Faster than a speeding bullet toward July 11, 2025. #Supermanpic.twitter.com/3YaejQCLYw— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 28, 2025

Related'Don't Take It Personally': David Corenswet Responds to Fan Criticism and Expectations for His Superman

The actor acknowledged the role comes with a lot of pressure.

Quick Links The First Live-Action Superman TV Series Essentially Had Two Pilot Episodes Superman & Lois Is the Most Unique Adaptation of the Man of Steel's Story Yet Smallville Was a Revolutionary Television Series That Inspired All That Followed It Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Is One of the Best Stories

While all eyes are on the big-screen adaptations, some of the best Superman stories have been told on television. After Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster created the world's most iconic superhero, he quickly jumped from the pages of comics to radio, film serials, animation and feature films. There have been five live-action series about Kal-El, and of those TV shows' pilot episodes only one is a truly excellent Superman "movie." Kirk Alyn first played Superman in two 15-chapter film serials. While appearing on the big screen, they were essentially television series before the technology was popular.

The Man...

The Superman suit is as iconic as they come. From the instantly recognizable red, yellow, and blue colors to that legendary symbol that Kal-El of Krypton wears like a badge of honor on his chest, it simply doesn't get more heroic than the Man of Steel.

The character has been a fixture of the world of DC Comics since his debut all the way back in 1938, but it's his everlasting appeal through other mediums too that have endeared him to the hearts and minds of people all around the world. He's one of the most recognizable heroes in the world due to his transition into movies, television, video games, novels, and so many other forms of entertainment over the years, which have all ensured that he and his iconic suit have stood the test of time.

Like Superman himself, his suit is everlasting. A true symbol of hope, it embodies everything he stands for,...

Quick Links The First Actors to Define Superman Are Mostly Forgotten by Fans Christopher Reeve Defined Superman by Taking the Character Seriously The Vast Majority of Superman Storytelling Outside of Comics Is on TV Henry Cavill Doesn't Deserve the Controversy He Faced While Playing Superman

The new trailer for James Gunn's 2025 film has put Superman at the forefront of pop culture 86 years after Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster created him. Naturally, it has also inspired a lot of discourse about what actor was the best Man of Steel and whether anyone could replace him or not. While there is no wrong answer about which iteration is someone's favorite version, I am convinced that none of the actors who played Superman did a bad job.

Almost from his inception, animators, filmmakers, radio and television producers knew the Man of Tomorrow was a great character. Few fictional characters have enjoyed such longevity and passion,...

The first trailer for James Gunn's Superman perfectly shows off why David Corenswet is so perfect as the Man of Steel, as he breaks a 37-year-old live-action DC record. While James Gunn and Peter Safran's new DC Universe officially started with the animated Creature Commandos series, 2025's Superman reboot will be the franchise's first feature film. The movie will introduce David Corenswet as the latest live-action depiction of DC Comics' Superman, and the first official trailer for 2025's Superman has shown just how perfect he will be in the role.

Superman's first trailer puts David Corenswet's Man of Steel front-and-center, while also showing him off in his Clark Kent guise and introducing Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor and many more. The trailer's release has ignited new excitement for Superman, while is scheduled for release on July 11, 2025, and has reminded viewers that David...

When it comes to live-action superheroes on screen, Man of Steel fans are spoiled for choice. Each iteration provides a different Superman costume to cherish -- and compare, because hello, this is the internet and it's what we do around here.

Expectedly, any comparison boils down to personal taste and preference. For example: Zack Snyder's diehard army worships at the altar of "Man of Steel" and "Zack Snyder's Justice League," believing only his interpretation of Supes to be valid and the Snyderverse should be restored and all that. Others see George Reeves and Christopher Reeve's costumed Big Blue Boy Scouts as the more timeless and eye-catching iterations because they stay true to the comics. Point is: No opinion is wrong here.

To elaborate on how we decided on this specific order for this feature, certain considerations were taken, such as the comic book accuracy, overall influence of the costume,...

When one looks up in the sky to find neither a bird nor a plane but Superman, it usually means that Lois Lane is not far away. After three television series and twice as many films, the characters created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster are still going strong after 86 years. Superman may have been a different type of hero people hadn't seen before, but Lois was also unique, especially in 1938. Since then, nine actors have brought Lois Lane to life in live action adaptations, with a 10th on the way.

Superman will be the first movie to launch James Gunn's Dcu. While David Corenswet was tapped to play the Man of Steel, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel's Rachel Brosnahan will offer her take on Lois Lane, the intrepid reporter and hero in her own right. Lois has been defined by her decades of stories in the comics, but...

Quick Links Christopher Reeve Defined Superman, but His Films Didn't The Hype for Superman Returns Did Not Match Fan Expectations Lois Lane Is Superman Returns' Biggest Problem for the Obvious Reason Superman's Journey to the Ruins of Krypton Makes the Least Sense of All

The following article mentions issues of consent and director Brian Singer, accused of sexual misconduct and assault.

As a character, Superman is well into his ninth decade of existence which could suggest everything that could be said about the Man of Steel already exists. Only in 2024, there are more active Superman stories outside of the comics than ever before. Since there is an obvious desire from fans for more from the Last Son of Krypton, it even further boggles the mind that the 2006 film Superman Returns failed despite Brandon Routh effectively playing the second coming of the definitive Kal-El: Christopher Reeve.

The next big...

Tom Welling is well known for playing Clark Kent in 2001s Smallville on the CW. With less than a handful of acting credits to his name before taking on this popular DC character, Welling did a fantastic job bringing Clark Kent to life, and fans couldnt wait for his next performance after the series ended after an impressive 10-season run.

While fans were excited about any project he worked on after Smallville, his surprising appearance in another CW series based on a DC comic thrilled them. In 2017, Welling joined the cast of Lucifer as Marcus Pierce, aka the immortal Cain an antagonist disguised as a police lieutenant in the shows third season. He wasnt playing the good guy who saves innocents; instead, he was a powerful and manipulative villain with no care for anyone other than himself.

CWs Smallville Launched Tom Wellings Acting Career Tom Welling Starred as Clark Kent...

Less than a year out from Superman's release, I can't stop thinking about James Gunn's title for the Big Blue Boy Scout's hypothetical crossover with Batman. This Labor Day, Gunn posted a photo of Superman, Batman, and Robin on Instagram wishing followers a "World's Finest Labor Day." Naturally, the comments turned toward the DC Studios co-ceo's work. One commenter asked an important question: "Hi Mr Gunn, in the hypothetical case that a movie starring only Superman and Batman (teaming) came out, what would you call it? Superman and Batman or Batman and Superman?"

Rather than "ranking" Superman and Batman, Gunn revealed the perfect answer: "World's Finest." Back in 1941, Batman, Robin, and Superman met for the very first time in comic form. The title of that crossover is, you guessed it, World's Finest. Since Gunn's post, I can't help but eagerly await a Superman and Batman movie that hasn't even been announced yet.

We all know who Superman is.

Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster in 1938, wasn't the first superhero character in modern media, but he tends to be held up as one of the genre's central archetypes. His red wrestler's cape and red strong man's trunks, paired with his super strength and ability to defy gravity, have all become central symbols of what a superhero is, how a superhero should behave, and what a superhero looks like. Hundreds of thousands of superheroes have been invented since 1938, but many of those produced by mainstream comics outlets like Marvel or DC owe Superman a direct debt. In the same way that every on-screen Dracula is a riff on Bela Lugosi's performance in Tod Browning's 1931 movie, Superman is either being enhanced or subverted by every comic book superhero character. But he is the mainstay.

Superman first made his way to the...

A wide range of actors, from Kirk Alyn to Henry Cavill, have donned the Kryptonian cape of Superman. But a large section of DC fans hail Christopher Reeve as the definitive version of the character. Despite Henry Cavill’s fame in the role, unlike Reeve, his story ended abruptly when James Gunn took over DC Studios.

Christopher Reeve as Superman | DC Studios

Recently a clip shared by Turner Classic Movies gave us a look into the terrific chemistry shared between Christopher Reeve’s Superman and Margot Kidder’s Lois Lane. The fans were sent on a nostalgic ride as the clip, featuring an iconic scene from the 1978 Richard Donner film, presented the best live-action version of Lois Lane.

Was Christopher Reeve’s 1978 Superman the best portrayal of the character?

A still from Christopher Reeve’s “cat rescuing moment” in the 1978 movie | Warner Bros. Pictures

Richard Donner impressed fans when he...

A number of actors have donned the red-capped character of Superman, but only a few have managed to leave a long-lasting impact on the audience’s hearts. From Henry Cavill and Kirk Alyn to Dean Cain, actors have presented their own version of the iconic hero on the silver screen.

Christopher Reeve as Superman || Warner Bros.

There have been ten live iterations of the red-capped superhero so far, with David Corenswet playing the 11th one in the upcoming Superman, directed by James Gunn. Despite that, even after all these years and many actors having played the role, the late Christopher Reeve remains a fan favorite.

This one picture featuring Christopher Reeve can make any fan emotional

Based on multiple Reddit and Twitter fan pages, it is clear that many people regard Christopher Reeve as the original Superman. The actor initially donned the Man of Steel suit in Richard Donner’s...

Superman/Clark Kent is one of the first superheroes to come to life and among the first to have made his live-action debut. Ever since Kirk Alyn became the first person to portray the DC hero in live-action in 1948, there have been dozens of actors who have portrayed the character till now. Among the many actors, Christopher Reeves, Henry Cavill, Brandon Routh, and Dean Cain are often heralded for their incredible portrayals.

Henry Cavill as Clark Kent in a from Man of Steel | Warner Bros.

But ask DC fans about who played the best Clark Kent in live-action, the answer is none of the above. Instead, several fans feel it is Tom Welling who was the best Clark Kent that DC ever had.

Tom Welling is DC’s Best Clark Kent Yet Tom Welling as Clark Kent in a still from Smallville (Image: CW)

Over the last few decades, Superman...

As David Corenswet Debuts As Superman, Here’s A Look At Every Actor Who Has Played The Superhero So Far

David Corenswet has officially made his debut in the Superman suit as his first look from the upcoming eponymous film has been revealed. James Gunn, the writer-director of the film and the Co-CEO of DC Studios, unveiled the look himself. Now that David Corenswet is playing a new version of the Man of Steel, he has a legacy to live up to, as a number of actors have taken on the costume in the past.

Superman’s screen history goes way back to the 1940s when the first live-action film serial based on the DC superhero arrived in cinemas. Since then, the baton has been passed down from generation to generation, with each actor bringing their own charisma to the character. Let’s have a look at all the actors...

Look, up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s… well, we’re not entirely sure what it is, but it looks like something Brainiac would use to attack the Earth.

Whatever the cross-space invader in the picture that director James Gunn just posted to social media may be, the real attention goes to the figure in the foreground of the image: our very first look at David Corenswet in full uniform as Superman.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by James Gunn (@jamesgunn)

Gunn has long been posting teasers about his upcoming movie, initially dubbed Superman: Legacy, but now just titled Superman. In addition to releasing news about the extended cast, which includes The Wire vet Wendell Pierce as Perry White and genre fave Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Gunn has answered questions online and posted images of Corenswet goofing...

Superman and the Mole Men marks the debut of George Reeves as Clark Kent/Superman, setting the standard for the iconic character. The film serves as a metaphorical morality tale about tolerance and paranoia during the Red Scare era, reflecting societal fears. Despite its low budget and cheesy elements, the film focuses on the core principles of heroism, making a lasting impact on Superman's legacy.

In November 1951, the very first DC Comics movie made its debut in theaters, with far less fanfare than today's movie fans might expect. Superman and the Mole Men was a low-budget, black-and-white feature that has been largely forgotten among today's CGI superhero epics. The film, however, is notable for featuring the first appearance of George Reeves in the role of Clark Kent/Superman, and a story that captures the essence of the Man of Steel better than any film that followed.

The plot involves Clark...

Superman, introduced in 1938, is the inspiration for many cinematic adaptations showcasing incredible feats of strength by various actors. Henry Cavill's portrayal of Superman in the DC Cinematic Universe demonstrates power, but other versions like Christopher Reeve's are even stronger. The evolution of the Superman character in comics and films has led to different interpretations, each with its own unique strengths and limitations.

Superman was the superhero that kicked off the concept of the superhero when he debuted in the comics back in 1938 and then kicked off the superhero movie genre in 1978 with Superman: The Movie. That only made it fitting for Superman, the character, to be the starting point for Warner Bros. plans for a shared DC Cinematic Universe to rival the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 2013's Man of Steel, directed by Zack Snyder, introduced a new take on the Last Son of Krypton.

Played by Henry Cavill in 2013's Man of Steel,...

The new Dcu can explore Superman's vast rogue's gallery of villains more extensively, as seen in TV shows rather than movies. Superman's power levels should also be consistently defined to avoid inconsistencies seen in previous films. Superman doesn't have to be the sole hero in the Dcu; other heroes can be given equal emphasis.

The Dcu can avoid numerous issues that have been a problem for past Superman films. The Dcu, or DC Universe, is the upcoming connective universe being shepherded by DC Studios, with the animated series Creature Commandos to be its first installment in 2024. Meanwhile, the 2025 movie Superman: Legacy, written and directed by DC Studios co-ceo James Gunn, will launch the franchise on the big screen, with the new Superman played by David Corenswet.

While every live-action version of Superman has brought something new and valuable to the Last Son of Krypton's cinematic adventures, Superman has also...

The Dark Knight and its sequel remain the DC movies to beat in terms of box office take. "Batman" (1989) redefined the character, villains, and Gotham for a modern era. "Wonder Woman" is the highest-grossing film in the Dceu, and Gal Gadot's portrayal of the character was widely praised.

DC has a long history of successful big-screen adaptations spanning over half a century, and the brand's biggest names have repeatedly done well at the box office. Though on-screen adaptations of DC Comics characters started way back in 1948 with Kirk Alyn's Superman serials, it was Adam West's Batman that put DC live-action projects on the map. However, despite Batman (1966) going on to become an important part of pop-culture history, the modern DC movie landscape was born with Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson's Batman (1989).

In one way or another, every modern DC movie owes something to this darker reinvention of the Caped Crusader.

Phyllis Coates, the first actor to portray Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane on television, died on Oct. 11 in Woodland Hills, Calif., her daughter Laura Press confirmed to the New York Times. She was 96.

Coates starred as Lois Lane in the “Adventures of Superman” when the series first aired in 1952, only to leave after one season. She initially played Lois opposite George Reeves as Clark Kent/the Man of Steel in “Superman and the Mole Men.” The 1951 black-and-white superhero film follows Clark and Lois as they arrive in the small town of Silsby, where a race of small, balding humanoids emerge from their underground home deep in an oil well.

The “Adventures of Superman” series debuted the following year, with Reeves and Coates reprising their respective roles as Clark and Lois from “Mole Men.”

Noel Neill, who had played Lois in two 15-part film serials starring Kirk Alyn — “Superman” (1948) and “Atom Man vs. Superman...

Artwork pays tribute to all the live-action actors who have played Superman, including Christopher Reeve and upcoming actor David Corenswet. Possibility of a Superman multiverse film like Spider-Verse is discussed, with various Superman actors expressing interest in the idea. Warner Bros. should seize the opportunity to bring together multiple Superman actors and explore the potential of a multiverse, including the concept of multiple Lois Lanes.

Every live-action actor who has played Superman travels across the multiverse for the biggest DC team-up in new fan art. When it comes to adapting DC characters from page to screen, Superman is one of the handful to have been reimagined the most across television and film over the last couple of decades. The next incarnation of the Man of Steel will be in 2025 when David Corenswet suits up in James Gunn's Superman: Legacy, which will be the proper start of the new DC Universe.

Phyllis Coates, the first actress to play Lois Lane on television, has died. She was 96.

Coates portrayed the “Daily Planet” reporter and Clark Kent’s love interest for just one season on “Adventures of Superman.”

Coates, who also appeared in Republic Pictures serial shows and in films like “I Was a Teenage Frankenstein,” died Wednesday of natural causes at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills.

Her daughter Laura Press confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter.

Coates grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas. She first took on the role of Lois Lane alongside George Reeves as Superman in “Superman and the Mole Men” (1951), a dark science fiction film. The success of the Lippert Pictures film — the first full-length theatrical feature starring the Man of Steel — brought about the production of a syndicated television show.

The first season of “Adventures of Superman” contained 26 episodes. “The Mole...

Phyllis Coates, the first actress to play Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane on television, only to leave the Adventures of Superman after just one season, has died. She was 96.

Coates, who also appeared in Republic Pictures serials and in such films as I Was a Teenage Frankenstein, died Wednesday of natural causes at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, her daughter Laura Press told The Hollywood Reporter.

A native of Wichita Falls, Texas, Coates first portrayed the headstrong Lois opposite George Reeves as the Man of Steel in the dark sci-fi movie Superman and the Mole Men (1951).

The success of that Lippert Pictures film — the first full-length theatrical feature starring the comic-book hero — led to the quick decision to start production on a syndicated show for television.

Coates segued to the series and got into jams as Lois in all 26 episodes of the first season...

Superman II is widely regarded as one of the best superhero movies ever, with unforgettable villains and an exploration of the hero's human side. The original 1978 Superman film set the gold standard for superhero movies, introducing Christopher Reeve as the iconic Man of Steel. Zack Snyder's Justice League, while an improvement on the original release, struggled to overcome core issues and the need to do too much in one film.

Here is every live-action Superman movie ranked from worst to best - from the Dceu and everything that came before it. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the Man of Steel came soaring (or leaping) into comics in 1938, debuting in Action Comics #1. Superman films have certainly had their soaring highs and crushing lows, but filmmakers will likely never give up on finding new ways of adapting the Last Son of Krypton, and moviegoers would miss him if they did.

In the grand pantheon of superheroes, one figure shines with an enduring brilliance – Superman. He’s not just one of the earliest caped crusaders to grace the pages of comic books; he’s the embodiment of truth and justice, a beacon of hope in a world often shrouded in darkness.

As we delve into the cinematic realm of this iconic character, we unlock a treasure trove of storytelling that has captivated audiences for generations. From the Man of Steel’s inaugural flight on the silver screen to his most recent epic adventures, our journey will span decades of cinematic excellence, exploring every twist, turn, and triumphant moment in the history of Superman movies.

Related: The Evolution of Superheroes: 12 Movies That Shaped the Genre

So, fasten your seatbelts and join us on an exhilarating flight through time and space as we present “All the Superman Movies in Order.”

In this comprehensive guide,...

Lois Lane has been a part of Superman's story since Action Comics #1 (Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster) and has been a part of nearly every adaptation to other mediums since. That started with the radio serial The Adventures of Superman in 1940 when Rolly Besterfirst voiced the character. Joan Alexander took over the role and played it for many years, as well as playing Lois in the famous animated shorts from the Fleischer Brothers. And movies continue to prominently feature her with Rachel Brosnahan joining numerous big-screen Lois Lanes in the upcoming Superman: Legacy

But barring the comics themselves, television has always been the best medium for the character. A TV series provides the screen time to let her stand on her own merits, while the movies invariably relegate her to Superman's support. Lois has helped anchor nearly a half-dozen live-action series, spaced across 80 years and changing with the times just...

As you’d expect, the internet went nuts recently with the news that James Gunn had found his Superman and Lois in David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan. Some of the comments were from people upset that Henry Cavill wouldn’t be returning to the role after his brief cameo in Black Adam, and others were grinding their personal axes, but most seemed pretty positive about the casting.

But if you pay attention, you’d notice a theme in the responses, best captured in this Reddit post:

Comment

by u/RomanReignsDaBigDawg from discussion ‘Superman: Legacy’: James Gunn Taps David Corenswet And Rachel Brosnahan For Clark Kent And Lois Lane In DC Studios Film

in movies

People liked the Brosnahan pick because of her work on the Amazon series The Marvelous Ms. Maisel, in which she plays a smart, fast-talking comedian. When these fans look at Brosnahan, they see not just...

There are certain expectations that come with playing Superman. They aren’t necessarily fair or easy ones. But a character with a history that spans more than 85 years means that every audience has their own idea of how the Last Son of Krypton should look, sound, and act. The good news is that every major actor to wear the cape in the movies or on TV has been worthy of the role in their own way, each bringing some essential component of the character to the forefront with their performances.

And, of course, now those expectations are going to be placed on a new set of caped shoulders. With the recent announcement that David Corenswet (Pearl) will play the Man of Steel in James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy in 2025, it’s a good time to look back at all the Kryptonian actors who have worn the cape before.

But before we get started,...