David Corenswet has officially been cast as the new Superman in Superman: Legacy, a highly anticipated film directed by James Gunn. His casting was confirmed in late June 2023, much to the excitement of fans who are eager to see a fresh take on the iconic superhero. Corenswet will star alongside Rachel Brosnahan, who has been cast as Lois Lane. Gunn praised the pair, calling them not only exceptional actors but also wonderful people, setting high expectations for their dynamic on screen.
Corenswet takes on the legendary role that was previously portrayed by Henry Cavill. However, Gunn’s vision for Superman: Legacy will explore a younger version of Clark Kent, delving into an earlier stage of his life. The decision to recast Superman was made as part of Gunn and Peter Safran’s plan to take the DC Universe in a new direction, ensuring that the iconic character’s story evolves with a fresh perspective.
David Corenswet’s Rise to Fame
Born in Pennsylvania in 1993, David Corenswet has steadily built his career over the years. He first started acting in local theater productions in Philadelphia before studying at the prestigious Juilliard School, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Corenswet’s breakthrough came when he starred in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series The Politician and Hollywood, which helped him gain recognition in Hollywood.
In addition to his television work, Corenswet has been expanding his film career, with roles in Affairs of the State and Sunlit Night. He also appeared alongside Lili Reinhart in the Netflix film Look Both Ways and starred in the critically acclaimed Pearl by A24, alongside Mia Goth. In 2024, Corenswet will appear in the Twister sequel, starring alongside Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell.
David Corenswet’s Superman Audition
Corenswet has long been vocal about his admiration for the Superman role. In a 2019 interview, he admitted that playing the iconic hero was his “pie-in-the-sky ambition.” He expressed his desire to portray a Superman that was more optimistic and hopeful, in contrast to the darker, more brooding version that Henry Cavill brought to the role in previous films. His audition for Superman: Legacy proved to be a success, landing him the role of the Man of Steel, and fans are eager to see how his take on the character will differ from past portrayals.
Replacing Henry Cavill
Corenswet’s casting comes after the unexpected departure of Henry Cavill, who had portrayed Superman in several films, including Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Justice League (2017). Cavill’s departure was confirmed in December 2022 after meetings with James Gunn and Peter Safran, who had decided to move in a new direction with the character. Although Cavill had previously announced his return as Superman following Black Adam, the new creative vision for Superman meant that his version of the character would be left behind.
Corenswet will be stepping into a role that has big shoes to fill, but his portrayal will focus on a younger, more dynamic version of Clark Kent. While he isn’t the youngest actor to play Superman (a distinction that belongs to Brandon Routh in 2006), Corenswet is a decade younger than Cavill, making him a perfect fit for the rebooted era of the character.
The Future of Superman: Legacy
With his impressive resume, charm, and talent, David Corenswet appears to be more than ready for the challenge of playing Superman. Fans are eager to see how he will portray Clark Kent and how his version of the character will evolve in Superman: Legacy. The film promises to bring a fresh perspective to Superman’s origins and development, with Corenswet leading the way.
Though Superman: Legacy does not yet have an official release date, anticipation for the film continues to grow. With Corenswet in the lead role, the excitement surrounding the film is only set to build as fans eagerly await this new chapter in the life of the world’s most iconic superhero.
