NEED TO KNOW
- James Gunn’s Superman premiered in theaters on July 11
- The film featured an entirely new cast to portray the superheroes and villains, with David Corenswet at the helm as the iconic Man of Steel
- Gunn has noted similarities between Corenswet and Christopher Reeve, who originally played Superman in 1978
Superman has a whole new look.
The James Gunn-directed film premiered in theaters on July 11, with a cast of fresh faces as DC Universe’s superheroes and villains. Though fans of Henry Cavill were originally disappointed to learn that he wouldn’t be reprising the titular role, David Corenswet has received praise for his take on the Man of Steel, made classic in 1978 by the iconic Christopher Reeve.
During a special trailer preview event in December 2024, Gunn shared why Corenswet was tapped for the role, praising his “Superman face” and undeniable connection to the character.
“The thing I think that connects him so much in some ways to Christopher Reeve is he has a lot of deep training,” the screenwriter said. “I’ve never worked in my entire life with such a rigorous actor. He challenged me on a daily basis to really get the most out of his character, get the most out of his story.”
While the movie featured classic Superman characters (like Lois Lane and Lex Luthor), characters from all across the DC Universe — including Guy Gardner and Hawkgirl — were also spotlighted.
From Superman to Lois Lane and Hawkgirl, here’s a side-by-side look at the cast of 2025’s Superman and the actors who famously brought these characters to life.
Superman: David Corenswet and Christopher Reeve
Corenswet stepped into the iconic role of Superman, a character famously portrayed by Reeve in the 1978 film.
Known in his everyday life as Clark Kent, a reserved reporter at the Daily Planet, Superman is the legendary hero who embodies hope and justice.
The character first leaped from a comic book page onto the screen in 1948, brought to life by Kirk Alyn in a 15-episode film serial.
Three years later, Superman made his feature-film debut, played by George Reeves, setting the stage for a legacy of actors who would wear the cape for decades.
After Reeve took on the role in 1978, he starred in several Superman sequels and earned additional acclaim for his role in 1980’s Somewhere in Time.
As for the newest Clark Kent, Corenswet is best known for his performances in The Politician and Hollywood.
Lois Lane: Rachel Brosnahan and Margot Kidder
Rachel Brosnahan took on the role of Lois Lane, who was originally played by the late Margot Kidder in 1978’s Superman.
Lane is an award-winning reporter for the Metropolis newspaper, the Daily Planet, who becomes Superman — and his alter ego Clark Kent’s — closest confidant and primary love interest.
Brosnahan is most known for her Emmy-winning performance in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. She also starred in House of Cards, among several other projects.
Meanwhile, Kidder was cast in subsequent Superman sequels and gained recognition for her appearance in 1979’s The Amityville Horror.
Lex Luthor: Nicholas Hoult and Gene Hackman
Nicholas Hoult joined the cast as Lex Luthor, who was played by Gene Hackman in the 1978 version.
As Superman’s nemesis, Luthor is a villain who uses his evil brilliance to try to take him down.
Hoult’s breakout role was in 2002’s About a Boy, and he continued to rise to fame in 2014’s X-Men: Days of Future Past.
After Superman, Hackman starred in 1992’s Unforgiven, which led him to win an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role the following year. He previously won Best Actor for The French Connection.
Guy Gardner: Nathan Fillion and Matthew Settle
Nathan Fillion portrayed Guy Gardner, a superhero known as one of the Green Lanterns. The 2025 film will be Gardner’s Superman big-screen debut, but he was first played on-screen by Matthew Settle in the 1997 television pilot Justice League of America.
In December 2024, Fillion wrote on Instagram that he was “charged up” for the film and “elated” to be included.
“I am thrilled to have met all the incredibly talented crew and actors who worked so hard to make it,” he wrote. “This theme brings back incredible memories for me, and at the same time, brand new thrilling feelings. Honestly- I get chills.”
Prior to joining the DC Universe, Fillion gained recognition for his movie roles in 2005’s Serenity and 2006’s Slither, as well as the television series Firefly, Castle and most recently, The Rookie.
As for Settle, he’s well-known for his performances in 1998’s I Still Know What You Did Last Summer and The CW’s drama Gossip Girl.
Hawkgirl: Isabela Merced and Ciara Renée
Isabela Merced joined the Superman cast as Hawkgirl, a superhero who has taken on various identities in the DC Universe, including Shiera Sanders Hall and Kendra Saunders.
Hawkgirl has most frequently been brought to life by Ciara Renée, who portrayed Kendra Saunders/Hawkgirl and various reincarnations across The Flash, Arrow and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.
Hawkgirl was also voiced by Maria Canals-Barrera in Justice League, in which the character was depicted as Shayera Hol.
Reflecting on her casting, Merced shared her excitement in an April 2024 interview with Collider, describing it as a “full circle moment.”
“I was a DC kid growing up. We had the action figures, and most of them were so old and used that the paint had come off … But I really adored Hawkgirl,” she said. “We just had a really fun, enjoyable childhood with those.”
Merced rose to fame following her roles in 2017’s Transformers: The Last Knight and 2019’s Dora and the Lost City of Gold, while Renée has gone on to appear in other television series such as Evil and Your Honor.
Eve Teschmacher: Sara Sampaio and Valerie Perrine
Eve Teschmacher — Lex Luthor’s assistant and girlfriend — was first brought to life by Valerie Perrine in 1978’s Superman, and will next be portrayed by Sara Sampaio.
Following the trailer release, Sampaio shared the clip on her Instagram, writing, “So proud of the whole cast and crew.”
“Still can’t believe I get to be a part of this! What is life?” she added.
Before her acting career, Sampaio had been a Victoria’s Secret Angel for a few years. She eventually landed various acting roles, including in 2018’s Carga, 2021’s Shadow and 2022’s Wifelike.
As for Perrine, she reprised her role as Teschmacher in 1980’s Superman II before going on to star in 2000’s What Women Want.
Jonathan Kent: Pruitt Taylor Vince and Glenn Ford
Pruitt Taylor Vince played Jonathan Kent in the 2025 film.
The role of Superman’s father — known also as “Pa Kent” — was originated by Glenn Ford in the 1978 film. Kevin Costner also played the part in the 2013 movie Man of Steel.
A long-time Hollywood staple, Vince has starred in series like Lady in the Lake and had guest roles in shows like True Blood, The Walking Dead, Stranger Things and Murder One. The Emmy-winning actor has also had prominent roles in films like Bird Box and The Life and Death of John Gotti.
Martha Kent: Neva Howell and Phyllis Thaxter
Neva Howell portrayed Superman’s mother, Martha Kent. She joins a small group of actresses who have taken on the part of “Ma Kent,” including Eva Marie Saint in Superman Returns and Diane Lane in Man of Steel.
Though she’s appeared in movies like Greedy People and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, the 2025 Superman film will be her most notable role to date.
Jimmy Olsen: Skyler Gisondo and Marc McClure
In August 2024, Gunn shared on X that Skyler Gisondo was selected to play Superman’s pal, Jimmy Olsen.
Though Marc McClure famously played the role of the young photojournalist who works with Superman and Lois Lane at the Daily Planet in the 1978 flick, Jack Larson originated it in the 1950s series Adventures of Superman.
Matthew Gray Gubler voiced the role in the 2011 animated movie All-Star Superman and Aaron Ashmore played Jimmy Olsen for years in the supernatural series Smallville.
Gisondo is best known for his breakout roles as Eric Bemis in the series Santa Clarita Diet and Gideon Gemstone in The Righteous Gemstones.
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