David Corenswet has soared into Hollywood stardom as the newest Man of Steel, captivating audiences and critics alike with his vulnerable and relatable portrayal of Superman in the latest DC Universe (DCU) film. Released and showing in cinemas as of July 21, 2025, this new Superman movie marks the first big screen outing for the rebooted DCU, helmed by co-creator James Gunn, who also took on writing duties.
Unlike many superhero films that revisit origin stories, this movie dives straight into the action, eschewing the usual retelling of Superman’s beginnings. Corenswet’s Clark Kent is depicted as the most vulnerable cinematic Superman yet, wrestling with his adopted humanity while delivering raw emotion, especially in scenes shared with Pruitt Taylor Vince’s Pa Kent. The film balances humor without letting it overshadow the story, with moments like Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen portrayed as a charming ladies’ magnet, providing earned laughs amidst the emotional depth.
Rachel Brosnahan shines as a steadfast and proactive Lois Lane, complementing Corenswet’s Man of Steel with a strong presence. Nicholas Hoult’s hot-headed and manipulative Lex Luthor offers a compelling throwback to the hyper-intelligent inventor often seen in animated adaptations, while Edi Gathegi’s deadpan Mr. Terrific steals scenes unexpectedly. Adding to the charm is Krypto, the canine companion, whose presence delights fans. Despite a late villain reveal that feels predictable and occasional CGI overload during combat sequences, the film boldly reimagines Superman’s origin in a way that may divide longtime devotees but ultimately delivers a thrilling comic-book movie experience that sets the stage for an exciting future in the DCU.
Corenswet’s breakout performance as Superman has not only won over fans and critics but also secured a strong second week at the box office. At 31, he has become Hollywood’s newest leading man, but with great fame comes the challenge of navigating the so-called “Superman Curse” — the career trap that has historically plagued actors who donned the cape.
The “Superman Curse” is a well-documented phenomenon where actors who portrayed Superman struggled to break free from the iconic role. Kirk Alyn, the first live-action Superman in the 1940s, faced career difficulties, as did George Reeves, who is remembered both for his role and his mysterious death. Christopher Reeve, whose 1978 portrayal remains iconic, found his film career dwindling by the late 1980s after a string of disappointing movies. Brandon Routh, who starred in the 2006 film “Superman Returns,” failed to secure another major starring role in feature films, instead finding moderate success in comic book adaptations and television roles within the DC universe.
In contrast, Henry Cavill, who played Superman in “Man of Steel,” “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice,” and two versions of “Justice League,” managed better career diversification. Cavill starred in Netflix’s fantasy hit “The Witcher,” appeared in “Mission: Impossible – Fallout,” and took part in the “Enola Holmes” franchise. His collaborations with British director Guy Ritchie further expanded his range. However, even Cavill faced setbacks when, after announcing his return as Superman following a cameo in “Black Adam,” the character was rebooted under James Gunn and Peter Safran’s leadership of the DCU, sidelining Cavill’s future as the Man of Steel.
Unlike some predecessors, Corenswet was not an unknown before “Superman,” having held significant roles in “Pearl” and “Hollywood.” He is already committed to another project, starring in the football drama “Mr. Irrelevant,” portraying John Tuggle, the last player selected in the 1983 NFL draft. This move is strategic, as industry insiders suggest that Corenswet should focus on roles where he drives the story without the constraints of a superhero costume. According to a top talent agent, “An underdog sports story, like ‘Mr. Irrelevant,’ where he’s driving the story rather than the costume” is a wise choice to avoid typecasting.
Corenswet is also contracted for at least one more DC Studios movie, indicating that the studio has plans to continue building the DCU around his Superman. His Juilliard training and prior acclaimed performances lend him credibility and versatility, potentially shielding him from the typecasting pitfalls that trapped earlier Superman actors. Film producer Adrian Askarieh told TheWrap, “I don’t believe there is any chance of David being typecast as Superman given his strong training as an actor, which he has demonstrated in his past work. He also has that rare combination of leading man looks with acting chops, which should serve him well as he balances his DCU Superman duties with other roles.”
Comparing Corenswet’s trajectory with other leading actors in superhero franchises offers insight into the challenges and opportunities ahead. Chris Pratt, known for “Guardians of the Galaxy,” has become a box office powerhouse with films grossing over $14.1 billion globally, including hits like “Jurassic World” and “Super Mario Bros.” His success outside superhero roles is exceptional.
Chris Hemsworth, despite his iconic role as Thor, has struggled more with box office disappointments outside the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Films such as “Rush,” “In the Heart of the Sea,” and “Blackhat” underperformed, though he found success with Netflix’s “Extraction” series. Chris Evans, famous for Captain America, also faced difficulties establishing a lasting name outside the MCU. While his roles in “The Gray Man” and “Ghosted” paid well, they left little cultural impact. His voice role in Pixar’s “Lightyear” and lead in “Red One” had mixed results, though his performance in Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” was a notable success.
For Corenswet, the path forward involves careful role selection and leveraging his acting skills to avoid the “curse” and build a diverse portfolio. His recent social media presence, revealing his genuine “Star Wars” fandom and easy charm during the “Superman” press tour, has endeared him to fans and increased his profile beyond the cape.
The new “Superman” film not only revitalizes the character for a new generation but also places David Corenswet at a critical juncture in his career. His portrayal has breathed fresh life into the Man of Steel, blending vulnerability, strength, and relatability. The film’s success and Corenswet’s talent suggest a promising future, provided he navigates the challenges that have historically accompanied the role.
As the DC Universe unfolds under James Gunn’s vision, fans can look forward to more adventures with Corenswet’s Superman, while the actor’s commitment to diverse projects like “Mr. Irrelevant” offers hope that he will avoid the pitfalls of his predecessors. The Man of Steel is back, and this time, he’s more human than ever.
