The cast of the forthcoming Superman film recently shared their reflections on their early encounters with the iconic superhero during a press Q&A held for the release of the movie's teaser trailer. Expectations are high among fans who are eager to see how this new depiction of the Man of Steel will bridge the legacy of previous portrayals with fresh storytelling.
David Corenswet, who takes on the dual role of Superman and Clark Kent, discussed the complexity of his character. To prepare, he sought recommendations from director James Gunn, particularly All-Star Superman, which helped him navigate the nuances of Clark Kent. "I hadn’t read so many Superman comics, so I had to get a sense of all the different Clarks," Corenswet admitted. He humorously acknowledged borrowing some characteristics from his brother-in-law, stating, "He’s always in the way and always trying not to be, and I think there’s something to be learned from him for Clark." Notably, he emphasized the importance of having strong nemeses, saying, "A hero is only as interesting or cool as the nemesis they’re up against."
Reflecting on their childhood encounters with Superman, the cast reminisced about first impressions of the character. Corenswet shared, "For me, I definitely sneaked episodes of Smallville growing up after school," describing how he saw Superman Returns in theaters. This film marked his coming-of-age moment, blending various iterations of Superman together. "It all jumble together to create this grand arc," he explained, illustrating how multiple portrayals enriched his own view of the character.
Rachel Brosnahan, who plays Lois Lane, reminisced about the films featuring Christopher Reeve. "He was the Superman of my parents’ generation, and they loved the movies. For me, he was Superman for a really long time," she stated. The actress described the surreal experience of working alongside Corenswet. "I walked through a field during one scene and thought, ‘You’re Superman.’ It was crazy! Those moments hit you unexpectedly, even during the most mundane days."
Nicholas Hoult, taking on the role of Lex Luthor, also expressed excitement for Corenswet's Superman. "I’m excited my kids will grow up with David as their Superman. It’s so ingrained in our culture," he remarked, recalling how he became familiar with Superman’s lore long before seeing any films. "I think I’d never seen any Superman before Smallville, but it was my first real introduction to the world," he noted, recognizing Michael Rosenbaum’s portrayal of Lex Luthor on the series.
The cast echoed a sentiment about the universal appeal of Superman, emphasizing the character’s significance across generations. Corenswet pointed out, "You can show any kid the Superman symbol, and whether they’ve seen comics or movies, they instantly recognize it as Superman. It’s larger than any one iteration." This shared recognition speaks to Superman’s long-lasting place within popular culture.
Smallville, it seems, has left an indelible mark on both Corenswet's and Hoult's perceptions of the character. The WB/CW series not only provided them with their first glimpses of the Man of Steel but also introduced significant breadth to Superman’s rich narrative. "Michael Rosenbaum did a fantastic job as Lex; it was truly my welcome to the culture," Hoult commented, reminiscing about his early encounters with the franchise.
Superman has been part of the comics universe since 1938, adapting over decades through various forms of media including animated series, movies, and television shows like Smallville. The cast of the new film clearly respects the character's legacy as they prepare to introduce their versions to the world.
Fans of both the character and the actors can rest assured knowing the creative team is passionate about reimagining this beloved hero for modern audiences. With the release date set for July 11, 2025, excitement continues to build around Superman's latest adventure. The film promises to honor Superman’s storied past, weaving together the character's iconic aspects with new dimensions of depth and humanity.
Reflecting on these influences, there is little doubt the upcoming film reflects the significance of how Superman has touched countless lives, and why he continues to inspire both young and old audiences. The passion each cast member expresses showcases their deep connection to their roles and the larger universe they inhabit. Fans can stay tuned for what promises to be another pivotal moment for the Man of Steel as he soars back onto movie screens.
