All the Actors Who Have Played Superman on Screen

Supermanand Clark Kent might be the same person, but they’ve been seen with several different faces.

FromKirk Alyn’s live-action start toHenry Cavill’s multiverse run andDavid Corenswet’s upcoming appearance, see the list of Supermen who’ve flown into the robust franchise over the years.

01of 09Kirk AlynKirk Alyn playing Superman in Columbia Superman Serial.Corbis via Getty Images / Getty ImagesSuperman first took live-action action form in 1948, when Kirk Alyn stepped into the role in a 15-episode film serial. He continued playing the hero and his alter ego, Clark Kent, in the sequel serial productionAtom Man vs. Superman, which was released in 1950.

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Kirk Alyn

Kirk Alyn playing Superman in Columbia Superman Serial.Corbis via Getty Images / Getty Images

Superman first took live-action action form in 1948, when Kirk Alyn stepped into the role in a 15-episode film serial. He continued playing the hero and his alter ego, Clark Kent, in the sequel serial productionAtom Man vs. Superman, which was released in 1950.

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George Reeves

George Reeves in costume as Superman.Photo: Hulton Archive / Getty Images

03of 09Christopher ReeveChristopher Reeve as Superman.Courtesy Everett CollectionSuperman got a blockbuster makeover in 1978, whenChristopher Reeveflew into the franchise. The movie saw Reeve sharing the big screen with Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman, who played Superman’s father and mortal enemy, Lex Luthor, respectively.The critically acclaimed production led to three sequels, all of which featured Reeve in the cape. He reprised the dual role of Superman and Clark Kent in 1980, in 1983 and again in 1987 withSuperman IV: The Quest for Peace.In 1995, Reevesuffered a spinal injuryin a horse riding accident and became paralyzed from the neck down. The incident prevented him from playing Superman again, but Reeve remained a significant part of the franchise until and even after his death in 2004.

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Christopher Reeve

Christopher Reeve as Superman.Courtesy Everett Collection

Courtesy Everett Collection

Superman got a blockbuster makeover in 1978, whenChristopher Reeveflew into the franchise. The movie saw Reeve sharing the big screen with Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman, who played Superman’s father and mortal enemy, Lex Luthor, respectively.

The critically acclaimed production led to three sequels, all of which featured Reeve in the cape. He reprised the dual role of Superman and Clark Kent in 1980, in 1983 and again in 1987 withSuperman IV: The Quest for Peace.

In 1995, Reevesuffered a spinal injuryin a horse riding accident and became paralyzed from the neck down. The incident prevented him from playing Superman again, but Reeve remained a significant part of the franchise until and even after his death in 2004.

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Dean Cain

Dean Cain as Superman.ABC

05of 09Tom WellingTom Welling as Clark Kent in ‘Smallville’.Warner Bros Tv/Kobal/ShutterstockTom Welling’s portrayal of Superman stood out from other actors' takes on the character – mainly because he wasn’t playing “Superman” at all.Welling first appeared as Clark Kent in 2001, whenSmallvillepremiered on The WB. (It later aired on The CW.) The series took an unprecedented magnifying look at the hero’s origins over the course of 10 seasons. In fact, Welling’s character didn’t embrace the Superman identity or wear the iconic suit until the series finale, which jumped seven years intoSmallvilleClark’s future.Despite its departure from standard Superman imagery,Smallvilleconsistently paid tribute to earlier adaptations. The series featured cameos from franchise alumni, like Welling’s predecessors Christopher Reeve and Dean Cain and previous Lois LanesMargot KidderandAmy Adams.

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Tom Welling

Tom Welling as Clark Kent in ‘Smallville’.Warner Bros Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock

Warner Bros Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock

Tom Welling’s portrayal of Superman stood out from other actors' takes on the character – mainly because he wasn’t playing “Superman” at all.

Welling first appeared as Clark Kent in 2001, whenSmallvillepremiered on The WB. (It later aired on The CW.) The series took an unprecedented magnifying look at the hero’s origins over the course of 10 seasons. In fact, Welling’s character didn’t embrace the Superman identity or wear the iconic suit until the series finale, which jumped seven years intoSmallvilleClark’s future.

Despite its departure from standard Superman imagery,Smallvilleconsistently paid tribute to earlier adaptations. The series featured cameos from franchise alumni, like Welling’s predecessors Christopher Reeve and Dean Cain and previous Lois LanesMargot KidderandAmy Adams.

06of 09Brandon RouthBrandon Routh with a Superman Wax Figure.G. Gershoff/WireImageThe comic book legend made a comeback on screens in 2006.Brandon Routhsaved the day in the Warner Bros. flickSuperman Returns. According toVariety, the actor also auditioned for the role of Clark Kent inSmallvillebut lost out to Tom Welling.

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Brandon Routh

Brandon Routh with a Superman Wax Figure.G. Gershoff/WireImage

G. Gershoff/WireImage

The comic book legend made a comeback on screens in 2006.Brandon Routhsaved the day in the Warner Bros. flickSuperman Returns. According toVariety, the actor also auditioned for the role of Clark Kent inSmallvillebut lost out to Tom Welling.

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Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill as Superman in “Man of Steel”.Warner Bros

Henry Cavillmade history as the first non-American actor to play Superman in 2013. The British star starred inMan of Steel, the next big-screen, big-budget reboot. Beyond the 2016 follow-up film,Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Cavill’s Superman has extended out into the DC Universe. He appeared with other heroes in later filmsJustice LeagueandBlack Adam.

Despitehis excitementabout reprising the role, Cavill announced that hewouldn’t be playing Supermanin the next film. He shared the “sad news” of his departure on Instagram in late 2022, noting that he’d just finished a meeting with the co-CEOS of DC Studios,James GunnandPeter Safran.

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Tyler Hoechlin

Tyler Hoechlin as Superman.Courtesy Everett Collection

09of 09David CorenswetDavid Corenswet.ANGELA WEISS/AFP via GettySuperman is getting a fresh face in James Gunn’s new film installment,Superman: Legacy.PearlactorDavid Corenswetwill be donning the cape on screen alongside new a new Lois Lane:The Marvelous Mrs. Maiselherself,Rachel Brosnahan.Gunnconfirmed the newson Twitter in June 2023. He sharedThe Hollywood Reporter’s casting announcement, writing, “Accurate! (They are not only both incredible actors, but also wonderful people).”

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David Corenswet

David Corenswet.ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty

ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty

Superman is getting a fresh face in James Gunn’s new film installment,Superman: Legacy.PearlactorDavid Corenswetwill be donning the cape on screen alongside new a new Lois Lane:The Marvelous Mrs. Maiselherself,Rachel Brosnahan.

Gunnconfirmed the newson Twitter in June 2023. He sharedThe Hollywood Reporter’s casting announcement, writing, “Accurate! (They are not only both incredible actors, but also wonderful people).”

source: people.com