David Corenswet Is the New Superman

Everything you want to know about the actor who will be playing Clark Kent in James Gunn's new rendition of the Man of Steel.

When David Corenswet was announced as the new Clark Kent for James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy, the internet had questions. Who is he? How did he land one of the most coveted roles in Hollywood? And most importantly, does he have what it takes to fill Superman’s cape? Following in the footsteps of iconic actors like Christopher Reeve, Henry Cavill, and Brandon Routh, Corenswet is poised to bring his own unique perspective to the role. Whether you know him from his Netflix projects or this is your first time hearing his name, here’s a deep dive into the man who’s about to redefine the Man of Steel.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, David Corenswet has been working steadily in Hollywood for years, but Superman: Legacy is poised to make him a household name.

Corenswet is a Juilliard-trained actor, which already puts him in impressive company (hello, Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain). That classical training is evident in his performances—he’s got the chops for intense drama and a natural charisma that shines on screen. Fans are already buzzing about his striking resemblance to a young Henry Cavill, but Corenswet brings his own energy to the role: a mix of boy-next-door charm and leading-man gravitas.

Where You’ve Seen Him Before

Corenswet’s breakout role came in Netflix’s The Politician, where he played River Barkley, the charismatic and troubled love interest of Ben Platt’s character. His performance showed off his ability to balance vulnerability and strength.

He followed that up with another Netflix hit, Hollywood, a Ryan Murphy series set in post-World War II Los Angeles. As Jack Castello, an aspiring actor navigating a morally complex industry, Corenswet proved he could carry a series with his mix of charm and emotional depth. Fans of indie films might also recognize him from Look Both Ways, a 2022 romantic dramedy that further showcased his range.

How He Landed the Role of Superman

So how does an up-and-coming actor like Corenswet snag the role of Superman? It wasn’t just good looks—though let’s be honest, his Clark Kent resemblance is perfection.

James Gunn reportedly conducted an exhaustive search for the new Superman, looking for someone who could embody both the iconic hero and his mild-mannered alter ego. Corenswet beat out several high-profile contenders, including Nicholas Hoult, thanks to his ability to bring warmth, relatability, and optimism to the role.

In interviews, Gunn has emphasized that Superman: Legacy is about hope and human connection, and Corenswet apparently nailed those qualities in his auditions. His chemistry with Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), cast as Lois Lane, also played a big part in sealing the deal.

Superman is more than just a strong jawline and a set of abs—he’s a symbol of hope and resilience, and Corenswet seems uniquely qualified to bring that to life.

In interviews, Corenswet has expressed admiration for previous Superman actors like Christopher Reeve and Henry Cavill, and he’s made it clear he wants to honor their legacies while bringing his own spin to the character. His performances to date suggest he can pull off the balance between Superman’s larger-than-life heroism and Clark Kent’s everyday humanity.

One of the most exciting things about Corenswet is his relatability. His natural warmth makes him a perfect fit for James Gunn’s vision of a more grounded, optimistic Superman—someone who inspires rather than intimidates.