David Corenswet is the latest to join Henry Cavill, Christopher Reeve, Dean Cain, and more as Clark Kent and his iconic alter ego.
Superman and Clark Kent may be the same person, but over the decades, they’ve been brought to life by a variety of actors. From black-and-white serials to big-budget blockbusters, numerous performers have donned the legendary crimson cape, each leaving their own mark on the DC Comics icon who first appeared in 1938.
Playing Superman has become a career-defining role, launching actors into stardom and embedding them in pop culture history. Below, we revisit every actor who has portrayed the Man of Steel in live-action films and TV shows.
Kirk Alyn (1948 – 1950)
Superman made his live-action debut in 1948 with Kirk Alyn starring in the 15-part film serial Superman. Alyn reprised the role of Clark Kent and his superpowered alter ego in the 1950 sequel, Atom Man vs. Superman.
George Reeves (1951 – 1958)
George Reeves became a household name as Superman in Superman and the Mole Men (1951), the first feature film based on a DC Comics character. He then headlined the beloved TV series The Adventures of Superman (1952–1958), initially filmed in black and white before transitioning to color.
Reeves’ tenure as Superman ended tragically when he died by gunshot wound in 1959 at age 45. Though spin-off ideas were discussed, none came to fruition.
Christopher Reeve (1978 – 1987)
Christopher Reeve delivered the definitive Superman performance for a generation in Richard Donner’s 1978 blockbuster Superman: The Movie. With an all-star cast including Marlon Brando as Jor-El and Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor, the film spawned three sequels, all starring Reeve: Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983), and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987).
Reeve’s portrayal remains iconic, but a tragic horse-riding accident in 1995 left him paralyzed. Though he never played Superman again, he remained a beloved figure in the franchise until his death in 2004.
Dean Cain (1993 – 1997)
Dean Cain brought a charming, modern twist to Clark Kent in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, which aired on ABC from 1993 to 1997. The series focused on the romantic and professional dynamics between Cain’s Superman and Teri Hatcher’s Lois Lane.
Tom Welling (2001 – 2017, & 2019)
Tom Welling’s Clark Kent was unique—he didn’t officially become Superman until the series finale of Smallville (2001–2011). The show explored Clark’s origins over ten seasons, delaying his transformation into the full-fledged hero.
Smallville paid homage to earlier adaptations with cameos from Christopher Reeve, Dean Cain, and former Lois Lanes Margot Kidder and Amy Adams.
Brandon Routh (2006, 2019 – 2020)
Brandon Routh starred in Superman Returns (2006), a spiritual successor to Reeve’s films. Though the movie underperformed, Routh later reprised the role in Crisis on Infinite Earths (2019–2020) as an older, Kingdom Come-inspired Superman.
Henry Cavill (2013 – 2022)
British actor Henry Cavill became the first non-American Superman in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (2013). He continued the role in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Justice League (2017), and a cameo in Black Adam (2022).
Despite expressing enthusiasm for future appearances, Cavill announced his departure in 2022 after DC Studios’ new leadership opted for a reboot.
Tyler Hoechlin (2016 – 2024)
Tyler Hoechlin first appeared as Superman in Supergirl before leading Superman & Lois (2021–present). His portrayal balances superheroics with fatherhood, offering a fresh take on the character.
Nicolas Cage (2023, Cameo)
Nicolas Cage’s long-anticipated (and nearly canceled) Superman role finally materialized in The Flash (2023)—albeit briefly. His CGI-enhanced cameo depicted an alternate-dimension Superman witnessing the universe’s collapse. Cage filmed for only three hours, with minimal screen time.
David Corenswet (2025 – Upcoming)
The next chapter begins with David Corenswet in Superman: Legacy (2025), directed by James Gunn. Co-starring Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, the film is set to premiere on July 11, 2025, as one of the most anticipated releases of the summer.
