Superman and Clark Kent may be the same person, but they’ve been seen with several different faces.
Many actors have worn the famous crimson cape over the years on big and small screens, in black and white and vibrant color movies. Playing the DC Comics character, who debuted in graphic periodicals in 1938, became a coveted, career-changing role for artists.
From Kirk Alyn’s live-action debut to Henry Cavill’s multiverse run and David Corenswet’s upcoming appearance, check out the list of Supermen that have been included in the powerful series over the years.
Kirk Alyn
Corbis via Getty Images / Getty Images
Superman first took its live-action form in 1948 when Kirk Alyn starred in a 15-episode film series. He went on to play the protagonist and alter ego Clark Kent in the serial production of the sequel. Atom Man vs. SupermanReleased in 1950.
George Reeves
Photo: Hulton Archive / Getty Images
In 1951, George Reeves played the brave icon in the first feature film based on a DC Comics character. Superman and the Mole Man. Then he brought the comic book character to the television world. This Adventures of Superman It ran from 1952 to 1958 and played Phyllis Coates as Reeves’ Lois Lane. The show was originally broadcast in black and white, but two seasons later, Superman’s classic costume debuted in its blue, red, and yellow glory.
After the series wrapped up, ideas for spin-offs spread among the producers, but the man behind the protagonist did not play a role. Just a year after production ended, Reeves died of a gunshot wound at the age of 45.
Christopher Reeve
Courtesy Everett Collection
Superman got a blockbuster makeover when Christopher Reeve joined the series in 1978. The movie saw Reeve share the big screen with Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman, who play Superman’s father and nemesis Lex Luthor, respectively.
The critically acclaimed production led to three sequels, all featuring Reeve in a cape. He reprized the dual role of Superman and Clark Kent in 1980, 1983, and again in 1987. Superman IV: In Search of Peace.
In 1995, Reeve suffered a spinal cord injury in a horseback riding accident and was paralyzed from the neck down. The incident prevented him from playing Superman again, but Reeve remained a key part of the series until and even after his death in 2004.
Tom Welling
Warner Bros. Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock
Tom Welling’s portrayal of Superman was different from other actors’ handling of the character—mainly because he never played “Superman.”
Welling first appeared as Clark Kent in 2001. Kucukkoy It premiered on The WB. (Later aired on The CW.) For 10 seasons, the series took an unprecedented magnifying glass at the protagonist’s origins. In fact, Welling’s character didn’t embrace his Superman identity or don the iconic costume until the series finale, which jumped seven years ago. Kucukkoy Clark’s future.
Despite his departure from the standard Superman image, Kucukkoy consistently paid homage to previous adaptations. The series featured cameos from franchise alumni such as Welling’s predecessors Christopher Reeve and Dean Cain and previous Lois Lanes Margot Kidder and Amy Adams.
Brandon Routh
G. Gershoff/WireImage
The comic book legend returned to the screens in 2006. Warner Bros. Brandon Routh saved the day. return of superman. According to this VariationThe actor also auditioned for the role of Clark Kent. Kucukkoy but lost to Tom Welling.
Henry Cavill
Warner Bros.
Henry Cavill made history in 2013 as the first non-American actor to play Superman. Strong man, the next big screen, big budget reboot. Beyond the 2016 sequel, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of JusticeCavill’s Superman has spread throughout the DC Universe. He acted with other heroes in later films. Justice League And Black man.
Despite his excitement about reprising the role, Cavill has announced that he will not be playing Superman in the next movie. He shared the “sad news” of his departure on Instagram in late 2022, noting that he had just concluded a meeting with DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran.
“After I was told by the studio to announce my return in October, before I was hired, this news isn’t quite easy, but that’s life,” Cavill said in a text post on social media. “It’s something that the guards change. I respect that. James and Peter have a universe to build. I wish them and all those interested in the new universe the best of luck and the happiest of luck.”
Tyler Hoechlin
Courtesy Everett Collection
Tyler Hoechlin was already a seasoned hero until his current series. Superman and Lois It premiered in 2021 as she made her debut in the role on the shows. Super Girl, Flash And Arrow. While all of Hoechlin’s Superman appearances have appeared on CW shows, these three series definitely exist in a different universe. Superman and Lois.
David Corenswet
via Getty ANGELA WEISS/AFP
Superman gets a new face in James Gunn’s new movie. Superman: Legacy. pearl actor David Corenswet will wear a cape onscreen alongside the new Lois Lane: Gorgeous Miss Maisel herself, Rachel Brosnahan.
Gunn confirmed the news On Twitter in June 2023. Hollywood ReporterThe casting announcement read, “That’s right! (They’re not just amazing actors, they’re great people too).”