James Gunn’s Bold Casting Choice: David Corenswet Takes Flight as Superman

James Gunn Has Found His New Superman and Lois Lane

David Corenswet will be our new Man of Steel, with The Marvelous Mrs Maisel’s Rachel Brosnahan as his Lois

By Grant Rindner | June 27, 2023

A new Man of Steel has been crowned: David Corenswet, known for his roles in A24’s Pearl and Ryan Murphy’s The Politician, has officially been cast as Clark Kent/Superman in James Gunn’s forthcoming film Superman: Legacy. Joining him in this iconic superhero duo is Rachel Brosnahan from The Marvelous Mrs Maisel as Lois Lane.

The casting of a new Superman comes with great expectations, especially considering the underwhelming box office performance and divisive critical response to The Flash. As DC looks to restore its glory, the Last Son of Krypton has become its marquee hero.

The Casting Process

The Hollywood Reporter provided some insight into James Gunn’s casting process and the talented actors who made it to the final round. The final three pairs of actors considered for the roles of Clark Kent and Lois Lane were Nicholas Hoult and Rachel Brosnahan, Emma Mackey and David Corenswet, and Tom Brittney and Phoebe Dynevor.

All three pairs performed scenes together during screen tests, with the men portraying Clark Kent. On the following day, the male actors had to appear in Superman costumes, while Emma Mackey was the only Lois Lane candidate to read with them. Ultimately, David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan emerged as the chosen duo.

It is worth noting that David Corenswet will be the first American actor to play Superman on the big screen since Brandon Routh in 2006’s Superman Returns.

The Future of DC Universe

James Gunn’s appointment as co-chair and co-CEO of DC Studios last October brought excitement and anticipation for the future of DC movies and TV shows. In addition to Superman: Legacy, Gunn has laid out plans for several other projects.

These include a TV show centered around The Suicide Squad’s Amanda Waller, an animated series called Creature Commandoes, and another Batman film focused on Bruce Wayne and his son. These projects will run alongside the existing Robert Pattinson and Matt Reeves Batman trilogy, with Superman: Legacy being referred to as the “true beginning” of the DC Universe.

Superman: Legacy is set to be released on July 11, 2025, with filming expected to commence in early 2024.

Henry Cavill’s Departure

The departure of Henry Cavill as Superman was not without its controversies and confusion. In a December 2022 Instagram post, Cavill confirmed that he would not be returning as Superman, despite plans for his return being announced publicly in October.

Cavill expressed his respect for the decision to move in a different direction with the character, acknowledging that “changing of the guard is something that happens.” He wished James Gunn, Peter Safran, and everyone involved in the new DC Universe the best of luck.

Editorial: A New Era for Superman

The casting of David Corenswet as Superman marks the beginning of a new era for the iconic superhero. Corenswet has showcased his talent in previous roles, and it will be intriguing to see his portrayal of Clark Kent and his transformation into the Man of Steel.

Additionally, Rachel Brosnahan’s role as Lois Lane brings excitement as fans anticipate the chemistry and banter between Superman and his love interest at the Daily Planet.

James Gunn’s vision for Superman: Legacy and the broader DC Universe promises an exciting future. With his previous successes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Gunn’s leadership and creative direction could be DC’s chance to regain its glory and build a compelling cinematic universe.

Advice for DC Studios

As DC Studios moves forward with its ambitious plans for the future, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.

1. Consistency in Storytelling

DC should focus on creating a cohesive and consistent narrative across its films and TV shows. This will allow fans to better connect with the characters and storylines, ultimately building a dedicated and loyal audience.

2. Embrace Diverse Perspectives

The success of superhero movies lies not only in their grandeur and action, but also in their ability to reflect the diverse world we live in. It is crucial for DC to embrace diverse perspectives both in front of and behind the camera, ensuring authentic representation and inclusive storytelling.

3. Nurturing New Talent

Discovering fresh talent, like David Corenswet, is essential for the longevity of the superhero genre. By giving emerging actors and filmmakers opportunities to shine, DC can bring new energy and creativity to its projects.

With the casting of David Corenswet as Superman, DC Studios takes a significant step towards revitalizing its superhero universe. The road ahead may be challenging, but with the right vision and execution, DC has the potential to reclaim its place as a leader in the genre.