Cinema10 actors who brought Superman to life [LISTA]A retrospective of the hero’s interpreters over the decadesBy Editorial Staff

Since his creation in 1938, Superman has become one of the biggest icons in comics and pop culture worldwide. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shusterthe character was first published in the magazine Action Comics #1, pioneering the superhero genre. DC Comics consolidated the hero as a symbol of justice, and expanded his presence to various media, including cinema and television.

Now, in 2025, Superman will gain a new interpretation in Superman: Legacydirected by James Gunn and scheduled for release on July 11, 2025 in the United States and July 10, 2025 in Brazil. The film will feature David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, beginning a new phase in the DC cinematic universe. Gunn revealed that he looked for an actor who could balance “humanity and alien”, something essential to embody the character. Before Corenswet, other big names gave life to Clark Kent and his heroic alter ego.

Check out the main actors who have brought Superman to life over the decades:

1. Kirk Alyn (1948)

Kirk Alyn was the first actor to play Superman in live-action, starring in the film series Superman (1948) and Atom Man vs. Superman (1950). These films were released in weekly installments and featured a mix of adventure and practical effects, such as animation to simulate the hero’s flight. Alyn was never officially credited as Superman in promotional materials, a decision that was part of his contract.

2. George Reeves (1952)

George Reeves became the face of Superman in the 1950s with the series Adventures of Superman. The series had six seasons and brought the hero to thousands of American homes, marking the 1950s. Reeves also starred in the film Superman and the Mole Men (1951), considered the character’s first feature film. His trajectory was interrupted by his death in 1959, in circumstances that still generate debate.

3. Christopher Reeve (1978)

Christopher Reeve is recognized as one of the most iconic portrayers of Superman. He starred in four films in the franchise, starting with Superman: The Movie (1978), directed by Richard Donner. He returned to the role in Superman II (1980), facing General Zod and his allies, and followed with Superman III (1983) and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987).

4. Dean Cain (1993)

Dean Cain starred in the series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Supermanwhich focused on the relationship between Clark Kent and Lois Lane. The production had four seasons and presented a modern approach to the hero in the 1990s, attracting a younger audience.

5. Tom Welling (2001)

Tom Welling played a young version of Clark Kent in the series Smallvillewhich explored the hero’s formative years in his small hometown. The series ran for ten seasons and 217 episodes, featuring a developing Clark Kent dealing with the challenges of his powers.

6. Brandon Routh (2006)

Superman Returns was an attempt to revitalize the film franchise, with Brandon Routh taking on the role that many associated with Christopher Reeve. The film paid homage to the Reeve era, but did not achieve the expected success at the box office.

7. Henry Cavill (2013)

Henry Cavill played Superman in Zack Snyder’s DC Universe, starting with his 2013 standalone film, The Man of Steel. He returned in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), facing Ben Affleck’s Batman, and in Justice League (2017), which brought together DC’s main heroes. In 2022, Cavill briefly reprized the role in the post-credits scene of Black Adamhinting at a future confrontation with Dwayne Johnson’s character. However, with the revamping of the DC universe, his return to the role was ended.

8. Tyler Hoechlin (2016)

Tyler Hoechlin made his debut as Superman in the DC television universe in 2016, in six episodes of the series Supergirl. The actor reprized the role in other Arrowverse productions, including The Flash and Batwoman. In 2021, Hoechlin took the lead in Superman & Loisa series that explores Clark Kent’s life as a father and husband, as well as his role as a hero. The production highlighted the character’s family dynamics alongside Lois Lane, played by Elizabeth Tulloch, and her two teenage children.

9. Nicolas Cage (2023)

Nicolas Cage made a surprise appearance as Superman in the film The Flash (2023). The scene pays homage to the canceled project Superman Livesfrom the 1990s, where Cage would have starred as the hero under the direction of Tim Burton.

10. David Corenswet (2025)

David Corenswet will star Superman: Legacybeing presented as the new version of the hero in the DC cinematic universe. Under the direction of James Gunn, the film seeks to present a new phase for the character.