With a new direction in the DC Extended Universe, many DC fans are wondering who will be the new Superman.
The new Superman film (titled: Superman: Legacy) will be directed by the new head of DC Films James Gunn. “I initially said no because I didn’t have a way in that felt unique and fun and emotional that gave Superman the dignity he deserved,” Gunn wrote on Twitter. “Then a bit less than a year ago I saw a way in, in many ways centering around Superman’s heritage – how both his aristocratic Kryptonian parents and his Kansas farmer parents inform who he is and the choices he makes.”
“Just because I write something doesn’t mean I feel it in my bones, visually and emotionally, enough to spend over two years directing it, especially not something of this magnitude. But, the long and the short of it is, I love this script, and I’m incredibly excited as we begin this journey.”
Gunn also praised the classic superhero and is super excited to write the film. “I completely relate to Superman because he’s everything I am,” Gunn told The Hollywood Reporter in an April cover story. “He’s somebody who is an outsider who feels like an alien, but also the ultimate insider, because he’s fucking Superman. And that’s kind of like what I feel like.”
“It’s not an origin story,” co-director Peter Safran told the outlet on the basic premise. “It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks that kindness is old-fashioned.”
No one has been casted as Superman for Superman: Legacy just quite yet, but they’re certainly close. Henry Cavill will not reprise his role in the new Superman movie, but rest assured he was not fired from DC. “It’s also important to say that Henry Cavill was not fired,” Gunn said in a press conference. “Henry was just not hired to be Superman in the Superman movie. There was never a deal there for another movie. And that’s not what it was.”
“The next Superman has to be someone who has all the humanity that Superman has, but he’s also an alien,” he told Variety in April. “It’s gotta be somebody who has the kindness and the compassion that Superman has and be somebody who you want to give a hug.” He added, “We have some really great choices, which I’m excited about.”
All that anticipation—who will be the next Superman? Here’s the inside scoop and what we know about the Superman: Legacy cast.
David Corenswet, who played opposite Mia Goth in Pearl, is playing Superman per The Hollywood Reporter. He also starred in Ryan Murphy’s The Politician and Hollywood, the latter of which he also executive produced. Marvelous Mrs. Maisel star Rachel Brosnahan will be playing Clark Kent’s love interest Lois Lane.
A top contender was reportedly Pierson Fodé who starred in The Bold and The Beautiful and Disney Channel’s Jessie. According to Variety, Fodé sent in a self-tape, which included a montage of footage showing his very childhood on a farm in the small town of Moses Lake, Washington—one that mimics Clark Kent’s humble upbringing. He also starred in another DC TV show Supergirl in 2020 as Angus / Gregory Bauer.
The Hollywood Reporter reported that Jacob Elordi who stars in Euphoria and The Kissing Booth was one of the top-name contenders for Superman, but never sent in a self-tape.
Nicolas Hoult was originally in the mix to play Superman. However, he might be a name in the mix for villain Lex Luthor as “the studio has loved him since Fury Road,” a source claimed. The Menu actor was originally a contender for Batman but lost out to Robert Pattinson.
Actor Andrew Richardson was originally in the mix for a contender to play Superman. He starred in A Call to Spy and Killer Among Us.
When will Superman: Legacy be released? Superman: Legacy will be released on July 25, 2025
Gunn touched upon the personal importance of the date in a Twitter thread. “Yes, I’m directing Superman: Legacy to be released on July 11, 2025. My brother Matt told me when he saw the release date he started to cry. I asked him why. He said, “Dude, it’s Dad’s birthday.” I hadn’t realized.” He continued, “I lost my Dad almost three years ago. He was my best friend. He didn’t understand me as a kid, but he supported my love of comics and my love of film and I wouldn’t be making this movie now without him.”
