James Gunn has announced that he has found his Superman and Lois Lane for the upcoming film “Superman: Legacy.” After an extensive search, David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan have been cast in the lead roles. The film will serve as the launch for DC’s new universe under the direction of Gunn and his DC Studios co-boss, Peter Safran.
Corenswet and Brosnahan were among six actors who competed for the iconic roles. Gunn filmed screen tests with the actors over the weekend of June 17, with Nicholas Hoult and Tom Brittney also in contention for Superman/Clark Kent, and Emma Mackey and Phoebe Dynevor in the running for Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane.
The role of Superman is highly coveted and comes with immense pressure. Corenswet will be anchoring a new universe as DC attempts to reinvent itself following recent disappointing releases such as “Black Adam,” “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” and “The Flash.” Only three actors have previously portrayed Superman on the big screen. Christopher Reeve’s performance in 1978’s “Superman” defined the modern superhero genre and led to three sequels. Brandon Routh starred in 2006’s “Superman Returns,” but the film failed to perform well at the box office. Henry Cavill then took on the role in Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel,” which launched the DC Extended Universe and made Cavill a fan-favorite actor for his portrayal of Clark Kent.
Cavill went on to appear in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” and “Justice League,” and expressed his intention to continue playing Superman. However, with Gunn and Safran’s appointment to revamp DC, plans for a younger Superman were put into motion.
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“Superman: Legacy” is set to release on July 11, 2025, with filming scheduled to begin early next year. The casting search will continue for other characters such as Lex Luthor and the superheroes The Authority, who are expected to make their debut in “Legacy” before starring in their own film.
This project will be the first film fully produced under Gunn and Safran’s tenure at DC Studios. “The Flash,” which faced negative publicity due to star Ezra Miller’s actions, was the first film released under their leadership but performed below expectations at the box office.
For David Corenswet, landing the role of Superman marks a significant career shift. Not only will he be the lead in a studio film for the first time, but he will also be embodying one of pop culture’s most enduring heroes. Corenswet rose to prominence through his roles in Ryan Murphy’s “The Politician” and “Hollywood,” as well as HBO’s “We Own This City” and the A24 horror sequel “Pearl.” He has upcoming projects such as the Apple series “Lady in the Lake” and the “Twister” sequel, “Twisters.”
Rachel Brosnahan, an Emmy and Golden Globe winner for her role in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” will be taking on the role of Lois Lane. She gained recognition for her work in “House of Cards” and has previously been portrayed by Margot Kidder, Kate Bosworth, and Amy Adams.
James Gunn has expressed his personal connection to the character of Superman and his excitement for the project. He sees Superman as an outsider who feels like an alien but also as the ultimate insider due to his superhero status. These themes resonate with Gunn, and he is eager to bring them to life on the big screen.
“Superman: Legacy” has the potential to redefine the character and introduce a fresh take on the DC universe. With Gunn and Safran at the helm, fans can expect a new vision for Superman and Lois Lane that honors their iconic status while also exploring new territory.
