Meet your new Superman and Lois Lane in Superman Legacy
DC Studios recently announced the casting of David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane in the upcoming film Superman: Legacy, directed by James Gunn. Here’s a bit about both of them.
Both actors emerged as top contenders among six candidates who vied for the lead roles, and their selection marks a significant career shift for Corenswet and an opportunity for Brosnahan to showcase her talent in the beloved superhero franchise.
Who is David Corenswet?
Corenswet is widely recognised for his breakout role in the Netflix series The Politician. Having garnered attention for his performance in the series, Corenswet subsequently starred in another Netflix series, Hollywood, backed by renowned producer Ryan Murphy.
From the minute David Corenswet first appeared on screen in The Politician, it was clear that he had a super bright future in Hollywood. pic.twitter.com/qImhdMJeTk
— Netflix (@netflix) June 27, 2023
He has also appeared in notable projects such as HBO's We Own This City and the A24 horror sequel Pearl. He is also set to appear in the Apple series Lady in the Lake and the sequel to Twister.
The character of Superman has been portrayed on the big screen by only three actors:
- Christopher Reeve, who starred in the groundbreaking 1978 film Superman and its subsequent sequels;
- Brandon Routh in Superman Returns (2006); and
- Henry Cavill in Zack Snyder's Man of Steel (2013) and subsequent DC Extended Universe films.
Corenswet's portrayal will play a crucial role in shaping the new DC Universe, as the studio aims to create a fresh and distinct cinematic experience.
Snyder fans calling this “twitter casting” when David Corenswet actually looks and acts like Clark Kent / Superman. pic.twitter.com/caysmydjHg
— BatKnight66 (@batknight66) June 27, 2023
Who is Rachel Brosnahan?
Brosnahan, on the other hand, gained critical acclaim and won both Emmy and Golden Globe awards for her role as the title character in the widely acclaimed comedy series The Marvelous Mrs Maisel.
Rachel Brosnahan can literally do anything. pic.twitter.com/IIXu3MMj63
— Prime Video (@PrimeVideo) June 27, 2023
She first rose to prominence with her appearance in House of Cards, which earned her an Emmy nomination. Brosnahan's selection as Lois Lane in Superman: Legacy adds to her already impressive resume, showcasing her versatility as an actress in both television and film.
Previous actresses who have portrayed Lois Lane on the big screen include
- Margot Kidder in the iconic Superman films of the late 1970s and early 1980s,
- Kate Bosworth in Superman Returns (2006), and
- Amy Adams in the recent DC Extended Universe films.
Both iconic roles carry significant weight and pressure, particularly in the current landscape of superhero cinema. Their dynamic as Clark Kent and Lois Lane will anchor a new universe as DC Studios seeks to reinvent itself after a series of mixed results with previous releases.
Passing of the torch! SUPERMAN ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/TUEAVcA3kO
— BLURAYANGEL 🦇 (@blurayangel) June 27, 2023
Superman: Legacy production
Known for his work on the Guardians of the Galaxy films for the MCU, James Gunn will not only be directing Superman: Legacy but now also serves as the co-architect of the new DC Universe alongside Peter Safran.
Accurate! (They are not only both incredible actors, but also wonderful people). https://t.co/1FtwYIDeYj
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) June 27, 2023
Gunn confirmed the casting news and praised both Corenswet and Brosnahan, highlighting their exceptional talent and personal qualities. Gunn has emphasised that the new DC Universe will differentiate itself from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, forging its own path and storytelling style.
Why I love movies. pic.twitter.com/gagxtfdtnm
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) May 10, 2023
ALSO READ: Wonder Woman axed, Superman changed, no place for Black Adam. What is the future of DCEU?
Superman: Legacy follows the journey of Clark Kent, as he reconciles his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing in Smallville, Kansas. The film explores the embodiment of truth, justice, and the American way, as Superman is guided by human kindness in a world that often overlooks such virtues.
Set to release on July 11, 2025, Superman: Legacy will be one of the first films fully produced under the tenure of Gunn and Safran. It is part of their ambitious plans for the new DC Universe, which includes an eight-to-ten year roadmap and potential decade-long deals for actors across movies and television.