David Corenswet Soars as the New Superman
Philadelphia actor taps into comic-book legacy for James Gunn’s blockbuster caped crusade.
Image: Instagram
From Politician To Man Of Steel
David Corenswet has officially inherited the cape and emblem of one of pop culture’s most enduring heroes. The Philadelphia native first caught eyes with his brief but haunting turn as River in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series The Politician. Now, fresh off that breakthrough, he’s leaping into giant-sized boots as Superman in the DC Universe reboot directed by James Gunn.
In an exclusive with PEOPLE, Corenswet admitted, “I thought it was impossible that I’d ever get to play Superman because it’s impossible that anybody would get to play Superman.” That sense of awe is shared by fans, who’ve seen the actor channel both vulnerability and strength in every frame.
A Philadelphia Native In The Spotlight
Born June 8, 1993, Corenswet grew up in a family of educators and musicians. He studied at the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, later honing his craft at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama. Industry insiders spotted his potential early on, and his résumé now spans stage work, indie dramas and high-profile TV.
“Every role is a gift,” he told interviewers, “but stepping into Clark Kent’s life is on another level.” Social media buzzed when DC Studios shared photos of Corenswet in full Superman regalia, glazed in blue and red, captured by photographer Greg Williams.
Building The New Dc Universe
Gunn, who co-headed DC Studios with producer Peter Safran, assembled a cast that nods to classic lore while carving fresh storylines. Ahead of the film’s July 11 release, the team rolled out character posters on Instagram, teasing viewers with close-ups of Lois Lane, Jonathan Kent and more. Corenswet’s own debut shot—a wide-shouldered silhouette against Metropolis’ skyline—landed like a cinematic thunderbolt.
His own Instagram handle, @davidcorenswet, has been a window into both work and play: from on-set snapshots captioned “My day job. #Superman in theaters July 11” to candid moments marking #SupermanDay. One recent post shows him alongside Eiza González in a BOSS The Scent fragrance campaign, illustrating how the actor’s star power is already crossing genres.
Stepping Into Iconic Boots
Wearing the S-shield is as much a burden as it is a privilege. On social feeds, fans debated whether Corenswet’s square jaw and athletic frame could carry the weight of a legend. But Gunn’s vision hinges on humanizing the alien—showing a hero torn between two worlds, yearning for connection. In that, casting an actor with proven dramatic range feels like the right choice.
Co-starring actors like Rachel Brosnahan (as Lois Lane) and Nathan Fillion (as John Henry Irons) have praised Corenswet’s humility on set. “He listens, he laughs, and he works harder than anyone I know,” Brosnahan said at a press event. “That’s the spirit of Superman—compassion first.”
What Comes Next
As marketing ramps up, Corenswet is already fielding red-carpet inquiries and late-night invites. Critics will weigh in once reviews drop, but early impressions suggest a seamless leap from supporting player to marquee lead.
With the promise of sequels and cameo crossovers in the larger DC slate, Corenswet’s turn as the Hero of Tomorrow could define a generation. For now, he’s focused on giving audiences a Superman who feels both timeless and urgent—an alien heart beating with human dreams.
David Corenswet’s journey from Murphy’s teen drama to the planet’s mightiest superhero is a testament to breaking barriers. When he steps before the cameras this summer, expect both fireworks and a surprising dose of heart.
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