Superman's new actor, David Corenswet wants Superman to be 'bright and optimistic'

For actor David Corenswet, becoming the next Superman is a dream come true. In 2019, Corenswet stated to Entertainment Weekly that his biggest acting ambition was "definitely to play Superman" while promoting his supporting part in Ryan Murphy's Netflix limited series Hollywood. Four years later, the actor is near to achieving his dream.

The actor added that he was aware of his resemblance in appearance to Henry Cavill, who portrayed Superman in four Zack Snyder films.

"It came to my attention before the internet got a hold of me," Corenswet told EW at the time about comparisons to Cavill. "But my pie-in-the-sky ambition is definitely to play Superman. I would love to see somebody do an upbeat, throwback [take on Superman]. I love the Henry Cavill dark and gritty take, but I would love to see the next one be very bright and optimistic."

It makes perfect sense that Corenswet will portray an "optimistic" and "upbeat" Superman in James Gunn's Superman: Legacy.

As Gunn told Variety during his casting search, "The next Superman has to be someone who has all the humanity that Superman has but he’s also an alien. 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."

Superman: Legacy is the largest undertaking of Corenswet's career to date. The actor is most recognised for his supporting parts in the Ryan Murphy-created Netflix series The Politician and Hollywood. 

Warner Bros. will release Superman: Legacy on July 11, 2025.