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The Ultimate List: Every Live-Action Clark Kent Actor, From The Golden Age To David Corenswet's DCU Debut

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The role of Clark Kent, the mild-mannered reporter from the Daily Planet and the true identity of Superman, is one of the most iconic and challenging in cinematic history. As of today, December 19, 2025, the spotlight is firmly fixed on the newest actor to don the iconic glasses and suit: David Corenswet, who is set to relaunch the entire DC cinematic universe. This deep dive explores his journey to the role, provides a complete list of the men who came before him, and reveals the latest, most current projects of the former Supermen, including Henry Cavill and Tom Welling. The transition from one Man of Steel to the next is always a monumental cultural event, and David Corenswet’s casting for James Gunn’s highly anticipated film, *Superman* (scheduled for release in July 2025), signifies the beginning of a completely new era for the DC Universe (DCU). Fans are eager to see Corenswet's take on the Kryptonian hero, especially his portrayal of the often-understated, dorky persona of Clark Kent.

The New Man of Steel: David Corenswet's Biography and Rise to the DCU

The announcement of David Corenswet as the new Clark Kent/Superman instantly made him a household name and the face of the DCU's future. The actor, who previously had success in streaming television, now carries the weight of one of pop culture's most enduring figures.

David Corenswet: Full Profile

  • Full Name: David Packard Corenswet
  • Date of Birth: July 8, 1993
  • Birth Place: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
  • Education: Graduated from the Juilliard School in 2016
  • Profession: Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, Editor
  • Notable Roles Before Superman: River Barkley in *The Politician* (2019), Jack Castello in *Hollywood* (2020), The Projectionist in *Pearl* (2022), Max Enders in *The Greatest Hits* (2024), Scott in *Twisters* (2024)
  • DCU Role: Clark Kent / Superman / Kal-El in *Superman* (2025)
  • Current Status: Filming/Post-Production for *Superman* (2025)

The Road to Metropolis and Public Reaction

Corenswet, a Philadelphia native, built a strong resume with acclaimed performances in Ryan Murphy's Netflix series, where he often played characters with a classic, leading-man aesthetic, which many fans noted made him a natural fit for the role of Superman. His casting was part of James Gunn's vision to reboot the DC movie universe, focusing on a younger Clark Kent who balances his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. The initial public reaction to Corenswet’s first glimpse in the new Superman suit was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the design and his physical embodiment of the classic hero. Critics and fans alike are anticipating a portrayal that leans into the "vulnerable, sensitive, and sweet sides of Clark Kent," a contrast to some of the darker interpretations of the past decade. The film, simply titled *Superman*, is not an origin story but rather focuses on Clark's journey to reconcile his Kryptonian nobility with his Smallville upbringing.

The Immortal Legacy: A Complete List of Live-Action Clark Kent Actors

The character of Clark Kent has been continuously adapted since the 1940s, creating a rich tapestry of performances. This list highlights the major actors who have brought the Man of Steel to life in live-action film and television.

The lineage of the live-action Clark Kent is a testament to the character's enduring appeal, spanning eight decades and multiple reboots. Each actor brought a distinct flavor to the role, from the earnestness of the Golden Age to the modern complexity of the 21st century.

  1. Kirk Alyn (1948–1950): The first live-action Superman, starring in the serials *Superman* (1948) and *Atom Man vs. Superman* (1950).
  2. George Reeves (1951–1958): The star of the classic television series *Adventures of Superman*, setting the standard for the wholesome, paternal hero.
  3. Christopher Reeve (1978–1987): Widely considered the definitive Superman, starring in the film series that began with *Superman: The Movie* (1978). He perfected the subtle difference between the powerful Superman and the clumsy Clark Kent.
  4. Dean Cain (1993–1997): Starred in the popular TV series *Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman*, which focused heavily on the romantic relationship between Clark and Lois Lane.
  5. Tom Welling (2001–2011): Played a young Clark Kent before he fully became Superman in the long-running series *Smallville*, exploring the hero's formative years in Kansas.
  6. Brandon Routh (2006): Portrayed the hero in *Superman Returns*, a sequel/homage to the Christopher Reeve films. He later reprised the role in the Arrowverse's *Crisis on Infinite Earths* crossover.
  7. Henry Cavill (2013–2023): The face of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), beginning with *Man of Steel*. His portrayal was often darker and more conflicted, focusing on the alien nature of Kal-El.
  8. Tyler Hoechlin (2016–2024): Starred in the CW series *Superman & Lois*, portraying a married Clark Kent who is also a father, offering a unique family-oriented take on the character.
  9. David Corenswet (2025–Present): The newest actor, set to lead James Gunn's rebooted DC Universe (DCU).

Where Are They Now? The Latest Projects of Former Supermen

With the DCU torch passed to David Corenswet, fans are naturally curious about the current careers and upcoming projects of the actors who previously defined the role. The good news is that the former Supermen are busier than ever in 2024 and 2025.

Henry Cavill: Post-DCU Projects (2024-2025)

Since officially departing the role of Superman, Henry Cavill has shifted his focus to a slate of high-profile action and fantasy projects, establishing himself as a major star in the genre space. His upcoming schedule is packed:
  • *The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare* (2024): A Guy Ritchie action film released earlier this year.
  • *In the Grey* (2025): Another action film with Guy Ritchie, slated for an early 2025 release.
  • *Highlander* Remake: Cavill is set to star in the long-awaited reboot of the fantasy franchise, promising significant swordplay.
  • *Warhammer 40,000* Project: A massive undertaking, Cavill is executive producing and starring in a film and television universe based on the popular tabletop game, a project close to his heart.
  • *Enola Holmes 3*: He is expected to reprise his role as Sherlock Holmes in the third installment of the Netflix film series.
Cavill’s focus on large-scale, fan-favorite franchises ensures he remains one of Hollywood's most bankable stars, even outside of the DC cinematic universe.

Tom Welling: Smallville Updates and New Ventures

Tom Welling, whose decade-long run on *Smallville* defined the character for a generation, continues to engage with his iconic past while exploring new acting roles.
  • *Smallville* Animated Series: Welling and his co-star Michael Rosenbaum (Lex Luthor) have consistently provided updates on a potential animated sequel to the series, stressing that the project's timing is a major factor for its chances. Welling continues to generate excitement among the *Smallville* fanbase for this potential continuation.
  • *Clear Cut* (2024): Welling is starring in the thriller movie *Clear Cut*, alongside Alec Baldwin and Stephen Dorff, which saw a release in 2024.
  • Secret Rom-Com Project: Welling also revealed in 2024 that he is currently filming a secret romantic-comedy project with his former *Lucifer* co-star, Aimee Garcia, showcasing his versatility beyond the superhero genre.

Tyler Hoechlin: The CW's Final Superman

Tyler Hoechlin successfully led the Arrowverse's final major superhero show, *Superman & Lois*, which concluded its run on The CW in 2024. His version was praised for its focus on Clark Kent as a husband and father, adding a new dimension to the character's emotional depth. Hoechlin has since expressed his excitement and support for David Corenswet taking on the role for the DCU, demonstrating a respectful passing of the cape. He continues to attend fan expos, engaging with the devoted audience of the show. The enduring popularity of Clark Kent/Superman ensures that the legacy of every actor who has played him remains intact. David Corenswet now joins this pantheon, ready to define the Man of Steel for a new generation in the highly anticipated DC Universe.
The Ultimate List: Every Live-Action Clark Kent Actor, From the Golden Age to David Corenswet's DCU Debut
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