"It's a Bird... It's a Plane... It's Superman…" Die-hard DC fans know this dialogue as a Broadway musical composed by Charles Strouse in 1966, based on the comic book character Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Twelve years later, Christopher Reeve portrayed the first-ever Superman on the 35mm.

After the controversy with Marvel, director James Gunn shifted his focus to the DCU, which includes Suicide Squad and the latest reboot of Superman starring David Corenswet. The character is a legend whose legacy dates back to 1938 with the first appearance in a comic book, 'Action Comics #1', created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

David is the 6th to don the Superman hat in a film, and the 9th, including series. The pressure is relatively high for him to carry forward the legacy.

This article delves in-depth into the world of actors who have portrayed the most powerful being on earth, its history, and its future.

Before Christopher Reeve

Before Christopher Reeve soared onto the big screen, other actors had already played essential roles in establishing Superman’s legacy. Kirk Alyn was the first live-action Superman, starring in Atom Man vs. Superman, a 1950 movie serial — a 15-chapter adventure released in theatres, meant to be seen in instalments. This serial is a sequel to the earlier Superman (1948) serial from Columbia Pictures. Although Alyn helped bring the comic book hero to life, he soon became too closely identified with the character to gain traction in a post-Superman career.

George Reeves, who starred as the Man of Steel in the 1950s television series Adventures of Superman, followed Alyn. Thanks to his endearing presence, Reeves was very popular; his character became a household presence. However, he died from a gunshot wound in 1959 when many details about the incident remained shrouded in mystery.

The Most Famous Superman: Christopher Reeve

The most recognised live-action Superman character was played by Christopher Reeve, who starred in the 1978 film "Superman" and its sequels. Reeve's portrayal of the character was iconic, as he effectively conveyed the power of Superman, as well as the goodness that lies within.

Reeve was able to effectively portray the physicality, as well as the charm, of the Superman character; he was believable as both Clark Kent and the Man of Steel. The 1978 film "Superman" is a classic, with Reeve's portrayal of Superman serving as the driving force of the film. In terms of box-office performance, the movie was a smashing success, earning roughly $300 million ($1.3 billion in today's dollars); it was the second-highest-grossing release of the year.

For many, Reeve's Superman is a symbol of their childhood, when superhero movies were heartening and straightforward. The influence of Reeve's Superman remains present in contemporary portrayals of the Superman character in both popular culture and fan culture, even after his death.

After Reeve

Years later, Brandon Routh donned the suit in Superman Returns (2006), a spiritual sequel to the Reeve period. While his performance was praised for its emotional sincerity, the film was not a financial success, and the hoped-for reboot of the franchise did not happen. Routh, according to Variety, also auditioned for the role of Clark Kent in the Smallville (2001) series and lost to Tom Welling.

Zack Snyder, with the film Man of Steel (2013), introduced a darker, more conflicted Clark Kent in Henry Cavill, who drew mixed reviews. Snyder's Superman was much less idealistic than the beloved Reeve version and proved to be more complex, both morally and characteristically. Cavill reprised the role of Superman for a continuation of Snyder and a top-tier film cameo in Black Adam. Many fans appreciated the ambition of Snyder's take on the character and the cinematic storytelling. Still, they echoed concerns expressed with other characters that his Superman was brooding and conflicted in ways that robbed the earlier period of their enactment of hope, joy, and optimism.

Superman on Television: Small Screen Legends That Are Still Talked About

While Superman's big-screen appearances often steal the limelight, the character's television run has been impactful, primarily due to actors who have reinvented the character for new generations. For Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman in the 1990s, Dean Cain embodied a warm and friendly Superman. This version of Superman focused more on Clark Kent's budding romance with Lois Lane, employing a romantic-comedy approach to storytelling. Even through lighthearted hijinks, Cain's depiction provided moments of heroism. Cain's Superman was relatable, grounded, and charming—one that somehow always felt a bit more human than alien.

Then, there was Tom Welling in Smallville, from 2001 to 2011. Welling would never wear the trademark suit until the last episode, but his decade-long arc exploring a budding young Clark Kent's powers, family legacy, and moral purpose captivated audiences. Smallville successfully blended the teen-drama format with myth and emotion, making it one of the longest-running superhero shows ever.

In recent years, Tyler Hoechlin has worn the cape not only for the Arrowverse and Superman & Lois, but also for the depth, emotion and sense of family that has come with it. Hoechlin's Superman is a father, partner, and protector, as expected. This portrayal is a refreshing take on the character of Superman in a family-friendly, family-conscious world. Each of these different actors has brought something new to Superman: Cain made him lovable, Welling made him relatable, and Hoechlin is making him deeply human. Together, they have shown that even on the small screen, the Man of Steel will leave a big impression.

Superman 2025: James Gunn's Reboot Starring David Corenswet

James Gunn's 2025 reboot, 'Superman' takes a joyful, uplifting turn with the Man of Steel. It leaves behind the darkness of recent renditions; in its place is the vibrant, optimistic tone reminiscent of Christopher Reeve's classic turn as Superman. By jumping right into the story, presenting a Superman already established in Metropolis, working at the Daily Planet, dating Lois Lane, and not retelling his origin story, audiences get to experience this incarnation of Superman's heroism without having to sit through a time-consuming origin. The result is a film that feels like a love letter to the idealistic roots of Superman, all wrapped up with a new modern shine.

At the centre is David Corenswet as Clark Kent & Superman, capturing the character's natural kindness and understated strength. Corenswet finds a way to evoke farm-boy warmth while establishing a sense of super-powered gravitas, delivering a sincere and nuanced performance that critics have noted, particularly for his ability to "shine with sincerity and strength". Opposite him is Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, who gives a performance filled with razor-sharp intelligence and unfettered courage. Many reviews cited their chemistry as "off-the-charts," calling it one of the film's highlights. Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor brings shades of sinister slickness, portraying a tech mogul villain who is equally terrifying and charming.

The initial reviews of the movie have been powerful. It has garnered an 82% critic score and a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as a 7.7/10 rating on IMDb, earning it recognition as one of the best on-screen outings for Superman in modern times. NDTV and Variety praise its energetic tone, referring to it as "a comic book coming to life," and its emotional stakes as feeling greater than merely spectacular superpowers. Entertainment Weekly points to its brisk pacing and joyful story, even as it skips by the origin cliches and dives into Superman's day-to-day life. Some reviewers did point to the occasional tonal clunkiness and heavy use of CGI. Still, because of the overall uplifting tonality, most did not hold this against the movie.

Gunn's reboot reveals a fresh Superman who is grounded, hopeful, innocent, and fun. The directorial slant of nostalgia and modern relevance produced a version of the iconic character that feels old and new in a compelling way.

SPOILER ALERT!!!- The 2025 Superman has a sweet connection to the OG Christopher Reeve. His son, William Reeve, an actor and a sports reporter for ABC News, features in a small cameo as a reporter chronicling an attack on the Metropolis.

What's the 'Superman Curse'?

The so-called "Superman Curse" has long fascinated fans and conspiracy theorists by linking the role of Superman to a string of real-life misfortunes and tragedies. It all started in the 1950s with George Reeves, who starred in the Adventures of Superman television series. He was found dead from a gunshot wound in 1959 at the age of 45. Although suicide was the final ruling, some believe he was a murder victim, or even a victim of an accidental shooting, with the case still shrouded in mystery to this day.

Next was Christopher Reeve, who played Superman in the 1978 film adaptation. In 1995, he was paralysed from the neck down in a horse-riding accident and died from heart failure in 2004 at only 52 years old.

Kirk Alyn, the original live-action Superman from the 1948 serials, struggled with typecasting and eventually faded away from the industry, passing away in 1999 due to Alzheimer's. Lee Quigley, who played baby Superman in the 1978 Superman film, died a tragic death at 14 years old from inhalant abuse.

The so-called curse continues with others associated with the franchise, including Margot Kidder, Marlon Brando, and others involved in production, all of whom had personal and professional issues. While it seems eerie, it is easy for sceptics to write it off as a coincidence or selective memory. With the number of people over the years who have been involved in perpetuating the myth across various adaptations, there are certainly tragic circumstances that are likely to occur; however, the myth persists.

The Takeaway

Superman has long been more than an "unmasked" vigilante; he is a cultural touchstone that changes with the times, for better or worse, reflecting who we are, what we fear, and what we hope to aspire to. From Christopher Reeve as the hopeful and cheerful Golden Age Superman in 1978 to Henry Cavill as the conflicted, tortured modern Superman in the 2010s, every version of Superman reflects the collective mood of the moment. Reeve's bright, idealistic Superman was a figure of truth and justice, embodying a priestly role. At the same time, Cavill's Superman was born in the wake of 9/11, cautiously exploring themes of identity, morality, and the weight of power. With David Corenswet now stepping into the role in a Superman reboot, we're getting a version that is big on warmth, kindness and optimism, which returns to core values that we so terribly need today.

The expectations surrounding the release of Superman on July 11, 2025, were massive, and while the cast and the movie are being praised, this has nothing to do solely with the action scenes and box office numbers. This has everything to do with whether the new film can inspire faith for a new kind of hero who leads not with fists but with heart. James Gunn is committed to showing the heart and soul of Superman without letting him become an artefact. Corenswet was able to connect in a way that represents the emotional sincerity we have hoped for, and Gunn was able to connect modern storytelling with eternal values in a character arc that came full circle.

Superman’s onscreen journey is not just one of legacy. There is also evolution, relevance, and a never-ending promise: no matter how dark the day, hope will rise again.