Jessica Miglio/DC Studios/Warner Bros. Supermanwill serve to spotlight James Gunn's new vision for DC Studios after stepping in as co-chairman and co-CEO. David Corenswet leads the cast as Clark Kent alongside Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor. Other heroes and villains being introduced include Mister Terrific, Hawkgirl, and Metamorpho. It's a bird! It's a plane! No — it's the start of a new chapter for DC's flagship superhero. Supermansoars into theaters on July 11, marking the official theatrical launch ofJames Gunnand Peter Safran's rebootedDC Universe (DCU). With the future of the franchise hanging in the balance, expectations are sky-high for DC Studios' co-chairmen and co-CEOs — especially Gunn, who wrote and directed the film. That pressure, plus the decades of history behind the franchise, has madeSupermanone of the most anticipated films of the year. Set three years into Clark Kent's tenure as the Man of Steel, the story follows the superhero's fight to balance his Kryptonian heritage with his upbringing in Smallville, Kan. Meanwhile, he's pulled into a personal battle with Lex Luthor, who, as Gunn toldEntertainment Weekly, is driven by an obsessive need to outshine the superhero. The cast is massive, but rather than slowly building the DCU hero by hero, Gunn drops audiences into a fully-formed world. Leading the way areDavid Corenswetas Superman,Rachel Brosnahanas Lois Lane, andNicholas Houltas Lex Luthor, and they're backed by a sprawling ensemble of heroes, villains, and frequent Gunn collaborators. Ready to meet the new faces of the DCU? Here's your guide to the fullSupermancast (and where you've seen them before). Jessica Miglio/Warner Bros/DC Studios A Juilliard graduate (something he and former SupermanChristopher Reevehave in common), David Corenswet made his mark onHouse of Cards(2018) before landing lead roles on Ryan Murphy seriesThe Politician(2019–2020) andHollywood(2020). He's also starred inPearl(2022) and the HBO miniseriesWe Own This City(2022), as well asTwisters(2024) and theApple TV+miniseriesLady in the Lake(2024). Now, his life is about to change withSuperman. Corenswet stars as Clark Kent, a.k.a Superman, the Kryptonian superhero who hides his powers behind a journalist's desk at theDaily Planet. His Superman is also very passionate and vocal, breaking from the traditionally stoic hero. "I had the same ideas about Superman, that he's quite reserved and has ultimate control over his emotions and his reactions to things," the actor toldEWof the apartment scene featured in the official trailer. "I was very excited when James said all of that is true about Superman, but we get to meet him in this moment where those things areleasttrue. That's where he's a little bit of Superman, he's a little bit of Clark — because the only other person in the room knows who he is and holds all the cards." DC Studios/ Warner Bros. Two-time Golden Globe winner Rachel Brosnahan became a household name as Midge Maisel inThe Marvelous Mrs. Maisel(2017–2023). She also made waves onHouse of Cards(2013–2015) and starred in films such asPatriots Day(2016) andThe Amateur(2025). Brosnahan plays Lois Lane, a sharp, ambitious reporter at theDaily Planetand Clark's girlfriend. Describing her character as someone who "questions everything and everyone by nature," Brosnahan told EW that Lois is constantly on the move, with little time for anything but work. "I wanted her apartment to be filled with grab-and-go snacks," Brosnahan says. "I think she's somebody who's always so preoccupied with work that I'm not sure she ever sits down and eats a full meal." DC Studios/ Warner Bros. Nicholas Hoult has been acting since he was a kid — he broke out at age of 11 inAbout a Boy(2011) — but his turn as Tony Stonem onSkins(2007–2008) helped him level up to darker, more complex roles. Since then, he's shined in everything from theX-Menfilm series(2011–2019) toMad Max: Fury Road(2015),The Great(2020–2023),The Menu(2022), andNosferatu(2024). InSuperman, Hoult stars as Lex Luthor, the CEO of LuthorCorp and Superman's arch-nemesis. Fun fact: Hoult actually auditioned for Superman and made it to the final screen tests before landing Lex instead. The actor toldEWthat he wanted Lex to feel like "a real, credible threat," noting, "He's obsessive and determined and relentless, and there's a lot of emotion pushing through all of that in a way." He added, "I wanted him to feel like he was as much alpha as possible, where he's someone who's, in his mind, done everything he possibly could for himself but also for humanity in some ways. In his mind, heshouldbe adored. And then this person, this superhuman, this alien has come along who all those things come naturally to in many ways. That gives him a deep, deep resentment." DC Studios/ Warner Bros. Nathan Fillion's been a Gunn favorite for years, popping up in the director'sSlither(2006),The Suicide Squad(2021), andGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3(2023). When he's not teaming up with Gunn, he's leading ABC's police proceduralThe Rookie(2018–present). InSuperman, Fillion lends his talents to Guy Gardner, the obnoxious, bowl-cut-sporting member of the Green Lantern Corps. He's voiced the character in animated projects before, but this time, he's bringing him to life in all his cocky, chaotic glory. Of his character, Fillion told EW, "I love the idea that if you have an emergency and you need a Green Lantern — there's thousands of them out there in the galaxy — this is the last one you want." He added, "What is very true about Guy Gardner, and what James understands very well, is you don't have to be good and pure of heart to be a Green Lantern. You just have to be fearless. You just have to have the will. And Guy Gardner thinks he can take on Superman. That's how fearless he is. No, you can't take on Superman, dude." Expect more from him soon, seeing as Fillion willreprise his role in HBO'sLanternsandseason 2 ofPeacemaker. Warner Bros. Edi Gathegi has made his mark in the superhero world before, playing Darwin inX-Men: First Class(2011). He's also starred in theTwilightfilm series (2008–2011),The Blacklist(2015–2016) and its 2017 spinoff, and the Apple TV+ sci-fi drama seriesFor All Mankind(2022–present). InSuperman, Gathegi portrays Michael Holt, a.k.a. Mister Terrific, a brilliant inventor andJustice Gangmember who uses cutting-edge tech to fight crime. The actor toldEWthat he sees the character as "one of the most philosophically compelling heroes" in DC. "He's an atheist who believes in justice," Gathegi said of his character, adding that the death of Holt's wife sets him on the path to becoming Mister Terrific. "He found meaning in knowledge. He saw that, while the universe might be cruel, intelligence, science, and innovation could make it better. He chose to become hope rather than succumbing to the despair of losing his wife." Warner Bros. Isabela Mercedhas been acting since she was a kid, butDora and the Lost City of Gold(2019) kicked off her leading-lady era. She's since landed major roles inAlien: Romulus(2024) and HBO'sThe Last of Us(2025–present) — and now she's suiting up as Hawkgirl. Merced plays the Kendra Saunders version of the winged warrior, a gruff, mace-wielding member of the Justice Gang. While fans won't learn too much about her inSuperman, Merced told EW that's intentional. "James isn't showing all of his cards," she said. "He's saving a lot of that." That includesPeacemakerseason 2, where Merced will reprise the role. "It was a bit more blatantly comical," she said of Hawkgirl's next appearance. "It's so f---ed up, but in a fun way." DC Studios/ Warner Bros. Emmy nomineeAnthony Carriganhas wowed audiences for years, with roles like villainous Victor Zsasz onGotham(2014–2019) and the lovable Chechen mobster NoHo Hank onBarry(2018–2023). He's got a busy schedule ahead, starring in season 2 of Peacock'sTwisted Metaland Alex Winter's upcomingAdulthood. InSuperman, Carrigan transforms into Rex Mason, a.k.a. Metamorpho, a superhero archaeologist who can morph his body into all kinds of elemental forms. The actor told EW that we'll meet Metamorpho "in full swing of who he is." He continued, "You're in a situation where it's having to hurt someone, having to be an agent of the bad guy. And at the same time, there's this struggle to want to be good. What the film does brilliantly is it puts you in this situation of, 'Oh! He has no choice.' He has to be doing this, and you see how painful it is." DC Studios/Warner Bros. Skyler Gisondo's charisma and sharp comic timing turned heads in films likeBooksmart(2019) andLicorice Pizza(2021), as well as HBO'sThe Righteous Gemstones(2019–2025). For years, DC nuts fan-casted him as Jimmy Olsen, and now he's officially playing the eagerDaily Planetphotographer. On the April 25 episode ofDC Studios Showcase: The Official Podcast, he teased that Jimmy's "in a good spot" in his career but definitely "hungry for more." He added, "I think he also wants to be involved more in the writing component. He cares a lot about the stories. But for a young guy at theDaily Planet, he's climbing the corporate ladder. I think he's doing pretty well." DC Studios/Warner Bros. María Gabriela de Faría rose to fame on Latin American Nickelodeon hits likeIsa TKM(2008–2009) andYo soy Franky(2015–2016). Sheportrays Angela Spica, a.k.a. The Engineer, an ally of Lex Luthor who's a strong but emotionally scarred character enhanced by nanotech. On the June 6 episode of theDC Studios Showcasepodcast, de Faría described Angela as "a good person at heart," but also someone who's "extremely broken" and shaped by deep trauma. She joins forces with Lex in the name of building a better world (even if that means taking Superman out of it). The actress jokingly teased a "secret relationship" between Angela and Lex, hinting at a potentially dark and twisted power dynamic between the pair. DC Studios/Warner Bros. Wendell Pierceis best known for his turn as Detective Bunk Moreland onThe Wire(2002–2008), but his decades-long career includes roles in Spike Lee'sMalcolm X(1992), cult hitHackers(1995), Amazon seriesJack Ryan(2018–2023), and CBS'sElsbeth(2024–present). He's also a familiar face in the superhero genre, having appeared inThunderbolts*(2025) and as the voice of Lex Luthor onHarley Quinn(2025). Next, Pierce can be seen in Lee's upcomingHighest 2 Lowest(2025). InSuperman, Pierce steps into the newsroom as Perry White, editor-in-chief of theDaily Planet. He hasn't revealed much about his take on the character, but during an April 2024 appearance onLate Night with Seth Meyers, he admitted that he didn't grow up reading comics and wasn't too familiar withSupermanlore. (Hopefully he's brushed up a bit.) DC Studios/ Warner Bros. Veteran character actor Pruitt Taylor Vince has been a familiar face for decades, with a career filled with scene-stealing roles and even an Emmy win forMurder Onein 1997. He's also no stranger to the superhero world, having appeared inConstantine(2005),Heroes Reborn(2015), andAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D.(2017–2018). Most recently, he starred alongside Corenswet on the Apple TV+ miniseriesLady in the Lake(2024). Now, he takes on the role of Jonathan "Pa" Kent, Clark's adoptive father. Based on the trailer, he appears to be bringing plenty of heart to one of comics' most beloved dads. DC Studios/ Warner Bros. Neva Howell, who played small roles on series likeThe Originals(2018) andThe Resident(2019), appears inSupermanas Martha "Ma" Kent, Clark's adoptive mom and one of the most iconic maternal figures in comic book history. In a recent interview withNews Channel 9, Howell said landing the role made up for years of career rejection. To prepare, she studied a recording of a real Kansas farmer's wife (courtesy of Gunn) and channeled both her loving mother and tough grandmother to shape her take on Ma. "I listened to it over and over and over every day for months," she shared. "That was the main thing that gave me the flavor of Ma." DC Studios/Warner Bros. Beck Bennettis best known for his eight-season run onSaturday Night Live(2013–2021), where he split sides with characters like Office Boss and spot-on impressions of Mike Pence and Mitch McConnell. Since leavingSNL, he's voiced roles inSing(2016),Duck Tales(2017–2021), andHamster & Gretel(2022–2025), and also appeared inJerry Seinfeld'sUnfrosted(2024). Coming up, Bennett is set to star alongsideDaisy Ridley,Alden Ehrenreich, andSam NeillinThe Last Resort(2026). InSuperman, Bennett steps into the shoes of Steve Lombard, theDaily Planet's smug sports reporter.He teased some details about the character in an interview withComingSoon, revealing that Steve is "an adversary for Clark Kent" at theDailyPlanet. "He's a character where, when you see him, you know what to expect, you know he's going to be overly confident and then kind of fall flat on his face and get embarrassed," he added. "It's really fun to play a character who is so cocky and just always ends up getting his comeuppance." DC Studios/Warner Bros. Another Gunn regular, Mikaela Hoover has appeared in everything fromSuper(2010) toGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3(2023), where she voiced the sweet rabbit Floor. You might also recognize her from rom-coms likeHolidate(2020), andLove Hard(2021). Up next for the actress isseason 2 ofOne Piece(2026), where she'll lend her voice to Tony Tony Chopper. Hoover plays Cat Grant, the gossip columnist at theDaily Planet.On the April 25 episode of theDC Studios Showcasepodcast, Hoover described Cat as "very into herself and into what she's doing," so much so that she's oblivious to any rivalry with Lois Lane. "She's so self-absorbed and just kind of in her own world." Still, there's more to Cat than meets the eye. "Cat is a lot smarter than she kind of comes off as," Hoover added, noting that while she might not be a "calculated" person, Cat is a "strong woman" who "knows what she's doing." DC Studios/ Warner Bros. After years of working behind the scenes, Christopher McDonald is finally ready to be in front of the camera. He's worn a lot of hats, serving as an associate producer onTavis Smileyfrom 2004 until 2017. Most recently, he was the talent producer forThe Kelly Clarkson Show(2021–2025). InSuperman, McDonald plays one of the more level-headedDaily Planetreporters, Ron Troupe. DC Studios/ Warner Bros. Victoria's Secret Angel Sara Sampaio is stepping off the runway and onto the big screen. While the model has popped up in a few small projects before,Supermanmarks her official Hollywood breakthrough. Sampaio stars as Eve Teschmacher, Lex Luthor's glamorous assistant and girlfriend. Originally created for Richard Donner'sSupermanfilms, Eve gets a modern twist this time around — and yes, she'sveryonline. "She's just very for herself and her content," Sampaio explained to EW of her character. "She's sometimes out of notion with what's happening or what's appropriate, but she does have a heart. At the end of the day, everything is just so exciting for her. She's just in a whole different world." Paras Griffin/Getty With nearly 100 credits to his name, Terence Rosemore might just be one of Hollywood's busiest actors. He's had a long career on both the big and small screens, most recently starring as Captain Terrance on Netflix teen dramaOuter Banks(2020–2024). You've almost definitely seen him before, especially if you're a Gunn fan. Rosemore has appeared in bothGuardians of the Galaxysequels (2017–2023),The Suicide Squad(2021), andThe Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special(2022), making him a regular in the filmmaker's cinematic universe. Now, Rosemore joinsSupermanas Otis, Lex Luthor's henchman. Like Eve, Otis was originally created for Richard Donner'sSupermanfilms, where he was played with goofy charm byNed Beatty. DC Comics Frank Grillobuilt his career on tough-as-nails enforcers, savvy operatives, and guys youdefinitelydon't want to cross. Best known for his franchise roles, Grillo previously starred as Brock Rumlow, a.k.a. Crossbones, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (2014–2023), Sergeant Leo Barnes inThe Purgefranchise (2014–2016), and now Rick Flag Sr. in the DC Universe (2024–present). He's no stranger to action, with roles in nail-biters likeWarrior(2011),The Grey(2012), andHitman's Wife's Bodyguard(2021). He led the MMA dramaKingdom(2014–2017), and played memorable roles onThe Shield(2002–2003),Prison Break(2005–2006),Billions(2020), andTulsa King(2024). Grillo will reprise Rick Flag Sr. inPeacemakerseason 2, butSupermanmarks the character's live-action debut. The actor hasn't said much about his character's involvement inSuperman, tellingScreen Rantonly that his role in the film "has a lot to do withPeacemaker." Max Sean Gunnhas been popping up in movies and TV since the mid-'90s, but he's best known for playing quirky Kirk onGilmore Girls(2000–2007) and stealing scenes as Kraglin in theGuardians of the Galaxytrilogy (2014–2023). He also performed the motion capture forGuardians' Rocket (Bradley Cooper). A regular in the projects of Gunn, his brother, Sean played Weasel and Calendar Man inThe Suicide Squad(2021) and voices both Weasel and G.I. Robot in the animatedMaxseriesCreature Commandos(2024–present). He'll return as Maxwell Lord in season 2 ofPeacemaker,but will debut his spin on the character inSuperman. This version of Lord heads LordTech, the corporate entity funding the Justice Gang. Gunn took his own approach that deviates from whatPedro Pascaldid with the character inWonder Woman 1984(2020), "I think that James is good about directing me towards the relevant source material," Gunn said onThe Kristian Harloff Showin December 2024. "So, I think, the whole concept of the character takes a different type of tack. I saw the movie and Pedro is obviously a great actor, but what he does in that movie is not really relevant to anything that I'm doing." Supermanlands in theaters on Friday, July 11. Want more movie news? Sign up forEntertainment Weekly's free newsletterto get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more. Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly