Warner Bros./ Courtesy Everett Collection ; FlixPix / Alamy James Gunn'sSupermanpremiered in theaters on July 11 The film featured an entirely new cast to portray the superheroes and villains, with David Corenswet at the helm as the iconic Man of Steel Gunn has noted similarities between Corenswet and Christopher Reeve, who originally played Superman in 1978 Supermanhas a whole new look. TheJames Gunn-directed film premiered in theaters on July 11, with a cast of fresh faces as DC Universe's superheroes and villains. Though fans ofHenry Cavillwere originally disappointed to learn thathe wouldn't be reprisingthe titular role,David Corenswethasreceived praisefor his take on the Man of Steel, made classic in 1978 by the iconicChristopher Reeve. During a special trailer preview event in December 2024, Gunn shared why Corenswet was tapped for the role, praising his "Superman face" and undeniable connection to the character. "The thing I think that connects him so much in some ways to Christopher Reeve is he has a lot of deep training," the screenwriter said. "I've never worked in my entire life with such a rigorous actor. He challenged me on a daily basis to really get the most out of his character, get the most out of his story." While the movie featured classicSupermancharacters (like Lois Lane and Lex Luthor), characters from all across the DC Universe — including Guy Gardner and Hawkgirl — were also spotlighted. From Superman to Lois Lane and Hawkgirl, here's a side-by-side look at the cast of 2025'sSupermanand the actors who famously brought these characters to life. Warner Bros. / DC ; Everett Collection Corenswet stepped into the iconic role of Superman, a character famously portrayed by Reeve in the 1978 film. Known in his everyday life as Clark Kent, a reserved reporter at theDaily Planet, Superman is the legendary hero who embodies hope and justice. The character first leaped from a comic book page onto the screen in 1948, brought to life by Kirk Alyn in a 15-episode film serial. Three years later, Superman made his feature-film debut, played by George Reeves, setting the stage for a legacy of actors who would wear the cape for decades. After Reeve took on the role in 1978, he starred in severalSupermansequels and earned additional acclaim for his role in 1980'sSomewhere in Time. As for the newest Clark Kent, Corenswet is best known for his performances inThe PoliticianandHollywood. Warner Bros. / DC Rachel Brosnahantook on the role of Lois Lane, who was originally played by the lateMargot Kidderin 1978'sSuperman. Lane is an award-winning reporter for the Metropolis newspaper, theDaily Planet, who becomes Superman — and his alter ego Clark Kent's — closest confidant and primary love interest. Brosnahan is most known for her Emmy-winning performance inThe Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. She also starred inHouse of Cards, among several other projects. Meanwhile, Kidder was cast in subsequentSupermansequels and gained recognition for her appearance in 1979'sThe Amityville Horror. Warner Bros. / DC Nicholas Houltjoined the cast as Lex Luthor, who was played byGene Hackmanin the 1978 version. As Superman's nemesis, Luthor is a villain who uses his evil brilliance to try to take him down. Hoult's breakout role was in 2002'sAbout a Boy, and he continued to rise to fame in 2014'sX-Men: Days of Future Past. AfterSuperman, Hackman starred in 1992'sUnforgiven,which led him to win an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role the following year. He previously won Best Actor forThe French Connection. Warner Bros. / DC ; CBS via Getty Nathan Fillionportrayed Guy Gardner, a superhero known as one of the Green Lanterns. The 2025 film will be Gardner'sSupermanbig-screen debut, but he was first played on-screen byMatthew Settlein the 1997 television pilotJustice League of America. In December 2024, Fillion wrote onInstagramthat he was "charged up" for the film and "elated" to be included. "I am thrilled to have met all the incredibly talented crew and actors who worked so hard to make it," he wrote. "This theme brings back incredible memories for me, and at the same time, brand new thrilling feelings. Honestly- I get chills." Prior to joining the DC Universe, Fillion gained recognition for his movie roles in 2005'sSerenityand 2006'sSlither, as well as the television seriesFirefly,Castleand most recently,The Rookie. As for Settle, he's well-known for his performances in 1998'sI Still Know What You Did Last Summerand The CW's dramaGossip Girl. Warner Bros. / DC ; Brendan Meadows/©The CW Network/courtesy Everett Collection Isabela Mercedjoined theSupermancast as Hawkgirl, a superhero who has taken on various identities in the DC Universe, including Shiera Sanders Hall and Kendra Saunders. Hawkgirl has most frequently been brought to life byCiara Renée, who portrayed Kendra Saunders/Hawkgirl and various reincarnations acrossThe Flash,ArrowandDC's Legends of Tomorrow. Hawkgirl was also voiced byMaria Canals-BarrerainJustice League, in which the character was depicted as Shayera Hol. Reflecting on her casting, Merced shared her excitement in an April 2024 interview withCollider, describing it as a "full circle moment." "I was a DC kid growing up. We had the action figures, and most of them were so old and used that the paint had come off ... But I really adored Hawkgirl," she said. "We just had a really fun, enjoyable childhood with those." Merced rose to fame following her roles in 2017'sTransformers: The Last Knightand 2019'sDora and the Lost City of Gold, while Renée has gone on to appear in other television series such asEvilandYour Honor. Jamie McCarthy/WireImage ; Warner Bros. / DC Eve Teschmacher — Lex Luthor's assistant and girlfriend — was first brought to life byValerie Perrinein 1978'sSuperman,and will next be portrayed bySara Sampaio. Following the trailer release, Sampaio shared the clip on herInstagram, writing, "So proud of the whole cast and crew." "Still can't believe I get to be a part of this! What is life?" she added. Before her acting career, Sampaio had been aVictoria's Secret Angelfor a few years. She eventually landed various acting roles, including in 2018'sCarga, 2021'sShadowand 2022'sWifelike. As for Perrine, she reprised her role as Teschmacher in 1980'sSuperman IIbefore going on to star in 2000'sWhat Women Want. DC Comics ; © Salkind-DC Comics Pruitt Taylor Vince played Jonathan Kent in the 2025 film. The role of Superman's father — known also as "Pa Kent" — was originated by Glenn Ford in the 1978 film.Kevin Costneralso played the part in the 2013 movieMan of Steel. A long-time Hollywood staple, Vince has starred in series likeLady in the Lakeand had guest roles in shows likeTrue Blood,The Walking Dead,Stranger ThingsandMurder One. TheEmmy-winningactor has also had prominent roles in films likeBird BoxandThe Life and Death of John Gotti. DC Comics ; © Salkind-DC Comics Neva Howell portrayed Superman's mother, Martha Kent. She joins a small group of actresses who have taken on the part of "Ma Kent," includingEva Marie SaintinSuperman ReturnsandDiane LaneinMan of Steel. Though she's appeared in movies likeGreedy PeopleandDiary of a Wimpy Kid, the 2025Supermanfilm will be her most notable role to date. Cindy Ord/Getty ; ©Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett Collection In August 2024, Gunnshared on Xthat Skyler Gisondo was selected to play Superman's pal, Jimmy Olsen. Though Marc McClure famously played the role of the young photojournalist who works with Superman and Lois Lane at the Daily Planet in the 1978 flick,Jack Larsonoriginated it in the 1950s seriesAdventures of Superman. Matthew Gray Gublervoiced the role in the 2011 animated movieAll-Star Supermanand Aaron Ashmore played Jimmy Olsen for years in the supernatural seriesSmallville. Gisondo is best known for his breakout roles as Eric Bemis in the seriesSanta Clarita Dietand Gideon Gemstone inThe Righteous Gemstones. Read the original article onPeople