Every actor who played Superman

James Gunn recently introduced David Corenswet as the new Superman.

Many actors have played the role of infamous super-hero; but when you think of Superman movie, which star likely comes to your mind first?

Although Kirk Alyn was the first to play the character in the 1948’s Superman serial film, Christopher Reeve is widely considered the most popular actor so to have played the iconic character, according to Empire Online.

While other actors like Henry Cavill have also taken on the role with success. Here are some notable actors who have played Superman so far:

Kirk Alyn (1948)

Kirk Alyn was the first actor to play the DC Comics character Superman in live-action for the 1948 movie serial Superman and its 1950 sequel, Atom Man vs Superman with both movies releasing in 15 chapters.

George Reeves (1950s)

George Reeves was the new Superman in 1950s television series titled, Adventures of Superman, which ran on TV for seven seasons, starting in 1952.

Christopher Reeve (1978-1987)

Christopher Reeve played the iconic role for almost a decade starring in Superman, Superman II, Superman III and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.

Undoubtedly, he remains one of the definitive Superman on screen.

Dean Cain (1990s)

Dean Cain played Clark Kent/Superman in the TV series, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman from 1993 to 1997.

Tom Welling (2001-2011)

Beating Christopher Reeve’s record, Tom Welling has portrayed the character of Superman onscreen for the longest amount of time in the superhero drama, Smallville, for 10 years.

Brandon Routh (2006)

Interestingly, Brandon Routh as the eighth best Superman actor out of nine, playing the superhero in the 2006 movie, Superman Returns.

Henry Cavill (2013-2019)

Henry Cavill, the British heartthrob, played Superman in four major DCEU films: 2013’s Man of Steel, 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and 2017’s Justice League.

The 42-year-old actor had a cameo in 2022’s Black Adam.

Tyler Hoechlin (2016)

Tyler Hoechlin has portrayed Superman in series titled, Arrowverse and the subsequent series, Superman & Lois.

Notably, Hoechlin first appeared as Superman in the Supergirl series and later reprised the role in his own show.

David Corenswet (2025)

David Corenswet is the latest actor to play Superman in the super-hero movie of same name, which was released on July 11, 2025.

His starrer film is the first movie in the DCU's Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.