KIRK ALYN: 1948-1950
The very first actor to wear the iconic Superman emblem in a live-action film was Kirk Alyn in 1948’s Superman.
He also returned to play the DC Comics character a second time in the 1950 sequel Atom Man vs. Superman.
Kirk, who died in March 1999, starred alongside the late Noel Neill, who played the first-ever Lois Lane on screen.
Iconic: The first actor to wear the iconic red cape was Kirk Alyn in the 1948 film Superman. He also returned to the role for a second time in the 1950 sequel Atom Man vs. Superman
As is usual with stars associated with the Superman universe, Kirk also had a cameo years later – playing Lois Lane’s father alongside Noel as her mother in 1978’s ‘Superman’ starring Christopher Reeve.
Kirk was hired by Columbia Pictures because he resembled Clark Kent, but later blamed his success as a character and superhero alter ego for ruining his acting career.
However, he benefited from a surge of nostalgia for the franchise in the 1970s that led him to attend comic book conventions to meet adoring fans.
He reportedly said in 1972, “Playing Superman ruined my acting career and I’ve been bitter about the whole thing for many years.” But now it’s finally starting to pay off.”
Blame: Kirk was hired by Columbia Pictures because he resembled Clark Kent, but later blamed his success as a character and superhero alter ego for ruining his acting career
GEORGE REEVES: 1951-1958
George Reeves then took on the role of Krypton’s son in the 1951 independent film Superman and the Mole Men.
He reprized his role in the first Superman TV series, Adventures of Superman, which premiered in 1952 and ran for six series through 1958, producing a total of 104 episodes.
In addition to his Superman role, he was a veteran amateur boxer and musician, having previously acted in 1939’s Gone With the Wind and So Proudly We Hail! in 1943.
But his wartime service interrupted his career after he was drafted in early 1943 and assigned to the US Army Air Forces before being posted to the Army Air Forces First Motion Picture Unit, where he made training films.
Star: George Reeves reprized the role of Krypton’s son in the 1951 film Superman and the Mole-Man and reprized his role in the first Superman TV series entitled Adventures of Superman.
After his military service, he found great success on television in The Adventures of Superman, playing the role of Lois Lane opposite Noel Neill before being replaced by Phyllis Coates in the first season.
In June 1959, George was found dead in his bedroom from a single gunshot wound to the head. Police concluded that his death was a suicide.
CHRISTOPHER REEVE: 1978-1987
Next, Christopher Reeve donned the iconic red cape, which landed the role in Richard Donner’s iconic 1978 film, Superman: The Movie.
During his series of iconic film appearances as this character from 1978 to 1987, he became arguably the most recognizable and beloved version of the famous superhero.
Beloved: Next up, Christopher Reeve donned the iconic cape, taking on the role in Richard Donner’s iconic 1978 film, Superman: The Movie
Christopher reprized his role in 1980’s Superman 2, 1983’s Superman 3, and 1987’s Superman 4: The Quest for Peace, becoming the face of the iconic franchise for many years.
However, after a horse riding accident in 1995, Christopher was tragically paralyzed from the neck down and then retired from acting to advocate for the disabled.
He established the Christopher Reeve Foundation, raising more than £25m for research and £5m in grants for patients, whilst also being heavily involved in spinal injury research.
In 2000 he regained some movement and feeling in his body and could feel when his wife Dana or his children – William, Alexandra and Matthew – gave him a hug.
Fan Favorite: During his series of iconic film appearances as this character from 1978 to 1987, he became arguably the most recognizable and beloved version of the famous superhero
During his decade-long relationship with Gae Exton, he welcomed his two eldest children, William and Alexandra, before their split in 1987. He shared his youngest son William with his wife Dana, who died of cancer in March 2006.
Christopher survived ten years of near-complete immobility following his accident, but died of complications in October 2004, shortly after his 52nd birthday.
JOHN NEWTON: 1988
John Haymes Newton got his first screen role as Superboy, which ran from 1988 to 1991 in four series and 26 episodes.
However, American actor John only appeared as Clark Kent in the show’s first season before being replaced by Gerard Christopher.
It was reported that producers were unhappy with John’s performance as the younger version of the popular superhero and decided to recast him after he tried to negotiate his salary.
TV Show: John Haymes Newton landed his first screen role as Superboy in the show’s first season before being replaced by Gerard Christopher as producers weren’t impressed
His successor, Gerard, later also served as producer and writer on the series, auditioning for Superman in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman after Superboy’s cancellation.
Despite being handpicked by the casting director, he was fired when the producers discovered he had previously played a version of the character.
DEAN CAIN: 1993-1997
So it was Dean Cain who eventually landed the role of Superman in Lois & Clark: The Adventures of Superman.
In the series, which ran from 1993 to 1997, he starred alongside Teri Hatcher, who played Lois Lane, as Clark Kent and his alter ego Superman.
Much to the annoyance of longtime fans, the show was canceled before an unresolved storyline could be resolved.
Superhero: Dean Cain eventually took on the role of Superman in Lois & Clark: The Adventures of Superman
Dean, now 56, returned to the DC Universe in Supergirl between 2015 and 2017, where he played Kara Danvers/Supergirl’s father, Jeremiah Danvers.
Dean previously said he had “extremely fond memories” of his time as Superman and believes it was a fantastic start to his career.
He said: “Now when I’m associated with the character I’m still over the moon because what would you like to be called if you were ever going to be called the same character forever, I think Superman pulls that off pretty well .” the cake.’
In 2018, Dean made a slight career change when he became a reserve officer and was sworn in to the state of Idaho.
Emblem: In the series, which ran from 1993 to 1997, he starred alongside Teri Hatcher, who played Lois Lane, as Clark Kent and his alter ego Superman
TOM WELLING: 2001-2011
Tom Welling played the teenage Clark Kent on the series Smallville for ten years, which ran from 2001 to 2011 in ten series and 217 episodes.
The 45-year-old actor starred alongside the likes of Allison Mack as Chloe Sullivan, Kristin Kreuk as Lana Lang and Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luthor in Smallville.
However, Tom was never able to don Superman’s iconic suit during his long tenure as a young Clark trying to use his superpowers to find his place in the world.
Back in 2017, he told Entertainment Weekly that he strongly supports the show’s “no tights, no flights” mantra.
Younger Version: Tom Welling played the teenage Clark Kent for ten years in “Smallville,” which ran for ten series and 217 episodes from 2001 to 2011
“That was something we talked about before we even shot the pilot.” [creators] Al [Gough] and miles [Millar],’ he said.
“We literally sat down and talked about the show, and I asked about the suit, pantyhose and culottes, and they were like, ‘No, absolutely not.’ That’s partly because the show is about a teenager trying to find out who he is.’
The only time Tom was seen in red, blue, and yellow was in the series finale when he ripped open his shirt to reveal the symbol of the House of El on his chest.
Tom also revealed that he turned down a chance to play Superman again in Supergirl, but returned to the role for a cameo scene in Arrowverse’s crossover Crisis on Infinite Earths.
Hit series: The 45-year-old actor starred opposite Kristin Kreuk and Michael Rosenbaum in ‘Smallville,’ which saw a young Clark trying to find his place in the world
BRANDON ROUTH: 2006
Next, Brandon Routh donned the iconic red and blue suit in 2006’s “Superman Returns,” which brought him international stardom and become a household name.
The now 43-year-old star played Lois Lane in the Superman revival alongside Kate Bosworth and only appeared in part of the film as Krypton’s son.
However, Brandon briefly returned to his role in the Arrowverse sixth crossover series Crisis on Infinite Earths.
New Face: Brandon Routh donned the iconic red and blue suit in 2006’s ‘Superman Returns’, bringing him international fame and a household name
Back in 2006, Brandon admitted he was aware of the “legacy” of both Superman as a whole and fan favorite Christopher Reeves before landing the role.
He said, “I was aware of the great legacy, not just of Superman but of Christopher Reeve.” He made me love Superman just by watching him perform.
“I did my best to always remember that there is this great respect that needs to be shown, but I also didn’t worry about whether I was going to be good enough because that would get in the way of my performance confessed.”
Rise to fame: The star, now 43, played Lois Lane in the Superman revival alongside Kate Bosworth, and only appeared in part of the film as Krypton’s son
“You have to try to imagine what it’s like to be the most powerful person in the world, and there’s no room for fear.”
In 2016, Jude Law announced that he had turned down a chance to play the title character, making way for Brandon in Superman Returns.
He explained, “I just felt like it just didn’t seem right.” And I was always worried about the outfit and I just didn’t like it. And this director was very interested in getting to know me and convincing me of that.”
TYLER HOECHLIN: 2016 – TODAY
Tyler Hoechlin then donned the cherished cape and made his big screen debut as Superman in 2016 on the CW series Supergirl, Superman’s cousin.
The Teen Wolf star later appeared as a superhero in episodes of Arrow, The Flash, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow and Batwoman.
Current role: Tyler Hoechlin donned the treasured cloak and made his big screen debut as Superman on the CW series Supergirl in 2016 before starring in his series Superman & Lois
The CW then finally gave the green light to its Superman & Lois series, which hit screens in February 2021.
He plays Lois Lane alongside Elizabeth Tulloch.
On-screen family: He stars as Lois Lane alongside Elizabeth Tulloch, while Jordan Elsass and Alexander Garfin play their on-screen sons Jonathan and Jordan Kent
Announcing his departure, a Warner Bros. spokesman said in August, “Jordan Elsass has informed the studio that he will not be returning for season three of Superman & Lois due to personal reasons.” The role of Jonathan Kent will be recast .’
Before appearing as Superman, Tyler played the roles of Tom Hanks’ son in the 2002 film Road to Perdition, Martin Brewer in 7th Heaven and Derek Hale in Teen Wolf.
HENRY CAVILL: 2013-2022
Henry Cavill made his foray into the Superman universe in 2013’s Man of Steel and proved popular with longtime fans of the series.
The 40-year-old actor returned to the role in 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and 2017’s much-maligned Justice League.
Big Break: Henry Cavill made his foray into the Superman universe in 2013’s Man of Steel and proved popular with longtime fans of the series
Henry made another appearance in HBO Max’s “Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” which debuted on the streaming service in 2021, and most recently made a cameo appearance at the end of Warner Bros. Black Adam.
He began his acting career at the age of 18 with small roles in Vendetta (2001) and The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) which led to larger roles in Little Red Riding Hood (2006), Stardust (2007) and the TV series The Tudors Immortals (2011 ) and The Cold Night of Day (2012).
However, Henry announced in December that he would not be returning to the role of Superman, despite confirming he would be back just weeks earlier in October.
Return: The actor returned to the role in 2016’s ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ alongside Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot, and in 2017’s much-maligned ‘Justice League’
“I just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran and it’s sad news for everyone.” “I’m not going back as Superman, after all,” he revealed.
“After being told by the studio to announce my return in October before hiring, this news isn’t the easiest of things, but such is life,” he added.
“The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that. “James and Peter need to build a universe,” he added.
“I wish them and everyone involved in the new universe the best of luck and a happy future,” he added.
“Everything he stands for still exists, and the examples he gives us are still there!” It’s no longer my turn to wear the cape, but what Superman stands for never will . It’s been a fun ride with you all, onward and up!’ he concluded.
The news that he won’t be returning as Superman is the second major role he’s lost this year, after it was announced in October that he won’t be returning for the fourth season of Netflix’s The Witcher and Liam Hemsworth will take on the role.
DAVID CORENSWET: 2025-?
New Guardian: Look Both Ways actor David Corenswet will replace the booted Henry Cavill in the new Superman movie Superman: Legacy
Look Both Ways actor David Corenswet will replace the booted Henry Cavill in the new Superman movie Superman: Legacy.
The 29-year-old actor, who has never starred in a major studio production before, will portray Clark Kent in the reboot franchise alongside Rachel Brosnahan, 32, as Lois Lane, replacing Amy Adams, Deadline reports.
Corenswet played Jake opposite Lili Reinhart in the 2022 Netflix film Look Both Ways and has also previously starred in Hollywood, The Politician and the A24 film Pearl.
Superman: Legacy will be released on July 11, 2025 and is about Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.