KIRK ALYN: 1948-1950
The very first actor to sport the iconic Superman emblem in a live-action movie was Kirk Alyn in 1948’s Superman.
He also returned to play the DC Comics character for a second time in the 1950 sequel Atom Man vs. Superman.
Kirk, who died in March 1999, starred opposite the late Noel Neill, who played the first ever Lois Lane on-screen.
Iconic: The first actor to sport the iconic red cape was Kirk Alyn in 1948’s movie Superman. He also returned to the role for a second time in the 1950 sequel Atom Man vs. Superman
As is common for stars connected to the Superman universe, Kirk also made a cameo appearance 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 the character and his superhero alter-ego for ruining his acting career.
However, he benefited from a wave of nostalgia for the franchise in the 1970s, which saw him grace comic book conventions to meet eager fans.
According to reports, he said in 1972: ‘Playing Superman ruined my acting career and I’ve been bitter for many years about the whole thing. 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 the character and his superhero alter-ego for ruining his acting career
GEORGE REEVES: 1951 -1958
George Reeves then took over as the Son of Krypton in 1951’s independent film Superman and the Mole Men.
He reprised his role for the first Superman TV series, Adventures of Superman, which premiered in 1952 and ran for six series until 1958, producing a total of 104 episodes.
As well as his Superman role, he was a skilled amateur boxer and musician and previously starred as an actor in 1939’s Gone With The Wind and So Proudly We Hail! in 1943.
But his war service then interrupted his career after he was drafted in early 1943 and was assigned to the US Army Air Forces, before being transferred to Army Air Forces’ First Motion Picture Unit, where he made training films.
Star: George Reeves took over as the Son of Krypton in 1951’s film Superman and the Mole Men and reprised his role for the first Superman TV series, titled Adventures of Superman
It was after his wartime service that he found success on TV in the Adventures of Superman, where he starred alongside Noel Neill as Lois Lane, before she was replaced by Phyllis Coates in the first season.
In June 1959, George as found dead in his bedroom from a single gunshot wound to the head, with the police concluding his death was suicide.
CHRISTOPHER REEVE: 1978-1987
Next to wear the iconic red cape was Christopher Reeve, who took on the role in Richard Donner’s iconic 1978 movie, titled Superman: The Movie.
He arguably became the best-known and most-loved version of the famous superhero during his string of iconic movie appearances as the character from 1978 until 1987.
Beloved: Next to wear the iconic cape was Christopher Reeve, who took on the role in Richard Donner’s iconic 1978 movie, titled Superman: The Movie
Christopher reprised his role in 1980’s Superman 2, 1983’s Superman 3, and 1987’s Superman 4: The Quest for Peace and became the face associated with the iconic franchise for many years.
However, Christopher was tragically paralysed from the neck down after a riding accident in 1995 and then stepped away from acting, becoming a campaigner for the disabled.
He set up the Christopher Reeve Foundation and raised more than £25million for research and £5million in grants to patients, while he also worked hard appealing for research into spinal injuries.
By 2000, he had regained some movement and sensation in his body and could feel when his wife Dana or his children – William, Alexandra and Matthew – embraced him.
Fan favourite: He arguably became the best-known and most-loved version of the famous superhero during his string of iconic movie appearances as the character from 1978 until 1987
He welcomed his two eldest children, William and Alexandra, during his ten-year relationship with Gae Exton before they split in 1987. He shared his youngest son William with his wife Dana, who died from cancer in March 2006.
Christopher survived ten years of near total immobility after his accident but died of complications in October 2004, shortly after his 52nd birthday.
JOHN NEWTON: 1988
John Haymes Newton landed his first ever on-screen role as Superboy, which ran for four series and 26 episodes from 1988 until 1991.
However, American actor John only appeared as Clark Kent in the show’s first season before he was replaced by Gerard Christopher.
It was reported producers weren’t happy with John’s performance as the younger version of the beloved superhero and decided to recast him after he tried to negotiate his salary.
TV show: John Haymes Newton landed his first on-screen role as Superboy in the show’s first season before he was replaced by Gerard Christopher as producers were not impressed
His replacement Gerard later also served as a producer and writer on the show and auditioned for Superman in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman after Superboy’s cancellation.
Although he was chosen by the casting director, when producers discovered he had played a version of the character before, he was dismissed.
DEAN CAIN: 1993-1997
So it was Dean Cain who ended up taking on the role of Superman in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.
He played the role of Clark Kent and his alter-ego Superman alongside Teri Hatcher, who played Lois Lane, in the show, which ran from 1993 until 1997.
Much to the annoyance of longtime fans, the show was cancelled before one unresolved plot thread could be tied up.
Superhero: Dean Cain then ended up taking on the role of Superman in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
Dean, now 56, rejoined the DC universe between 2015 and 2017 on Supergirl, where he played Kara Danvers/Supergirl’s father Jeremiah Danvers.
Dean has previously said he looks back on his time as Superman with ‘extremely fond memories’ and believes it was an amazing start to his career.
He said: ‘When I get associated with the character now, I’m still happy as a clam because what would you want to be called, if you were ever going to be called the same character for life, I think Superman pretty much takes the cake.’
In 2018, Dean took a slight career change as he became a reserve officer and was sworn in in the US state of Idaho.
Emblem: He played the role of Clark Kent and his alter-ego Superman alongside Teri Hatcher, who played Lois Lane, in the show, which ran from 1993 until 1997
TOM WELLING: 2001-2011
Tom Welling spent ten years playing a teenage Clark Kent on Smallville, which ran for ten series and 217 episodes from 2001 until 2011.
The actor, now 45, starred alongside the likes of Allison Mack as Chloe Sullivan, Kristin Kreuk as Lana Lang and Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luthor on Smallville.
However, Tom never got to put on Superman’s iconic suit during his long stint playing a young Clark trying to find his place in the world with his superpowers.
Back in 2017, he told Entertainment Weekly that he strongly supported the show’s ‘no tights, no flights’ mantra.
Younger version: Tom Welling spent ten years playing a teenage Clark Kent on Smallville, which ran for ten series and 217 episodes from 2001 until 2011
‘It was something that we discussed before we ever shot the pilot with [creators] Al [Gough] and Miles [Millar],’ he said.
‘We literally had a sit down where we talked about the show and I asked about the suit and the tights and the flying, and they said, ‘No, absolutely not,’ part of the reason being is that show is about a teenager trying to figure out who he is.’
The only time Tom was seen in the red, blue and yellow was in the series finale, when he ripped open his shirt to reveal the House of El symbol on his chest.
Tom also revealed he turned down a chance to play Superman once again in Supergirl, but he did return to the role for a cameo scene in Arrowverse’s crossover Crisis on Infinite Earths.
Hit show: The actor, now 45, starred alongside the likes of Kristin Kreuk and Michael Rosenbaum in Smallville, which saw a young Clark trying to find his place in the world
BRANDON ROUTH : 2006
Brandon Routh was next to slip on the iconic red and blue suit in 2006’s Superman Returns, which saw him gain international fame and become a household name.
The star, now 43, starred alongside Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane for the Superman revival, only appearing as the Son of Krypton for one movie instalment.
However, Brandon briefly returned to his role in Arrowverse’s sixth crossover series Crisis on Infinite Earths.
New face: Brandon Routh was next to slip on the iconic red and blue suit in 2006’s Superman Returns, which saw him gain international fame and become a household name
Back in 2006, Brandon admitted he was aware of the ‘legacy’ of both Superman as a whole and fan favourite Christopher Reeves before he took on the role.
He said: ‘I was aware of the great legacy, not only of Superman, but also of Christopher Reeve. He’s the one that made me love Superman, watching him perform.
‘I did my best to always remember that there was this great respect that needed to be paid but also not worry about whether I was going to be good enough, as that would have got in the way of my performance.
Shot to fame: The star, now 43, starred alongside Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane for the Superman revival, only appearing as the Son of Krypton for one movie instalment
‘You have to try to imagine what it’s like to be the most powerful person on earth and there’s no room for fear in that.’
In 2016, Jude Law revealed that he turned down the chance to star as the titular character, making way for Brandon in Superman Returns.
He explained: ‘I just felt like… it just didn’t seem to fit. And I was always worried about the outfit it and I, I just didn’t fancy it. And this director was very keen to meet and impress it upon me.’
TYLER HOECHLIN: 2016 – PRESENT
Tyler Hoechlin then put on the esteemed cape and made his small screen debut as Superman back in 2016 on The CW’s Supergirl, who is Superman’s cousin.
The Teen Wolf star went on to appear as the superhero in episodes of Arrow, The Flash, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow and Batwoman.
Ongoing role: Tyler Hoechlin put on the esteemed cape and made his small screen debut as Superman back in 2016 on The CW’s Supergirl, before starring in his Superman & Lois series
The CW then finally gave the green light to his Superman & Lois series, which came to screens in February 2021.
He stars alongside Elizabeth Tulloch as Lois Lane.
On-screen family: He stars alongside Elizabeth Tulloch as Lois Lane, with Jordan Elsass and Alexander Garfin playing their on-screen sons Jonathan and Jordan Kent
Announcing his departure, a Warner Bros spokesperson said in August: ‘Jordan Elsass has notified the Studio that he will not be returning to Superman & Lois for season 3 due to personal reasons. The role of Jonathan Kent will be recast.’
Before starring as Superman, Tyler starred as 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 franchise.
The actor, 40, returned to the role once again in 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and the much-maligned 2017 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 franchise
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 at the end of Warner Bros. Black Adam.
He started his acting career at 18 with small roles in Vendetta (2001) and The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) that lead to bigger roles in Red Riding Hood (2006), Stardust (2007) and the TV series The Tudors, along with 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 once again in 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice alongside Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot, and the much-maligned 2017 Justice League
‘I have just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran and it’s sad news, everyone. I will, after all, not be returning as Superman,’ he revealed.
‘After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to their hire, this news isn’t the easiest, but that’s life,’ he added.
‘The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that. James and Peter have a universe to build,’ he added.
‘I wish them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and happiest of fortunes,’ he added.
‘Everything he stands for still exists, and the examples he sets for us are still there! My turn to wear the cape has passed, but what Superman stands for never will. It’s been a fun ride with you all, onwards and upwards!’ he concluded.
The news that he’s not returning as Superman marks the second major role he has lost this year, after it was announced in October he would not return for Season 4 of Netflix’s The Witcher, with Liam Hemsworth taking over the role.
DAVID CORENSWET: 2025-?
New guard: Look Both Ways actor David Corenswet will replace booted Henry Cavill in the new Superman film, Superman: Legacy
Look Both Ways actor David Corenswet will replace booted Henry Cavill in the new Superman film, Superman: Legacy.
The actor, 29, who has never taken on a leading role in a major studio production before, will portray Clark Kent in the rebooted film series alongside Rachel Brosnahan, 32, as Lois Lane, replacing Amy Adams, reports Deadline.
Corenswet played Jake alongside Lili Reinhart in 2022 Netflix film Look Both Ways and has previously also starred in Hollywood, The Politician, and A24 film, Pearl.
Superman: Legacy will be released on July 11, 2025 and is described as about Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.
