Who Is David Corenswet? Meet the New Superman Replacing Henry Cavill in James Gunn’s Reboot

As DC Studios gears up for a cinematic revival, all eyes are on Superman, the much-anticipated reboot releasing on July 11, 2025. At the heart of this bold new chapter stands David Corenswet, the 32-year-old actor stepping into the iconic red cape, replacing Henry Cavill, who had portrayed the Man of Steel since 2013.

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David Corenswet: From Supporting Roles to Superstardom

David Corenswet's casting came as a surprise to many. Before landing Superman, his résumé consisted mostly of supporting roles in film and television. He began his acting journey with ‘Following Chase’ (2011) and went on to star in ‘Affairs of State’ (2018).

His television credits include appearances in ‘House of Cards’, ‘Elementary’, ‘The Politician’, and ‘Lady in the Lake’. In recent years, David garnered attention with films like ‘Twisters’, ‘Look Both Ways’, and ‘The Greatest Hits’. However, Superman marks his breakout role on the global stage.

In his personal life, David is married to Julia Warner, and the couple welcomed a daughter in 2024.

Why Did Henry Cavill Leave? A Look Back

Henry Cavill’s tenure as Superman began with Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (2013), which earned mixed reviews but grossed $668 million worldwide. Cavill reprised the role in several DC Extended Universe (DCEU) films: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Justice League (2017), and a cameo in Black Adam (2022).

In October 2022, Cavill announced his return to the cape via Instagram, following his appearance in Black Adam, calling it “a very small taste of what’s to come.” However, just two months later, he was informed that he would not return as Superman—news he shared with fans in a heartfelt December 2022 post.

The decision came amidst a leadership shakeup at Warner Bros. Discovery. CEO David Zaslav installed James Gunn and Peter Safran as heads of DC Studios, with a new vision for the franchise. Gunn clarified that Cavill was never officially recast under the new regime, stating, “We didn’t fire Henry. Henry was never cast.”

James Gunn’s Vision: A New Era for Superman

James Gunn, known for Guardians of the Galaxy, is not only directing Superman but is also steering the rebooted DC Universe. Gunn's version focuses on a younger Clark Kent, early in his journey, balancing his Kryptonian legacy with his human upbringing.

In an interview, David Corenswet admitted that the decision to take on Superman was not easy. “A role like Superman seems like something that everybody would want, and that’s not true,” he said in GQ. But after soul-searching, he concluded, “If this is the only role I get to play for the rest of my life… would I still say yes? And the answer was yes.”

Superman 2025: Cast and Release

Superman stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, the intrepid reporter and love interest. The film releases worldwide on July 11, 2025, aiming to breathe new life into the franchise while setting the tone for DC’s new cinematic direction.

From a relatively under-the-radar actor to the face of one of the most iconic superheroes, David Corenswet’s transformation into Superman is a testament to both his talent and the shifting tides in Hollywood. With James Gunn’s fresh vision and a renewed cast, Superman 2025 promises to be more than just a reboot—it’s a statement of intent for the future of DC Studios.

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'Superman: Legacy': David Corenswet Cast as New Superman In James Gunn's Next