The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has always piqued the interest of comic book fans, resulting in endless debates about its various adaptations. And it seems Superman: Legacy, directed by James Gunn, is about to change everything. A jaw-dropping cast announcement for this highly anticipated film has comic book fans and moviegoers giddy with anticipation.
With a story centered on the Man of Steel, the upcoming film will truly mark the start of the new DC Universe. Considerably, the film is expected to star a slew of well-known DC characters. Let us take a closer look at the confirmed actors playing iconic characters like Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Superman, and more as the film’s release date approaches and production gets underway.
1. David Corenswet as Clark Kent, A.K.A. Superman
Casting rumors for the title role in Superman: Legacy went wild following the film’s announcement, but the official report of David Corenswet‘s casting as the DCU’s Superman came in June 2023. In an attempt to kick off the new DCU with a bang, David Corenswet will play a younger, livelier version of Superman.
Although Corenswet is not a household name, he has starred in several high-profile productions, such as Ryan Murphy’s Hollywood and The Politician, and he has also made appearances in Pearl, Affairs of State, and House of Cards. With the actor, 30, as the leading man, Superman: Legacy will undoubtedly be in good hands with this new version of the Man of Steel.
2. Rachel Brosnahan As Lois Lane
The casting of Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane in Superman: Legacy was revealed concurrently with David Corenswet’s casting. Simply put, she has replaced Amy Adams, who played Superman’s romantic interest in earlier DCEU films.
It seems that you would like to learn more about Brosnahan. Her resume features several notable performances, including the title character of aspiring stand-up comedian Midge Maisel in Amazon Prime Video’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. She has also starred in television shows including House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Patriots Day, and the neo-noir crime thriller I’m Your Woman.
3. Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, A.K.A. Green Lantern
Nathan Fillion was chosen to portray Guy Gardner, popularly known as the Green Lantern, in Superman: Legacy, according to Vanity Fair, which was announced on July 11, 2023. From 2006’s Slither to 2023’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Fillion has contributed to every project that Gunn has worked on.
Thus, we assume the Canadian-American actor is ideally suited for the lighthearted Superman: Legacy because of his background in comedic roles mixed with his experience in dramas like Saving Private Ryan and Night Hunter.
4. Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl
Vanity Fair revealed on July 11 that Isabela Merced will play Hawkgirl in Superman: Legacy, in addition to confirming Nathan Fillion’s casting. Following her Broadway debut in Evita when she was ten years old, Merced starred in 100 Things to Do Before High School on Nickelodeon. Later, she starred in movies including Dora and the Lost City of Gold, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, and Transformers: The Last Knight.
5. Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher
We just learned from Deadline that Warner Bros. has cast the Portuguese model Sara Sampaio to play the role of Eve Teschmacher in Superman: Legacy. Initially appearing in Superman and Superman II, the comic book character—introduced by Richard Donner and Mario Puzo—was initially characterized as Lex Luthor’s right hand and love interest.
Sampaio takes over a role that was previously held by Andrea Brooks on The CW’s Supergirl and by Valerie Perrine in the Christopher Reeve-led Superman films.
6. Anthony Carrigan as Rex Mason, A.K.A. Metamorpho
The Hollywood Reporter announced on July 12, 2023, that Anthony Carrigan had been cast as Metamorpho in Superman: Legacy.
Carrigan, who has acted in movies like Barry, The Blacklist, and The Forgotten, has usually been portrayed as a villain; however, Superman: Legacy will fundamentally change this by turning him into a superhero. Additionally, he has participated in the DC sandbox, taking on the roles of Victor Zsasz in Gotham and Kyle Nimbus, a.k.a. Mist, in The Flash.
7. Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor
According to multiple sources cited by Deadline, James Gunn has realized Nicholas Hoult is better suited to be his Lex Luthor. Ever since Gunn cast Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and David Corenswet as the title character, the Intimate Relations actor has been vying for this legendary role.
Following the SAG-AFTRA strike, the studio desired to go through the Lex Luthor casting procedure. Hoult already has a deal with Warners for Clint Eastwood’s Juror No. 2, and he starred in the 2015 blockbuster Mad Max: Fury Road, which took over $380 million at the global box office.
Superman: Legacy is scheduled for release on July 11, 2025.
