As the cape-wearing icon prepares to soar back onto the silver screen, David Corenswet stands at the precipice of superstardom. The 31-year-old actor’s journey from Philadelphia theater stages to becoming the latest Superman represents more than just casting—it’s a testament to perseverance, artistic integrity, and the power of manifesting one’s dreams.
From Juilliard to Krypton
Trained in the theater, Corenswet is a graduate of the Juilliard School in New York – as is the former Superman, Christopher Reeve. This theatrical foundation has proven crucial in his approach to the iconic role. He is 31 – seven years older than Reeve was when he made his debut in 1978, bringing a maturity and depth that James Gunn specifically sought for his vision of the character.
The Pennsylvania native’s path to Superman wasn’t traditional. The Shipley School grad — who went on to Juilliard — is introduced in the first of Hollywood’s seven episodes as Jack Castello, a Missouri farm boy fresh from World War II who’s moved to Los Angeles, sure that he was born to be a star. This early role would prove prophetic, as Corenswet himself would eventually become Hollywood’s newest leading man.
The Netflix Years: Building a Foundation
Corenswet’s breakthrough came through his collaboration with Ryan Murphy on Netflix projects. His performances in Netflix’s The Politician and Hollywood put him in the spotlight, gaining him a dedicated fan base and industry recognition. Corenswet next starred as Jack Castello in Hollywood (2020), a Netflix limited series about the post-World War II film business in Los Angeles. The project reunited him with Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, the creators of The Politician. Corenswet was also an executive producer on the series.
These roles showcased Corenswet’s range and screen presence. Corenswet’s performance in The Politician brought him into the spotlight and opened doors to other significant opportunities, including lead roles in Hollywood and James Gunn’s Superman projects. The actor’s ability to embody both vulnerability and strength made him an ideal candidate for the Man of Steel.
The Superman Audition That Changed Everything
In 2019, David Corenswet gave an interview to Entertainment Weekly where he said his “pie in the sky ambition” was to play Superman. This wasn’t just wishful thinking—it was a declaration that would eventually become reality. Corenswet had previously expressed his desire to portray Superman and his audition was one of the first Gunn saw. Corenswet became a top contender for Superman and was set to do a screen test by early June.
The audition process revealed why Corenswet was the right choice. Gunn says Nicholas Hoult’s “more controlled” style didn’t fit as well with his conception of Superman, compared to Corenswet’s “looser” version. This more relaxed, naturalistic approach aligned with Gunn’s vision for a more grounded, relatable Superman.
Personal Life and Artistic Heritage
Beyond his professional achievements, Corenswet brings a rich personal history to his craft. Corenswet is also the grandson of Edward Packard, the creator of the Choose Your Own Adventures series. This connection to interactive storytelling seems fitting for an actor who will help shape the future of the DC Universe.
He moved to Pennsylvania to be near family, and he’s now raising a 1-year-old daughter there with his actor wife. Since movies now tend to shoot in Toronto or Atlanta or London or anywhere else besides New York or L.A., he doesn’t feel the pull of those cities. This grounded approach to life reflects the down-to-earth quality that Gunn seeks in his Superman portrayal.
A Different Kind of Superman
David Corenswet reached out for advice from the former Supermans, who told him they’re not going to ‘give you any tips’. This sink-or-swim mentality has forced Corenswet to develop his own interpretation of the character. “I don’t think there’s any way or reason to try to sort of live up to Christopher Reeve,” Corenswet has said, indicating his commitment to forging his own path.
The Road Ahead
As Superman’s release approaches, Corenswet represents more than just another actor taking on an iconic role. His journey from regional theater to global superstardom embodies the very qualities that make Superman compelling: the ordinary person who discovers extraordinary purpose.
In Corenswet’s first film role after graduating from Juilliard, he starred as Michael Lawson in Affairs of State (2018), a political thriller. Now, just seven years later, he’s positioned to become one of cinema’s most recognizable faces. His story serves as a reminder that with talent, persistence, and perhaps a bit of manifestation, even the most ambitious dreams can take flight.
The new Superman doesn’t just wear the cape—he embodies the hope and possibility that the character represents. In an industry often criticized for its lack of authenticity, Corenswet’s genuine journey to the role offers a refreshing narrative of artistic integrity meeting commercial success. As he prepares to don the red and blue, David Corenswet isn’t just becoming Superman—he’s redefining what it means to be a modern hero both on and off screen.
