With the discharge of James Gunn’s Superman (take a look at BOTH of our REVIEWS), it’s time to look again at the entire actors who’ve performed Superman over time. It may be tough to painting the ability of Supes whereas nonetheless sustaining Clark’s vulnerability. We needed to make some cuts (there are a ton of people that have voiced the Man of Metal), however we tried our greatest to signify the most important ones from movie and tv. So let’s break down the entire performances and see the place they rank as one of the best Superman portrayals.
And don’t neglect to depart YOUR rating within the feedback under!
8. Dean Cain – Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
It’s robust to get Superman proper in relation to tv, particularly within the 90s. And on condition that Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, felt extra like a RomCom than the rest, it’s onerous to rank it excessive. He has a little bit of allure, however we don’t get practically sufficient Superman and once we do, the constraints of tv are sometimes felt. Plus, the truth that he can’t act actually docks him a bunch of factors, to not point out the Pajama-level go well with that he wears. No less than he has a enjoyable dynamic with Teri Hatcher’s Lois Lane.
7. George Reeves – Adventures of Superman
Oddly sufficient, Reeves is a bit far and wide along with his portrayal, residing totally on the campy facet. His Clark Kent was at all times a bit extra energetic than his Superman, and it’s at all times felt just like the dynamics ought to have switched. Plus, it’s onerous to have a look at him and never simply consider a Halloween costume versus an alien from one other world. However the Adam West fan in me nonetheless likes these campier type superheroes. Plus, it did technically give us a glimpse at what Ben Affleck as Supes would have seemed like, when he starred as Reeves in Hollywoodland.
6. Henry Cavill – Man of Metal, Batman v Superman, Justice League
I genuinely assume that Cavill might have been an ideal Superman beneath another person’s path, however Zack Snyder thought making him darkish and broody was the way in which to go, which couldn’t have been extra of a misstep. Killing Zod, letting his dad die in a twister, and even his compelled vendetta in opposition to Batman, none of it feels very Superman. There are glimpses of the hopeful protector of humanity in Justice League, however there’s additionally “evil” Superman to cope with. Cavill tries his finest however appears like a caterpillar who by no means fairly transforms into the butterfly he’s alleged to be. It doesn’t assist that his chemistry with Amy Adams’ Lois Lane is virtually nonexistent, depriving us of an necessary a part of the character. I do know this will probably be controversial however I’ve made peace with the truth that I hate this portrayal.
5. Tyler Hoechlin – Superman & Lois
What began out a bit of rocky has become a really serviceable model of the character. Whereas he definitely hasn’t left the cultural affect of a few of his fellow Superman actors, that feels extra as a result of occasions we’re dwelling in than a knock in opposition to Hoechlin. We get to see Superman additional alongside his journey than we frequently get, with him being an skilled superhero in addition to a household man. He struggles with all of his duties, making him far more relatable than the overpowered alien usually may be.
4. Brandon Routh – Superman Returns
In contrast to others, I don’t outright hate Routh’s efficiency as he’s actually simply copying Christopher Reeve. And who higher to repeat than one of the best? Routh was capable of showcase the character’s inherent the Aristocracy and compassion, whereas nonetheless being highly effective. His activate Disaster on Infinite Earths is value testing if you wish to see a extra mature, much less Reevey model of his portrayal.
3. Tom Welling – Smallville
We sadly didn’t get to see Welling really painting the heroic Superman for many of his run (with only a temporary look on the finish), however he actually nailed the Clark Kent facet in Smallville. He captures the essence of Clark as he struggles along with his rising powers and all that it implies along with his relationships with individuals. The restrictions of tv on the time, simply make what he was capable of accomplish all of the extra spectacular.
2. David Corenswet – Superman (2025)
The newest entrant can also be one of the crucial spectacular. He’s capable of nail the swagger of Superman, together with the sweeter facet of Clark Kent. His go well with is superior, as is his general presentation. His chemistry with Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is totally electrical and permits a pleasant window into Clark’s two totally different personas. And with an precise plan behind Gunn’s DCU, he might simply surpass the variety of appearances that his counterparts have constructed up over time.
1. Christopher Reeve – Superman I-IV
You actually simply can’t get higher than Christopher Reeve within the position. He might not have originated it, however he’s what each actor after would attempt to emulate in a roundabout way. Whether or not it’s the distinct separation that he makes between Clark Kent and Superman, with him slumping his shoulders and having a very totally different physique language to the goosebumps that spring up when he walks into body in that iconic go well with, he simply had IT. And positive, solely two of his 4 Superman movies are any good, however that simply additional speaks to his iconic portrayal.
How would YOU rank the actors who’ve performed Superman over time? Do you fully hate me for rating Henry Cavill so low? Tell us within the feedback!
