View source for Draft:Superman (DC Universe)

{{Draft article|subject=media|nomove=yes}}
{{Draft topics|comics-and-anime|films}}
{{Promising draft}}
{{Character draft notice}}
{{For|the DCU film featuring Superman|Superman (2025 film){{!}}''Superman'' (2025 film)}}
{{Short description|DC Universe character}}
{{Infobox character
| name        = Superman
| series      = {{no italic|[[DC Universe (franchise)|DC Universe]]}}
| image       = David Corenswet as Clark Kent (53817593908) (cropped 2).jpg
| caption     = [[David Corenswet]] as Clark Kent in ''[[Superman (2025 film)|Superman]]'' (2025)
| first       = ''[[Superman (2025 film)|Superman]]'' (2025)
| based_on    = {{Based on|[[Superman]]|[[Jerry Siegel]]|[[Joe Shuster]]}}
| adapted_by  = [[James Gunn]]
| occupation  = Journalist
| family = {{plainlist|
* [[Jonathan and Martha Kent]] (adoptive parents)
}}
| affiliation = [[Daily Planet]]
| lbl22       = Pet
| data22      = [[Krypto]] ([[dog]])
}}

'''Clark Kent''', known best by his [[superhero]] persona '''Superman''', is a [[fiction]]al character in the [[DC Universe (franchise)|DC Universe]] (DCU) [[media franchise]], based on the [[DC Comics]] [[Superman|character of the same name]]. Adapted by [[DC Studios]] co-chairman [[James Gunn]], he is portrayed by [[David Corenswet]].

Superman was previously [[Superman (DC Extended Universe)|portrayed]] by [[Henry Cavill]] in DC Films's [[DC Extended Universe]] (DCEU) franchise. CEO of [[Warner Bros. Discovery]] David Zaslav felt DC's franchise was lacking a coherent creative vision and was underusing tentpole characters like Superman. By August 2022, Gunn had been working on a Superman film before he and [[Peter Safran]] were named co-chairmen of the new DC Studios in October, and this film was integrated into their new DCU. Following casting a search that began in April 2023, Corenswet was announced as the new Superman in June.

The character first debuted in the 2025 film of the same name.

== Character overview ==
=== Background ===
In October 2018, filmaker [[James Gunn]] was hired to write and direct ''[[The Suicide Squad (film)|The Suicide Squad]]'' (2021),<ref name="TSSGunnHired" /><ref name="TSSReleaseJan2019" /> a [[standalone sequel]] to ''[[Suicide Squad (2016 film)|Suicide Squad]]'' (2016), an earlier film in the DCEU.<ref name="TSSStandaloneStatus" /> Gunn worked with producer [[Peter Safran]], who also produced the DCEU films ''[[Aquaman (film)|Aquaman]]'' (2018) and ''[[Shazam! (film)|Shazam!]]'' (2019).<ref name="TSSColliderJul2021Sequel" /> Warner Bros originally asked Gunn to write and direct a Superman film, but he was uncertain if he wanted to take on the character.<ref name="DoGGunnApr2021" /><ref name="GunnSupermanOffer" /> He did not have a clear vision for such a film, especially since Superman was a well-known character unlike the [[Guardians of the Galaxy (2008 team)|Guardians of the Galaxy]] who he had adapted for [[Marvel Studios]] in the film ''[[Guardians of the Galaxy (film)|Guardians of the Galaxy]]'' (2014).<ref name="Jan2024Filming" /> Besides Gunn's and Safran's work, [[DC Films]] president Walter Hamada was planning around 25 other live-action and animated DC-based series.<ref name="NYTDec2020" />

In April 2022, [[Discovery, Inc.]] and DC Films's owner [[WarnerMedia]] merged to become [[Warner Bros. Discovery]] (WBD), led by president and CEO [[David Zaslav]]. The new company was expected to restructure [[DC Entertainment]] so the film, television, and video game divisions of the company could be aligned. Even before the merger was complete, Zaslav began meeting with candidates to take over DC—including film executive Emma Watts—with the hope of finding an equivalent to Marvel Studios president [[Kevin Feige]]. Despite some recent successes with DC films and series, Zaslav and WBD felt DC lacked a "coherent creative and brand strategy" and was underusing key characters such as Superman.<ref name="ZaslavApr2022" /> Besides Watts, producer [[Dan Lin]] and filmmaker [[Todd Phillips]] were prominent candidates in the running to take over DC, though both declined.<ref name="LinAug2022" /><ref name="LinSep2022" /> 

Gunn was hired around late August to work on a Superman film that was not a sequel to ''Man of Steel'' and would be standalone from the DCEU.<ref name="GunnHiredTime" /><ref name="GunnStandaloneSuperman" /> Ultimately, Gunn and Safran were announced as the co-chairmen and co-CEOs of the newly formed DC Studios at the end of October 2022 and were set to take over from Hamada on November 1. Gunn was expected to focus on the creative side of the company while Safran focused on the business and production side.<ref name="GunnSafran" /> A week after starting their new roles, the pair began working with a group of writers to develop an eight-to-ten-year plan for the new DCU, and Gunn presented Zaslav this plan, and mentioned his love of Superman.<ref name="GunnSafranTownHall" /> The duo announced a slate of DCU projects, which featured DC's well-known "diamond characters" including Superman, with a new ''Superman'' film included, subtitled ''Legacy''.<ref name="DCUSlateVariety" /><ref name="DCUSlateDeadline" />

=== Casting ===
{{Quote box|quote="[my resemblance to DCEU Superman actor [[Henry Cavill]]] came to my attention before the internet got a hold of me. But my pie-in-the-sky ambition is definitely to play Superman. I would love to see somebody do an upbeat, throwback [take on Superman]. I love the Henry Cavill dark and gritty take, but I would love to see the next one be very bright and optimistic."|source=—[[David Corenswet]] on the role of Superman in 2019.<ref name="PieSky" />|align=right|width=30%}}

The casting process for ''Legacy'' began in April 2023.<ref name="GunnPreProduction" /><ref name="Jan2024Filming" /> Gunn was looking for an actor to play Superman who possessed the character's humanity, kindness, and compassion, and was "somebody who you want to give a hug".<ref name="GunnCastingChoices" /> Audition tapes for the main roles, including Superman, were submitted by early May 2023. Gunn began watching them later that month,<ref name="CastingMay2023Deadline" /> while he was storyboarding the film.<ref name="GunnStoryboards" /> [[David Corenswet]] was a top contender for Superman and was set to do a screen test at the end of the month or in early June. Other actors in consideration included [[Jacob Elordi]], [[Tom Brittney]], and Andrew Richardson.<ref name="CastingMay2023THR" /><ref name="CastingMay2023Deadline" /> Elordi declined the role, feeling it was "too much" and "too dark" for him.<ref name="ElordiDecline" /> [[Nicholas Hoult]], the runner-up to play [[Bruce Wayne (The Batman film series)|Batman]] in ''[[The Batman (film)|The Batman]]'' (2022),<ref name="CastingMay2023THR" /> was eyed for [[Lex Luthor]] but chose to pursue the role of Superman.<ref name="ScreenTests2" /> Despite this, Hoult ended up taking the role of Luthor.<ref name="HoultConfirm" /> [[Pierson Fodé]], who appeared in an episode of ''[[Supergirl (TV series)|Supergirl]]'' (2015–2021), and [[Jack Quaid]], who voiced Superman in the animated series ''[[My Adventures with Superman]]'' (2023–present), both submitted a self-tape for Superman.<ref name="FodéTape" /><ref name="QuaidTape" /> 

At the same time as casting for Kent, actresses tried out for the role of Kent's partner Lois Lane, with [[Emma Mackey]], [[Rachel Brosnahan]], [[Samara Weaving]], and [[Phoebe Dynevor]] in the mix;<ref name="CastingMay2023THR" /><ref name="CastingMay2023Deadline" /> Dynevor was one of the final contenders for that role.<ref name="DynevorJan2024" /> In-person screen tests took place at the [[Warner Bros. Studios Burbank|Warner Bros. lot]] in [[Burbank, California]], with Gunn and Safran in mid-June 2023. The actors tested in makeup and costume as Kent and Lane in the following pairs: Hoult and Brosnahan, Brittney and Dynevor, and Corenswet and Mackey.<ref name="ScreenTests" /><ref name="ScreenTests2" /> The Kent contenders then tested in costume as Superman against Mackey.<ref name="ScreenTests2" /> During these tests, Brittney "messed up" an original costume Henry Cavill wore in his iteration that according to Gunn "wasn't in the best shape to begin with", and this combined with Corenswet's height while he wore it left it "torn to shreds".<ref name="torn" /> Gunn edited the tests together to be played for a deciding committee that included Zaslav,<ref name="ScreenTests2" /> and the casting of Corenswet as Superman and Brosnahan as Lane was announced on June 27.<ref name="CorenswetBrosnahan" /> Corenswet had previously said in a 2019 interview that Superman was a "pie-in-the-sky ambition" of his, and that he was aware of his resemblance to previous portrayer [[Henry Cavill]]. He was a fan of Cavill's dark and gritty [[Superman (DC Extended Universe)|interpretation]], but said that he wanted a brighter take on the character.<ref name="PieSky" /><ref name="SCMPnew" />

=== Characterization ===
Safran described the DCU's version of Superman as "the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way; he's kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old fashioned".<ref name="DCUSlateVariety" />

Superman's suit features design inspired by comic book iterations of the character; the trunks are a feature of classic Superman design; the s-symbol is similar to the crest of [[Mark Waid]] and [[Alex Ross]]'s [[Superman (Kingdom Come)|iteration]] of the character in their 1996 miniseries ''[[Kingdom Come (comics)|Kingdom Come]]''; the mock neck and textural design are invocative of the 2011 [[the New 52]] reboot's design.<ref name="CostumeMay2024GQ" /> Corenswet's hair is styled with a curl similar to the character's appearance in the comics.<ref name="CostumeMay2024IGN" />

== Appearances ==
=== ''Superman'' (2025) ===
''[[Superman (2025 film)|Superman]]'' explores the character's journey to reconcile his [[Kryptonian]] heritage with his adoptive human family in [[Smallville (comics)|Smallville]], [[Kansas]].<ref name="GunnDirectVariety" /> <code>This is where the plot summary of ''Superman'' will go as it pertains to the experiences/story of the titular character</code>

To physically prepare for the film, Corenswet worked out until he had bulked up to 238 pounds. He lost a small amount of weight before principal photography on ''Superman'' began, ending up at 228-230 pounds. He said he "wanted this to be my excuse to see what it felt like to gain essentially as much weight as I could", and said it didn't feel great initially because his body had not yet adjusted to the spontaneous change.<ref name="Bulked" />

== Reception ==
=== Initial reactions ===
==== Jewish context ====
Corenswet is the first actor of [[Jewish]] heritage to portray Superman.<ref name="InverseJewishArticle" /><ref name="CNNJewishOP" /> Corenswet's casting as a person of Jewish ancestry was the subject of media attention upon announcement, with several publications penning articles on the significance of the character's Jewish roots, such as ''[[Inverse (website)|Inverse]]'' and with ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' writing a 1,400-word piece.<ref name="CNNdetail" /> ''Inverse''{{'}}s Lyvie Scott said "''Superman: Legacy'' represents a promising step forward—even if it's just behind the scenes";<ref name="InverseJewishArticle" /> ''Rolling Stone''{{'}}s Jay Michaelson said "it's nice to have a Jewish actor play a role that owes so much to the [[American Jewish]] experience", and anticipated that Gunn and Corenswet's iteration could bring back the "courageous, progressive decency" of the early interpretations;<ref name="RollingStoneJewishpiece" /> ''[[MovieWeb]]''{{'}}s Jack O'Neill said "finally having an actor from a Jewish background playing a character who was inspired so heavily by [[Jewish folklore]] is a proud moment for the entire community". O'Neill said that since the character's inception was based around Siegel's and Shuster's experience with [[antisemitism]], the casting was honoring and this made the film among the most important and progressive adaptations.<ref name="MovieWebJewish" />

==== Initial appearance ====
Gunn released a first-look image of Corenswet in costume in early May, which depicts Superman suiting up while an alien-looking threat attacks in the background. Commentary on the image focused on the return of red briefs which were not included in the ''Man of Steel'' design. Elements of the costume were also compared to the design used in [[the New 52]] comics by [[Jim Lee]], while the character's pose and the attack in the background led to speculation about Superman's characterization in the film and what threats he may face.<ref name="CostumeMay2024" /><ref name="CostumeMay2024GQ" /><ref name="CostumeMay2024IGN" /> 

Further public reaction to Corenswet's look in the costume came from unauthorized photography during filming in June 2024, with ''[[IGN]]'' noting there was some fan disappointment over his look. Journalist Scott Collura characterized this as normalcy and ritualistic, and said that these raw images were not like to be how the character would appear in the final film, noting costumes in films such as these were designed "specifically to be photographed under professional lighting by Hollywood’s top craftspeople", and that "super suits can and most certainly will undergo an entire overhaul" by [[visual effects]] and editing during post-production.<ref name="IGNguys" /> ''[[Forbes]]'' observed a negative response from "hardcore fans" of [[Henry Cavill]]'s [[Superman (DC Extended Universe)|portrayal]], and criticized this angle as "like fans getting mad that [[Peter Parker]] is no longer being [[Peter Parker (Sam Raimi film series)|played]] by [[Tobey Maguire]], or who still agonize over [[Michael Keaton]] no longer [[Bruce Wayne (1989 film series character)|playing]] Batman".<ref name="ForbesFantastic" />

=== Critical response ===
<code>This is where critical reception based on the Corenswet interpretation will go</code>

== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=

<!-- BACKGROUND -->

<ref name="TSSGunnHired">{{Cite web |last=Fleming |first=Mike Jr. |date=October 9, 2018 |title=James Gunn Boards ''Suicide Squad 2'' To Write And Possibly Direct |url=https://deadline.com/2018/10/james-gunn-boards-suicide-squad-2-to-write-and-possibly-direct-1202479455/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009185105/https://deadline.com/2018/10/james-gunn-boards-suicide-squad-2-to-write-and-possibly-direct-1202479455/ |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=October 9, 2018 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>

<ref name="TSSReleaseJan2019">{{Cite magazine |last1=Couch |first1=Aaron |last2=McClintock |first2=Pamela |date=January 30, 2019 |title=''The Batman'', ''The Suicide Squad'' Set 2021 Release Dates |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/batman-suicide-squad-sequel-set-2021-release-dates-1181432/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131093110/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/batman-suicide-squad-sequel-set-2021-release-dates-1181432 |archive-date=January 31, 2019 |access-date=January 30, 2019 |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref>

<ref name="TSSStandaloneStatus">{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Brandon |date=July 6, 2021 |title=''The Suicide Squad'' Producer Rules Out Connections To Previous Film |url=https://comicbook.com/dc/news/the-suicide-squad-dceu-ties-sequel-dc-movies/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706175928/https://comicbook.com/dc/news/the-suicide-squad-dceu-ties-sequel-dc-movies/ |archive-date=July 6, 2021 |access-date=July 6, 2021 |website=[[ComicBook.com]]}}</ref>

<ref name="TSSColliderJul2021Sequel">{{Cite web |last=Mancuso |first=Vinnie |date=July 6, 2021 |title=''The Suicide Squad'' Producer Explains How the Film Connects to ''Suicide Squad'': "We Don't Address It" |url=https://collider.com/is-the-suicide-squad-a-reboot-explained/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706160421/https://collider.com/is-the-suicide-squad-a-reboot-explained/ |archive-date=July 6, 2021 |access-date=July 18, 2021 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]}}</ref>

<ref name="GunnSupermanOffer">{{Cite web |last=Kaye |first=Don |date=February 4, 2019 |title=Report: Before The Suicide Squad, James Gunn was offered Superman |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/report-before-the-suicide-squad-james-gunn-was-offered-superman |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205033233/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/report-before-the-suicide-squad-james-gunn-was-offered-superman |archive-date=February 5, 2019 |access-date=February 28, 2019 |website=[[Syfy Wire]]}}</ref>

<ref name="DoGGunnApr2021">{{Cite web |last=Crow |first=David |date=April 27, 2021 |title=The Suicide Squad: James Gunn Talks the Creative Freedom of That R-Rating |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-suicide-squad-james-gunn-talks-the-creative-freedom-of-that-r-rating/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427194123/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-suicide-squad-james-gunn-talks-the-creative-freedom-of-that-r-rating/ |archive-date=April 27, 2021 |access-date=December 19, 2022 |website=[[Den of Geek]]}}</ref>

<ref name="Jan2024Filming">{{Cite magazine |last1=Couch |first1=Aaron |last2=Kit |first2=Borys |date=April 26, 2023 |title=James Gunn's Guardians: How Chris Pratt and His Marvel Castmates Rescued Their Director's Career |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/guardians-of-the-galaxy-chris-pratt-cast-saved-james-gunn-1235401687/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426144145/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/guardians-of-the-galaxy-chris-pratt-cast-saved-james-gunn-1235401687/ |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |access-date=April 26, 2023 |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTDec2020">{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Brooks |date=December 27, 2020 |title=Managing Movie Superheroes Is About to Get a Lot More Complicated |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/27/business/media/dc-superheroes-movies.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228225114/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/27/business/media/dc-superheroes-movies.html |archive-date=December 28, 2020 |access-date=December 29, 2020 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

<ref name="ZaslavApr2022">{{Cite magazine |last1=Lang |first1=Brent |last2=Donnelly |first2=Matt |date=April 14, 2022 |title=Warner Bros. Discovery Exploring Overhaul of DC Entertainment (Exclusive) |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/dc-warner-bros-discovery-zaslav-hbo-max-1235232185/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414180406/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/dc-warner-bros-discovery-zaslav-hbo-max-1235232185/ |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |access-date=April 15, 2022 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

<ref name="LinAug2022">{{Cite web |last1=D'Alessandro |first1=Anthony |last2=Fleming |first2=Mike Jr |date=August 25, 2022 |title=DC Intrigue: ''Lego'' Franchise Producer Dan Lin In Pole Position For Top Spot – The Dish |url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/dc-films-dan-lin-david-zaslav-1235100644/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825224223/https://deadline.com/2022/08/dc-films-dan-lin-david-zaslav-1235100644/ |archive-date=August 25, 2022 |access-date=February 10, 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>

<ref name="LinSep2022">{{Cite web |last1=Sherman |first1=Alex |last2=Whitten |first2=Alex |date=September 6, 2022 |title=''Lego Movie'' producer Dan Lin won't take DC film and TV chief role at Warner Bros. |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/06/dan-lin-wont-take-dc-film-and-tv-boss-role-at-warner-bros-discovery.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906171543/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/06/dan-lin-wont-take-dc-film-and-tv-boss-role-at-warner-bros-discovery.html |archive-date=September 6, 2022 |access-date=February 10, 2023 |publisher=[[CNBC]]}}</ref>

<ref name="GunnHiredTime">{{Cite magazine |last=Tassi |first=Paul |date=February 20, 2023 |title=James Gunn Says He Was Hired For 'Superman Legacy' Six Months Ago, Raising Cavill Questions |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2023/02/20/james-gunn-says-he-was-hired-for-superman-legacy-six-months-ago-raising-cavill-questions/?sh=63baa0516dda |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222041009/https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2023/02/20/james-gunn-says-he-was-hired-for-superman-legacy-six-months-ago-raising-cavill-questions/?sh=63baa0516dda |archive-date=February 22, 2023 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |magazine=[[Forbes]]}}</ref>

<ref name="GunnStandaloneSuperman">{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Jodee |date=March 13, 2024 |title=James Gunn Reveals Original Plans for Superman Film During DCEU Era |url=https://www.cbr.com/james-gunn-original-idea-superman/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316112303/https://www.cbr.com/james-gunn-original-idea-superman/ |archive-date=March 16, 2024 |access-date=March 16, 2024 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]]}}</ref>

<ref name="GunnSafran">{{Cite magazine |last1=Kit |first1=Borys |last2=Couch |first2=Aaron |date=October 25, 2022 |title=DC Shocker: James Gunn, Peter Safran to Lead Film, TV and Animation Division (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/dc-movies-james-gunn-peter-safran-to-lead-film-tv-division-1235248438/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025202021/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/dc-movies-james-gunn-peter-safran-to-lead-film-tv-division-1235248438/ |archive-date=October 25, 2022 |access-date=December 18, 2022 |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref>

<ref name="GunnSafranTownHall">{{Cite magazine |last=Couch |first=Aaron |date=November 10, 2022 |title=James Gunn, Peter Safran Are Mapping Out "Eight- to 10-Year Plan" for DC |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/dc-movies-james-gunn-peter-safran-1235259792/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110221701/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/dc-movies-james-gunn-peter-safran-1235259792/ |archive-date=November 10, 2022 |access-date=February 10, 2023 |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref>

<ref name="DCUSlateDeadline">{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=January 31, 2023 |title=James Gunn & Peter Safran Unveil Big DC Plan With New Movies For Batman & Robin, ''Swamp Thing'', ''The Authority''; ''Lanterns'' TV Series & More |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/dc-movie-tv-plan-james-gunn-peter-safran-batman-swamp-thing-green-lantern-1235244926/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131171031/https://deadline.com/2023/01/dc-movie-tv-plan-james-gunn-peter-safran-batman-swamp-thing-green-lantern-1235244926/ |archive-date=January 31, 2023 |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>

<ref name="DCUSlateVariety">{{Cite magazine |last=Vary |first=Adam B. |date=January 31, 2023 |title=New DC Universe Unveils First 10 Projects: ''Superman: Legacy'' in 2025, Batman & Robin Movie, Green Lantern Series, Wonder Woman Prequel and More |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/dc-universe-superman-legacy-batman-green-lantern-supergirl-booster-gold-1235507426/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131171516/https://variety.com/2023/film/news/dc-universe-superman-legacy-batman-green-lantern-supergirl-booster-gold-1235507426/ |archive-date=January 31, 2023 |access-date=January 31, 2023 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

<ref name="CastingMay2023THR">{{Cite magazine |last1=Kit |first1=Borys |last2=Galuppo |first2=Mia |date=May 13, 2023 |title=Searching for Superman: Inside the Quest to Cast DC's New Top Hero (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/superman-legacy-cast-james-gunn-1235486603/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513164918/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/superman-legacy-cast-james-gunn-1235486603/ |archive-date=May 13, 2023 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref>

<ref name="CastingMay2023Deadline">{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=May 13, 2023 |title=''Superman: Legacy'' Audition Process Gears Up As James Gunn Dives Into The Search To Find The Next Clark Kent, Lois Lane And Lex Luthor |url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/superman-legacy-james-gunn-clark-kent-lois-lane-lex-luthor-1235365908/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515033414/https://deadline.com/2023/05/superman-legacy-james-gunn-clark-kent-lois-lane-lex-luthor-1235365908/ |archive-date=May 15, 2023 |access-date=May 13, 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>

<ref name="DynevorJan2024">{{Cite magazine |last=Jackson |first=Angelique |date=January 3, 2024 |title=Phoebe Dynevor Breaks Down Her Bold ''Fair Play'' Role and Auditioning to Be James Gunn's Lois Lane: 'It Was a Whirlwind' |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/features/phoebe-dynevor-fair-play-superman-audition-lois-lane-1235858559/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103181102/https://variety.com/2024/film/features/phoebe-dynevor-fair-play-superman-audition-lois-lane-1235858559/ |archive-date=January 3, 2024 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

<!-- Casting -->

<ref name="GunnPreProduction">{{Cite magazine |last=Sharf |first=Zack |date=April 18, 2023 |title=''Superman: Legacy'' Starts Pre-Production, James Gunn Says: 'Costumes, Production Design and More Now Up and Running' |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/superman-legacy-pre-production-costumes-set-design-1235586713/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418140619/https://variety.com/2023/film/news/superman-legacy-pre-production-costumes-set-design-1235586713/ |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |access-date=April 18, 2023 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

<ref name="GunnCastingChoices">{{Cite magazine |last1=Flam |first1=Charna |last2=Malkin |first2=Marc |date=April 28, 2023 |title=James Gunn Wants a Superman Who Has 'Humanity' and Is 'Somebody You Want to Hug' |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/james-gunn-superman-legacy-actor-1235598076/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428181354/https://variety.com/2023/film/news/james-gunn-superman-legacy-actor-1235598076/ |archive-date=April 28, 2023 |access-date=May 11, 2023 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

<ref name="GunnStoryboards">{{Cite web |last=Tinoco |first=Armando |date=May 20, 2023 |title=James Gunn Blasts DC Rumors As He Begins Storyboarding ''Superman Legacy'' |url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/james-gunn-blasts-dc-rumors-begins-storyboarding-superman-legacy-1235374473/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520225543/https://deadline.com/2023/05/james-gunn-blasts-dc-rumors-begins-storyboarding-superman-legacy-1235374473/ |archive-date=May 20, 2023 |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>

<ref name="ElordiDecline">{{Cite magazine |last=Paiella |first=Gabriella |date=November 13, 2023 |title=How Jacob Elordi Became The New King |url=https://www.gq.com/story/jacob-elordi-men-of-the-year-cover-2023 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113235142/https://www.gq.com/story/jacob-elordi-men-of-the-year-cover-2023 |archive-date=November 13, 2023 |access-date=November 13, 2023 |magazine=[[GQ]]}}</ref>

<ref name="ScreenTests2">{{Cite magazine |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=June 26, 2023 |title=Inside the ''Superman: Legacy'' Screen Tests as Decision 2023 Drags Into Second Week |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/superman-legacy-inside-james-gunns-search-1235523954/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626212227/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/superman-legacy-inside-james-gunns-search-1235523954/ |archive-date=June 26, 2023 |access-date=June 27, 2023 |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref>

<ref name="HoultConfirm">{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Umberto |date=December 11, 2023 |title=Nicholas Hoult to Play Lex Luthor in ''Superman Legacy'', James Gunn Confirms |url=https://www.thewrap.com/nicholas-hoult-to-play-lex-luthor-in-superman-legacy-james-gunn-confirms/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211180625/https://www.thewrap.com/nicholas-hoult-to-play-lex-luthor-in-superman-legacy-james-gunn-confirms/ |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |access-date=December 11, 2023 |website=[[TheWrap]]}}</ref>

<ref name="PieSky">{{Cite magazine |last=Lenker |first=Maureen Lee |date=November 26, 2019 |title=Breaking Big: How ''The Politician''{{'}}s David Corenswet became Hollywood material |url=https://ew.com/tv/2019/11/26/breaking-big-the-politician-david-corenswet/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240717033605/https://ew.com/tv/2019/11/26/breaking-big-the-politician-david-corenswet/ |archive-date=July 17, 2024 |access-date=October 25, 2024 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref>

<ref name="SCMPnew">{{Cite news |last=Sarkar |first=Ishani |date=June 29, 2024 |title=Meet the new Superman: David Corenswet dreamed of one day playing the Man of Steel, and will be the first Jewish actor in the role ... but what is his kryptonite? |url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3268450/meet-new-superman-david-corenswet-dreamed-one-day-playing-man-steel-and-will-be-first-jewish-actor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628235217/https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3268450/meet-new-superman-david-corenswet-dreamed-one-day-playing-man-steel-and-will-be-first-jewish-actor |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |access-date=October 25, 2024 |newspaper=[[South China Morning Post]] }}</ref>

<ref name="QuaidTape">{{Cite web |last=Ankers-Range |first=Adele |date=July 19, 2024 |title=The Boys Star Jack Quaid Reveals He Auditioned for Title Role in James Gunn's ''Superman'' |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-boys-jack-quaid-auditioned-title-role-james-gunn-superman |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725155440/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-boys-jack-quaid-auditioned-title-role-james-gunn-superman |archive-date=July 25, 2024 |access-date=July 30, 2024 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref>

<ref name="FodéTape">{{Cite magazine |last=Malkin |first=Marc |date=June 1, 2023 |title=James Gunn's Superman Search Includes Former ''Bold and the Beautiful'' Star Pierson Fodé |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/columns/superman-james-gunn-pierson-fode-bold-and-the-beautiful-1235628571/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601220417/https://variety.com/2023/film/columns/superman-james-gunn-pierson-fode-bold-and-the-beautiful-1235628571/ |archive-date=June 1, 2023 |access-date=June 1, 2023 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

<ref name="ScreenTests">{{Cite web |last1=Kroll |first1=Justin |last2=D'Alessandro |first2=Anthony |date=June 8, 2023 |title=''Superman: Legacy'' In-Person Screen Tests On The Horizon As Warner Bros And James Gunn Get Closer To Finding Clark Kent And Lois Lane |url=https://deadline.com/2023/06/superman-legacy-screen-tests-clark-kent-lois-lane-1235409997/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608210750/https://deadline.com/2023/06/superman-legacy-screen-tests-clark-kent-lois-lane-1235409997/ |archive-date=June 8, 2023 |access-date=June 8, 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>

<ref name="torn">{{Cite web |last=Wasserman |first=Ben |date=November 14, 2024 |title=James Gunn Confirms Henry Cavill's Costume Was Destroyed During DCU Superman Audition Process |url=https://www.cbr.com/james-gunn-confirms-costume-destroyed-superman/ |access-date=November 14, 2024 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]]}}</ref>

<ref name="CorenswetBrosnahan">{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=June 27, 2023 |title=''Superman: Legacy'': James Gunn Taps David Corenswet And Rachel Brosnahan For Clark Kent And Lois Lane In DC Studios Film |url=https://deadline.com/2023/06/superman-legacy-david-corenswet-rachel-brosnahan-cast-1235420180/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627202401/https://deadline.com/2023/06/superman-legacy-david-corenswet-rachel-brosnahan-cast-1235420180/ |archive-date=June 27, 2023 |access-date=June 27, 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>

<!-- APPEARANCES -->

<!-- in SUPERMAN -->

<ref name="GunnDirectVariety">{{Cite magazine |last=Donnelly |first=Matt |date=March 15, 2023 |title=James Gunn to Direct ''Superman: Legacy'' |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/james-gunn-superman-legacy-director-1235555507/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315201429/https://variety.com/2023/film/news/james-gunn-superman-legacy-director-1235555507/ |archive-date=March 15, 2023 |access-date=March 15, 2023 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

<ref name="Bulked">{{Cite magazine |last=Buenahora |first=Andrés |date=September 28, 2024 |title=''Superman'' Star David Corenswet Bulked Up to 230 Pounds to Play Man of Steel: 'I Didn't Fit Into Any of My Pants' |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/superman-david-corenswet-workout-weight-gain-1236159019/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002162127/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/superman-david-corenswet-workout-weight-gain-1236159019/ |archive-date=October 2, 2024 |access-date=October 25, 2024 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

<!-- RECEPTION -->

<!-- JEWISH CONTEXT -->

<ref name="InverseJewishArticle">{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=Lyvie |date=June 28, 2023 |title=''Superman: Legacy'' is Finally Making History in One Major Way |url=https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/superman-cast-david-corenswet-jewish-roots |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630153958/https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/superman-cast-david-corenswet-jewish-roots |archive-date=June 30, 2023 |access-date=October 25, 2024 |website=[[Inverse (website)|Inverse]]}}</ref>

<ref name="CNNJewishOP">{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Roy |date=July 11, 2023 |title=Opinion: The new Superman is half Jewish. Here's why that's making waves |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/11/opinions/superman-david-corenswet-superhero-jewish-identity-schwartz/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802110904/https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/11/opinions/superman-david-corenswet-superhero-jewish-identity-schwartz/index.html |archive-date=August 2, 2024 |access-date=October 25, 2024 |publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref>

<ref name="CNNdetail">{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Roy |date=July 11, 2023 |title=Opinion: The new Superman is half Jewish. Here's why that's making waves |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/11/opinions/superman-david-corenswet-superhero-jewish-identity-schwartz/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802110904/https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/11/opinions/superman-david-corenswet-superhero-jewish-identity-schwartz/index.html |archive-date=August 2, 2024 |access-date=October 25, 2024 |publisher=[[CNN]] |quote=The casting has been making some waves. Corenswet is half Jewish, which has prompted articles in pop culture sites like ''[[Inverse (website)|Inverse]]'', Jewish press like ''[[The Jewish Chronicle]]'' and even a 1,400-word piece in ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' on why that matters.}}</ref>

<ref name="RollingStoneJewishpiece">{{Cite magazine |last=Michaelson |first=Jay |date=June 28, 2023 |title=David Corenswet Is the First Jewish Superman. Here's Why That Matters. |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/david-corenswet-first-jewish-superman-why-matters-james-gunn-dc-comics-1234780413/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926005112/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/david-corenswet-first-jewish-superman-why-matters-james-gunn-dc-comics-1234780413/ |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |access-date=October 25, 2024 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref>

<ref name="MovieWebJewish">{{Cite web |last=O'Neill |first=Jack |date=July 11, 2023 |title=Why ''Superman: Legacy'' Will Be a Jewish Allegory |url=https://movieweb.com/superman-legacy-will-be-jewish-allegory/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712145221/https://movieweb.com/superman-legacy-will-be-jewish-allegory/ |archive-date=July 12, 2023 |access-date=October 25, 2024 |website=[[MovieWeb]]}}</ref>

<!-- -->

<ref name="CostumeMay2024">{{Cite magazine |last=Sharf |first=Zack |date=May 6, 2024 |title=James Gunn's New Superman Suit Debuts: See David Corenswet as the Man of Steel in New Look at 2025 Superhero Film |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/superman-suit-david-corenswet-costume-james-gunn-1235927192/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506163643/https://variety.com/2024/film/news/superman-suit-david-corenswet-costume-james-gunn-1235927192/ |archive-date=May 6, 2024 |access-date=May 23, 2024 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

<ref name="CostumeMay2024GQ">{{Cite web |last=Goodman |first=William |date=May 7, 2024 |title=''Superman'' Costume Revealed: We Have a Suit, and the Suit Has Trunks |url=https://www.gq.com/story/superman-costume-revealed-we-have-a-suit-and-the-suit-has-trunks |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507005238/https://www.gq.com/story/superman-costume-revealed-we-have-a-suit-and-the-suit-has-trunks |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |access-date=May 23, 2024 |website=[[GQ]]}}</ref>

<ref name="CostumeMay2024IGN">{{Cite web |last=Schedeen |first=Jesse |date=May 7, 2024 |title=Superman: What We Learned From James Gunn's Costume Reveal |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/superman-what-we-learned-from-james-gunns-costume-reveal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507195656/https://www.ign.com/articles/superman-what-we-learned-from-james-gunns-costume-reveal |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |access-date=May 23, 2024 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref>

<ref name="IGNguys">{{Cite web |last=Collura |first=Scott |date=June 25, 2024 |title=Guys, the Superman Suit Probably Isn't Even the Version You'll See in Theaters |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/leaked-superman-suit-2025-david-corenswet-james-gunn-version-youll-see-theaters |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630182345/https://www.ign.com/articles/leaked-superman-suit-2025-david-corenswet-james-gunn-version-youll-see-theaters |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |access-date=October 24, 2024 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref>

<ref name="ForbesFantastic">{{Cite web |last=Kain |first=Erik |date=June 27, 2024 |title=David Corenswet's Superman Looks Fantastic In New Images, And The Suit Is Great |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2024/06/27/david-corenswets-superman-looks-fantastic-in-new-images-and-the-suit-is-great/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006060730/https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2024/06/27/david-corenswets-superman-looks-fantastic-in-new-images-and-the-suit-is-great/ |archive-date=October 6, 2024 |access-date=October 24, 2024 |website=[[Forbes]]}}</ref>

}}

{{DC Studios drafts}}
{{DC Studios}}
{{Superman in popular media}}
{{Superman}}
{{Draft categories|
[[Category:DC Universe (franchise)]]
[[Category:Film characters introduced in 2025]]
}}
[[Category:DC Universe (franchise) drafts]]