Who Is David Corenswet? The New Face of Superman Who’s Ready to Fly

David Corenswet may not be a household name yet, but that’s about to change. With his casting as the next Superman in James Gunn’s reboot of the DC Universe, all eyes are now on this Philadelphia-born actor who’s gone from drama school to Hollywood’s biggest stage.

From Philly to Juilliard: How It All Started

David was born and raised in Philadelphia. He spent his early college days at the University of Pennsylvania, but soon decided to follow his passion for acting. That led him to New York City and the prestigious Juilliard School, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drama in 2016.

While at Juilliard, he trained intensively and refined the acting chops that would later help him land major roles.

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Early Career Highlights: A Steady Rise

David’s professional career began with the 2018 political thriller Affairs of State. It was a solid first step that opened the doors to more guest roles in hit shows like House of Cards, Elementary, and Instinct.

But it was in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix drama The Politician (2019–2020) that David first made real waves. Playing River Barkley, he showed a calm intensity and screen presence that caught the industry’s attention.

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He went on to land a part in HBO’s gripping crime drama We Own This City (2022), and also starred as Jake in Look Both Ways, a romantic drama that allowed him to show more emotional depth. David also played the mysterious projectionist in Ti West’s horror film Pearl, another standout performance that widened his fanbase.

David Corenswet as Superman: James Gunn Explains His Choice

In 2023, David was officially announced as the new Superman in James Gunn’s upcoming reboot. It was a major moment in his career, and according to Gunn, it didn’t take long to see he was the right choice.

Speaking to ScreenRant, Gunn recalled how Corenswet stood out during auditions. “The very first day the tapes came in, I saw David’s and Rachel’s [Brosnahan] and I just knew. We were going to be okay. Both of them are amazing,” he said.

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Rachel Brosnahan, known for her award-winning performance in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, will be taking on the role of Lois Lane in the film.

David’s Superhero Transformation: The Bulk-Up for Superman

Becoming Superman is no small task, especially physically. David revealed on the Manly Things (Sort Of) podcast that he reached a peak weight of 238 pounds during prep for the role. “I didn’t fit into any of my pants,” he joked.

Trainer Paolo Mascitti helped David through an intense fitness journey to bring the Man of Steel to life. In an Instagram post, Mascitti praised his client’s dedication, saying, “David worked his a** off; I can’t wait to share more of the training we did.”

It’s clear that David is not just wearing the suit, he’s earning it.

What to Expect From the New Superman Movie

Set to hit theaters on July 11, 2025, Superman is directed by James Gunn and is meant to kickstart a fresh era for DC Studios. Originally titled Superman: Legacy, the film explores Clark Kent’s internal struggle as he tries to honor both his Kryptonian heritage and his human values.

Alongside David and Rachel, the film boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, María Gabriela de Faría, Wendell Pierce, Alan Tudyk, and Neva Howell.

This reboot doesn’t just aim to refresh Superman’s story. It’s designed to launch a new DC Universe, full of interconnected characters and high-stakes storytelling.