A New Era for DC: Corenswet and Brosnahan to Lead James Gunn’s ‘Superman: Legacy

by Annika June 27, 2023

In a bid to rejuvenate its flagging superhero franchise, DC Studios, a division of Warner Bros., has just named David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan as the leading stars in its upcoming film, “Superman: Legacy.” In this crucial attempt to rebuild the DC superhero brand, Corenswet will don the iconic cape as Superman, while Brosnahan will play his co-worker and eventual love interest, Lois Lane.

This casting announcement follows an intensive search process orchestrated by James Gunn, the writer and director of the project, and his DC Studios co-head, Peter Safran. The pair embarked on a journey to find the perfect fit for these iconic roles, with a group of six talented actors, including Nicholas Hoult, Tom Brittney, Emma Mackey, and Phoebe Dynevor, all vying for the lead spots. After a weekend of rigorous screen tests in mid-June, it was Corenswet and Brosnahan who emerged as the successful candidates.

Corenswet, known for his breakout performances in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series “Hollywood” and “The Politician,” will play Clark Kent, navigating his early days as a reporter at the fictional Daily Planet. Brosnahan, an Emmy and Golden Globe winner recognized for her acclaimed series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and Netflix’s “House of Cards,” will bring the plucky and intelligent Lois Lane to life.

The “Superman: Legacy” announcement arrives at a pivotal time for Warner Bros. The studio has recently struggled with the disappointing box office performance of “The Flash,” putting added pressure on DC Studios to deliver success. The aim with “Superman: Legacy” is not only to create a standalone blockbuster but to reignite interest and enthusiasm in the DC universe, paving the way for a robust slate of future projects.

James Gunn, the creative force behind the successful Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, seems to be the right fit for this ambitious endeavor. With his unique storytelling style and his understanding of the superhero genre, Gunn’s take on Superman promises a back-to-basics approach, balancing the character’s Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.

Scheduled for release on July 11, 2025, “Superman: Legacy” represents a significant step in DC Studios’ strategy to redefine and revitalize its universe. It’s a tall order, but with Gunn at the helm, and Corenswet and Brosnahan leading the cast, the future of the DC cinematic universe may be looking a little brighter.