Superman is about to fly back into cinemas. From July 11, 2025, a new chapter begins with a fresh face: David Corenswet (Pearl) takes on the role of Clark Kent, under the direction of James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad). But as we await his return to the big screen, let’s look back at the birth of a legend — and the many faces that have defined the Man of Steel.

For nearly nine decades, Superman has shaped pop culture and mirrored our world. Through war and peace, fear and hope, he’s remained a constant. What makes him endure?

• The Birth of Superman and His Transformations
• A simple Man of Steel | Influences and values
• U.S. vs Iran | When Superman renounce his U.S. citizenship
• Choose your Superman
• The Superman (2025) Cast
• The Human Behind the Cape

The Birth of Superman and His Transformations

Born in 1938 during the Great Depression and on the eve of World War II, Superman was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster — two sons of Jewish immigrants. He was first true superhero, a product of his time. As Superman, the Kryptonian orphan, and as Clark, the reporter in disguise, he’s a symbol of resilience and hope.

From his earliest issues, the Man of Steel has reflected the world’s shifting fears and ideals — from fascism and nuclear war to media ethics and climate crises.

Over the decades, his look, powers, and tone have evolved, adapting to each generation’s imagination. But at his core, Superman always stands for: truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.

A simple Man of Steel | Influences and values

He may seem like a straightforward character: strong, honest, invincible. But that’s the real challenge. Superman isn’t interesting despite his simplicity — he’s fascinating because of it.

He embodies timeless values, yet struggles with very human questions: What does it mean to do good? Can power coexist with humility? Where is home for someone who feels like an outsider?

Superman is the heir to ancient legends: from Hercules, for his strength, and the Golem, the Jewish magic creature, to Jesus, sent by a father to save the world, and Moses, placed in a vessel and raised elsewhere.

With his design, Superman is the savior for a new age.

He has become a powerful metaphor for empathy, exile, and inner conflict. Superman is an alien, raised on Earth, never at home in either world. He chooses compassion and peace, not conquest or vengeance.

U.S. VS Iran | When Superman renounced his U.S. citizenship

Comics are too often dismissed as mere escapism. But the superhero has shown us how powerful they can be in confronting real issues.

In Action Comics #900 (2011), in the short story The Incident by David S. Goyer, Superman takes part in a peaceful protest in Iran. He stands silently for 24 hours as an act of resistance against the regime’s violence.

His presence causes a diplomatic storm — the Iranian government accuses the U.S. of interference. Superman, seen as an American symbol, becomes a political tool.

In response, he makes a bold declaration:
He will renounce his U.S. citizenship, stating he must become a global figure, fighting not just for one nation, but for all of humanity.

I’m tired of having my actions construed as instruments of U.S. policy. Truth, justice and the American way – it’s not enough anymore. The world’s too small. Too connected.

In this story, Superman evolves from a national icon into a universal one.

Choose your Superman

Before we meet the new Man of Steel in 2025, it’s worth remembering those who wore the cape before.

While many actors have taken on the role, two names stand out above all others. Christopher Reeve remains the most iconic Superman for generations, embodying both strength and humility. The good boy who saves the world.

Recently, Henry Cavill brought a modern, conflicted depth to the character in the 2010s.

But for many, there’s also Tom Welling, who portrayed a young Clark Kent in the Tv Shows Smallville, making the superhero’s adolescence relatable and real.

Here are the key actors who have played Superman on screen:

Years	Actor	Works
1948-1950	Kirk Alyn	Superman
1952–1958	George Reeves	Adventures of Superman
1978–1987	Christopher Reeve	Superman I–IV
1993–1997	Dean Cain	Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
2001–2011	Tom Welling	Smallville
2006	Brandon Routh	Superman Returns
2013–2022	Henry Cavill	DCEU Films: Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Black Adam, The Flash
2021-present	Tyler Hoechlin	Superman & Lois (TV)
2025-present	David Corenswet	Superman

The Superman (2025) Cast

In James Gunn’s Superman (2025), David Corenswet debuts as Clark Kent — bringing a classic look to the role. By his side, Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) plays Lois Lane, with Nicholas Hoult (Nosferatu, Juror No. 2, Mad Max: Fury Road) as the brilliant and sinister Lex Luthor.

The cast also includes Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, and Bradley Cooper and Angela Sarafyan — voices of Superman’s Kryptonian parents, Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van.

Milly Alcock is Supergirl, who’s also expected to headline her solo film in 2026.

And Superman won’t be flying solo.
He’ll be joined by the superdog Krypto, a loyal white terrier mutt inspired by Gunn’s real-life dog, named after filmmaker Yasujirō Ozu.

The Human Behind the Cape

Superman’s greatest power isn’t flight, strength, or X-ray vision. It’s kindness.

He wants to belong, to be loved, and to protect the others. As Clark Kent, he pretends to be ordinary. As superhero, he chooses to do good.

His loneliness, his search for identity, and his unshakable hope make him more than a superhero.
They make him human.