As many know, Henry Cavill will no longer be playing the Man of Steel. James Gunn’s upcoming Superman: Legacy and The Brave and the Bold will feature a new Kal-El in the DC universe. The filmmaker has confirmed that it will be a younger star taking on the role and moving forward in the cinematic universe. This opens the door for plenty of actors to take on the coveted mantle of Superman. We picked out ten 20-somethings who could do the job thanks to their acting chops and their chiseled good looks. It takes a lot to own the character’s physicality and dual personalities of the hero and Clark Kent. Here are 10 actors we think could play Superman in the DCU.
1) Jacob Elordi
The top pick — even though he reportedly has not auditioned — who would be perfect for the role is Jacob Elordi. Among actors people want for Superman in the DCU, he has it all: his jawline, a stature of 6’5, and acting chops, as showcased in Euphoria. It would be refreshing for his fans to see him go from a ruthless character to a hero known for his heart. In Euphoria, those moments of emerging out of the darkness, whether it be false or sympathetic, show what the 25-year-old Australian actor can do on screen. Just imagine him fighting supervillains rather than beating someone who had sex with the girl he loved.
2) David Corenswet
One of the actors who reportedly has been screen-testing to be the new Superman for the DCU is David Corenswet. He is about 6’4 and has that built stature that could easily gain more pounds of muscle to truly capture the physical nature of the Man of Steel. He may not have had much action in his time working in the film business, but he has shown his range across a variety of projects. Last year he tapped into romanticism and sexuality for Pearl. When given more time on screen, like in We Own This City and The Politician, he has shown what he can bring to the table with his performance. Have him shave and put on the suit and he will be ready to save the world.
3) Wolfgang Novogratz
A-listers or rising stars from major HBO shows will likely rise to the top. Gunn could surprise by not going for one of those actors as his new Superman and instead cast Wolfgang Novogratz. Look at his jawline, hair, height, and age; he checks every box for how the character should look. He started acting in 2017, then slowed down in 2020 as the world had to adjust from the pandemic. Gunn is known for his comedic writing, and Novogratz’s history with comedies like The Half of It, The Last Summer, and Yes, God, Yes spotlights what he can deliver for the director’s identifiable style. We have seen plenty of unknown actors skyrocket after landing a leading superhero role, and Novogratz could end up like those stars.
4) Paul Mescal
One of the rising stars that is catching everyone’s attention is Paul Mescal. He already has an enthusiastic fan base, which could grow by starring in a DC film. He is no giant, but he has good looks and likability that can sell the idea of him as Clark Kent to an audience. His projects have delved into captivating, dramatic performances, like in Normal People, Aftersun, and Carmen. Between his Emmy and Oscar nominations, he is primed to deliver his talents on a bigger platform. Out of any of the actors out there who could be Superman in the DCU, he is on that trajectory that sets him up to be in that universe or the MCU if Gunn does not grab Mescal in time.
5) Tanner Buchanan
Cobra Kai has that energy that prepares any of its cast for a bigger budget project, like that from DC or Marvel. Out of the actors from the Netflix series who could play Superman in the DCU, Tanner Buchanan is on the top of that list. He’s already familiar with the choreography needed for action scenes and can provide a lively performance. If Gunn wants a younger Clark Kent, then at 24, Buchanan would be able to age with the character as we see him grow across sequels and crossovers. He is on the smaller end of the spectrum, but through training and movie magic, he could go beyond his face and hair to be built like the Man of Steel.
6) Fionn Whitehead
Not many actors get the opportunity at a young age to work with acclaimed filmmakers like Christopher Nolan. Getting a leading role in Dunkirk put Fionn Whitehead on the map. When getting thrust into an intense Nolan film, it prepares you to star in other big-budget projects. He may not be as tall as others who could come to mind, but he has the good looks and acting abilities to take on the responsibility of this major role. Post-Dunkirk, he has shown what he can do with his talents in Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and Great Expectations.
7) Alex Wolff
Alex Wolff may not be the traditionally good-looking leading man, but being 6’0, 25 years old, and a phenomenal actor should keep his name out there as a possibility to play Superman. He has gone beyond his Nickelodeon days by stepping into a variety of genres to show his acting superpowers. He has given career-defining performances in Hereditary, Pig, and Patriots Day. During his time in the Jumanji movies, he highlights that he can surpass his boundaries as someone primarily in arthouse films. After spending most of his life acting, it should be about time that he gets into a leading role in a major franchise.
8) Shameik Moore
Shameik Moore is already a superhero in our eyes after his incredible performance in Into the Spider-Verse and Across the Spider-Verse. While he wants to bring Miles to life in a live-action film, he could always go in another direction. Standing at 5’10, he would be on the shorter side, but we know from his work that he can deliver heart, comedy, and more to his performance. Moore could diversify the character of Clark Kent, or even take on the role of Calvin Ellis from Earth 23.
9) Eli Goree
Another choice to diversify the candidate pool would be Eli Goree. He has the chiseled looks, the right age at 29, and stands at 6’2 to capture the role. Goree is most remembered for his performance in One Night in Miami as Muhammad Ali. He was in stunning shape while delivering a performance that captured the boxer’s beloved personality. Beyond bulking up to embody a legendary boxer, Goree has delivered captivating performances in Riverdale, Pearson, and most recently, The Peripheral. While not on everyone’s radar, Goree could be a terrific choice rather than going down the A-lister road with frontrunners like Nicholas Hoult.
10) Dacre Montgomery
Stranger Things breakout star Dacre Montgomery is one of those actors who could go beyond what he has done in his career as Superman in the DCU. He may not have the over ‘6 height that would be expected, but the rest of his physicality could fit well in the blue and red superhero suit, especially after watching those shirtless scenes in Stranger Things. When he wore the Red Ranger suit in Power Rangers, he got to show that he could go into epic battles on the level of a DC blockbuster. He has that charm and heroic nature needed for the identity of Superman.
