With anticipation building for James Gunn’s new Superman film, many are looking back at the standout David Corenswet Superman movie roles that showcase his range before he dons the Man of Steel’s cape. Corenswet, a Philadelphia native and Juilliard graduate, is set to play both Superman and his alter ego Clark Kent when the film releases on July 11.
In the upcoming production, Corenswet will share the screen with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and even interact with the beloved super-dog, Krypto. As fans await his portrayal in one of DC’s most iconic roles, Corenswet already boasts an impressive body of work. Here are five essential performances that highlight the path leading up to his Superman debut.
Corenswet’s Memorable Contribution to “Pearl”
David Corenswet’s role as the projectionist in Ti West’s horror film “Pearl” may have been brief, but it left a lasting impression for its complexity. Appearing opposite Mia Goth, Corenswet’s character not only introduces Pearl to a side of cinema she’s never seen before but becomes a catalyst in the story’s unsettling progression. This performance is notable for injecting subtle tension into the narrative and contributing a nuanced layer to the film’s psychological undertones.
The moment when he ends their connection with the words, “You’re scaring me, Pearl,” becomes a turning point in the film, demonstrating Corenswet’s ability to blend vulnerability with unease in supporting roles.
Impact as River Barkley in “The Politician”
Corenswet gained wider recognition with his portrayal of River Barkley in “The Politician,” a series created by Ryan Murphy and streamed on Netflix. Over a span of 11 episodes, he brought depth to a character navigating romantic complexities with both Payton Hobart, played by Ben Platt, and Astrid Sloan, portrayed by Lucy Boynton, at Saint Sebastian High School. Despite his popularity, River’s portrayal touches on internal struggles and emotional emptiness, framing him as a compelling figure in the ensemble cast.
Through his nuanced performance, Corenswet helped set the tone for the series and strengthened his reputation as a versatile actor—a trait that no doubt caught the eye of industry insiders, including Gunn.
Portraying Investigator David McDougall in “We Own This City”
Corenswet took on a more serious tone as Investigator David McDougall in HBO’s crime drama “We Own This City.” The series focuses on Baltimore’s Gun Trace Task Force and unravels the true-story corruption within the city’s police department, based on the nonfiction work by Justin Fenton from the Baltimore Sun. Corenswet’s character is part of the Harford County Narcotics Task Force, working to expose wrongdoing and enforce justice.
Appearances alongside Jon Bernthal’s Sgt. Wayne Jenkins further enhanced the show’s realism and depth, with Corenswet contributing an understated gravity to a portrayal grounded in true events.
A Pivotal Role in the Final Act of “House of Cards”
Although his role as Reed in “House of Cards” was limited to a single episode, it was placed at a pivotal moment—the penultimate installment of the entire series. In a retrospective scene, Corenswet plays Reed, who was a significant figure in a young Claire Underwood’s (Robin Wright) life. His character encourages Claire to reconsider a proposal from Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey), seeking her happiness over ambition. Despite Reed’s efforts, Claire moves forward with Frank, hoping for a more promising future. The narrative underscores the difficult choices faced by those with aspirations tied to power, and Corenswet’s performance adds emotional depth to Claire’s backstory.
Starring as Jake in “Look Both Ways”
In “Look Both Ways,” a recent romantic comedy from Netflix, Corenswet plays Jake—the man who represents an alternate path for Natalie, played by Lili Reinhart. The film’s unique structure explores two parallel realities: in one, Natalie moves to Los Angeles in pursuit of her dreams and finds love with Jake, while in the other, her life goes in a different direction after an unexpected event involving her friend Gabe, portrayed by Danny Ramirez. Corenswet’s depiction of Jake brings charm and relatability to the story, helping audiences connect with the theme of how a single decision can reshape an entire future.
Looking Ahead to Corenswet’s Superman Era
Securing the Superman role under James Gunn’s direction is a pivotal moment for David Corenswet, capping years of work in diverse roles across acclaimed series and films. The opportunity to portray both Superman and Clark Kent, alongside characters like Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, and Krypto, will likely introduce Corenswet to a broader audience. His previous roles—from a projectionist in a horror classic to a conflicted high schooler, an investigator in a true-crime narrative, and figures caught between love and ambition—have built a foundation that makes his take on the Man of Steel all the more intriguing.
The anticipation now shifts to seeing how Corenswet’s experience will inform his portrayal of such an iconic superhero, as longtime fans and newcomers alike prepare for his Superman debut on July 11.
