Why David Corenswet was always destined to be Superman: the former child actor longed to front a ‘bright and optimistic’ reboot back in 2019 – and yes, knows he’s the spitting image of Henry Cavill

Jul 9 , 2023

David Corenswet is set to play DC’s new Superman, taking over from Henry Cavill. Photos: EPA-EFE; @davidcorenswetnation/Instagram

Disgruntled Henry Cavill’s replacement in the top DC Studios role is a singing child actor who seemed to predict his anointment all along – starring next to Rachel Brosnahan in 2025’s Superman: Legacy

The American actor will also act alongside Natalie Portman in coming Apple TV+ series Lady in the Lake – but is also a huge Star Wars, Indiana Jones and James Bond fan

Upon first glance, you could easily mistake David Corenswet for Henry Cavill.

Their striking resemblance may confuse some into thinking they’re related. What with them both being brunettes with facial hair, and blessed with chiselled jawlines, they seem to possess the desired Superman “look”.

David Corenswet’s got a signature Superman “look.” Photo: @davidcorenswet/Instagram

Which is why there was collective “ohhhhh” exhaled when it was confirmed the younger of the pair – 29-year-old Corenswet – will follow Cavill in portraying Clark Kent in the beloved superhero franchise. He’ll star opposite The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’s Rachel Brosnahan, confirmed as Lois Lane.

The news comes months after Cavill, 40, confirmed that he would not be returning as Superman in the DCU – a shock to many as the British actor only recently made a cameo as the character in Black Adam.

DC Studios has just announced its new Superman, David Corenswet. Photo: @corenswetupdate/Instagram

It wasn’t a happy parting. “After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to their hire, this news isn’t the easiest, but that’s life,” Cavill wrote back in December, when he was unceremoniously dropped from the role. “I wish them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and happiest of fortunes.”

David Corenswet is set to join the DCU. Photo: @davidcorenswet/Instagram

While Cavill will be remembered as one of the best actors to play Superman so far, fans are of course now moving on to the next chapter – with Superman: Legacy already pencilled in for the far-flung date of July 11, 2025 (yes, you read that right – two years away).