The James Gunn Superman film full cast and characters have finally been revealed, igniting anticipation for DC’s colossal cinematic reboot set for release in July 2025. With David Corenswet stepping into the lead as Superman and an ensemble of celebrated actors joining the universe, the new chapter aims to redefine iconic heroes and villains for a fresh generation of fans.
A Dynamic New Cast for Superman’s Return
James Gunn’s upcoming film ushers in a revitalized vision for the DC Universe, led by David Corenswet as Superman, also known as Kal-El and Clark Kent. The project marks a bold move by DC to capture audiences worldwide, blending beloved favorites like Lex Luthor and Lois Lane—played by Nicholas Hoult and Rachel Brosnahan—with an impressive expansion into unexplored territory using an array of dynamic characters.
This reboot is not an origin story. Instead, it follows Superman as he balances the legacy of his Kryptonian heritage with the realities of life on Earth. Raised by Pa Kent (Pruitt Taylor Vince) and Martha Kent (Neva Howell) after his arrival in Kansas, Clark Kent’s journey is at the heart of this narrative, portraying an iconic hero learning to reconcile his extraordinary powers with the values instilled by his adoptive parents.
Lois Lane, the sharp-witted reporter portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan, remains central to Superman’s world, providing both professional challenge and romantic entanglement at the Daily Planet—where editor-in-chief Perry White (Wendell Pierce), photographer Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo), sports reporter Steve Lombard (Beck Bennett), and columnist Cat Grant (Mikaela Hoover) round out Metropolis’s familiar newsroom lineup.
Meet the Confirmed Cast and Their Characters
The James Gunn Superman film full cast and characters cover a sweeping spectrum. Here’s the complete roster of the major players bringing this epic story to life, each with their unique backgrounds and the actor stepping into the role:
- David Corenswet as Superman/Kal-El/Clark Kent
- Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor
- Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El/Supergirl
- Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane
- Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner/Green Lantern
- Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific
- Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl
- María Gabriela de Faría as Angela Spica/The Engineer
- Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho
- Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr
- Wendell Pierce as Perry White
- Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen
- Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard
- Mikaela Hoover as Cat Grant
- Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher
- Neva Howell as Martha Kent
- Pruitt Taylor Vince as Pa Kent
- Sean Gunn as Maxwell Lord
- Michael Rosenbaum as TBC (voice role)
Spotlight on Superman: David Corenswet’s Take
Clark Kent, also known as Kal-El, is the last survivor of Krypton and one of the world’s most celebrated superheroes. Sent to Earth and raised in Kansas, his story in this film explores how he bonds his small-town upbringing with his destiny to protect humanity. David Corenswet, previously known for performances in Hollywood and The Politician, emerges as the new face of this legendary character.
Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor: The Mastermind Antagonist
Lex Luthor, consistently painted as Superman’s intellectual rival and nemesis, returns with Nicholas Hoult in the role. This wickedly clever CEO of LexCorp holds a personal vendetta against Superman and Lois Lane. Hoult, familiar to audiences from Skins and his runs as Beast in the X-Men franchise and major parts in The Menu and Mad Max: Fury Road, is set to bring a nuanced intensity to one of DC’s most famed villains.
Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane: The Fearless Reporter
Lois Lane, the driven and resourceful journalist at the Daily Planet, continues her long tradition as both a professional force and the heart of Superman’s personal life. Rachel Brosnahan, celebrated for her Emmy-winning work as Midge Maisel, along with memorable roles in House of Cards and Manhattan, lends her award-winning energy to the part.
Kara Zor-El: Supergirl Enters the Fray
Milly Alcock steps into the shoes of Kara Zor-El—Kal-El’s Kryptonian cousin and Metropolis’s newest defender. Kara’s role in this film sets the stage for her greater presence in future DC projects, including the anticipated Woman of Tomorrow. Known for portraying young Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon, Alcock has won praise for her powerful screen presence.
James Gunn said of Milly Alcock:
“She embodies Kara as envisioned by Tom King, Bilquis Evely and Ana Nogueira.”
—James Gunn, Director
Guy Gardner: A Distinct Green Lantern for a New Era
Nathan Fillion joins as Guy Gardner, one of the most iconoclast members of the Green Lantern Corps and a key player within the Justice League. Gardner, marked by his bold personality and trademark haircut, offers comic relief and muscle to Superman’s allies. Fillion’s credits include leading roles in Castle, Firefly, and The Rookie, as well as collaborative work with James Gunn.
Mister Terrific: Edi Gathegi as the Strategic Genius
Edi Gathegi plays Michael Holt, the superhero known as Mister Terrific. Renowned in comic lore for his technological prowess and leadership skills, Mister Terrific stands alongside Batman as one of the DC Universe’s keenest strategists. Gathegi’s filmography includes roles in the Twilight series and the acclaimed show House.
Welcoming Hawkgirl and The Engineer
Kendra Saunders, or Hawkgirl, is played by Isabela Merced. A character with a history of reincarnation, her journey is often marked by tragedy and heroism. Merced’s credits feature Transformers: The Last Knight and the film adaptation of Dora and the Lost City of Gold, along with Madame Web and Alien: Romulus.
María Gabriela de Faría appears as Angela Spica, also known as The Engineer. In the film, Spica’s body is fused with advanced nanotechnology, sparking intense action scenes and forging ties to The Authority, another team in development under Gunn’s direction. De Faría earned recognition in The Exorcism of God and Animal Control.
Shapeshifters and Soldiers: Metamorpho and Rick Flag Sr
Anthony Carrigan brings Rex Mason, better known as Metamorpho, to life—a hero blessed and cursed with the ability to morph into any element. Carrigan, renowned for playing Noho Hank in Barry and Victor Zsasz in Gotham, brings a complex inner world to the character.
“It was really important to me… [that] this character in particular has this real kind of pathos to him,”
—Anthony Carrigan, Actor
“And unlike a lot of superheroes, he’s not crazy about the fact that he’s a superhero. He feels cursed by what he has. And so I really kind of bring something to that, and it really lit a fire.”
—Anthony Carrigan, Actor
Opposite Mason is Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr, a formidable figure within the government’s secret organizations. Known to comic book fans for his part as Brock Rumlow in Captain America, Grillo’s other film and TV works include The Shield, Prison Break, and Tulsa King.
Daily Planet: The Heart of Metropolis
The Daily Planet, Metropolis’s venerated newspaper, is home to a cluster of essential characters. Perry White, portrayed by Wendell Pierce, is the demanding editor-in-chief renowned for his journalistic standards. White is joined by sports reporter Steve Lombard, played by Saturday Night Live alumnus Beck Bennett, and columnist Cat Grant, embodied by Mikaela Hoover, whose eclectic credits range from Guardians of the Galaxy to Lucifer.
The newsroom is further enlivened by Jimmy Olsen, played by Skyler Gisondo, the capable photographer and trusted friend to Clark and Lois. Gisondo appeared in The Righteous Gemstones, Netflix’s Santa Clarita Diet, and Licorice Pizza.
Model and debut actress Sara Sampaio is Eve Teschmacher, Lex Luthor’s trusted aide—introducing audiences to a fresh face in the DC universe.
Superman’s Family: Martha and Pa Kent
Clark Kent’s Earth parents are vital to his development as Superman. Martha Kent, played by Neva Howell, is featured in films like Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Long Haul and Logan Lucky. Pa Kent, brought to life by Pruitt Taylor Vince, is known for outstanding performances in Mississippi Burning, JFK, and acclaimed series including The Mentalist and True Blood.
Intriguing Antagonists and Heroes: Maxwell Lord and Beyond
Sean Gunn, brother of director James Gunn, stars as Maxwell Lord, a powerful businessman with a dark side, previously seen on screen played by Pedro Pascal in Wonder Woman 1984. Sean Gunn is a frequent collaborator across the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and Peacemaker’s upcoming season.
Other pivotal roles are completed by Michael Rosenbaum, providing a voice for a to-be-confirmed character, and a series of supporting actors with rich backgrounds in both television and film.
What This Means for DC’s Cinematic Future
This comprehensive cast and diverse roster of characters in the new James Gunn Superman film signal DC’s ambition to create an interconnected and bold cinematic universe. By amplifying classic figures like both Clark Kent and Lois Lane, while bringing fresh heroes—such as Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, Kara Zor-El, and The Engineer—into the spotlight, the reboot opens the door to future spin-offs, crossovers, and deep storytelling possibilities. With its scheduled July 2025 theatrical release, the movie is positioned not just to reintroduce Superman, but to unite a galaxy of heroes and villains, sparking a passionate response among both comic book fans and newcomers alike.
