Rachel Brosnahan is set to debut as Lois Lane in James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman film, bringing excitement for DC fans eager for a fresh chapter in the franchise. Ahead of Superman’s release, moviegoers interested in the best Rachel Brosnahan roles to watch before Superman hits theaters have plenty of standout film and TV performances to enjoy from this Emmy and Golden Globe winner.
Rachel Brosnahan’s Journey from Guest Star to Acclaimed Lead
Brosnahan’s career began with single-episode guest spots on hit series like Grey’s Anatomy, Gossip Girl, CSI: Miami, and Orange is the New Black. While these early roles helped her gain experience, it was her transition into lead parts across television and movies that established her as a powerhouse performer. With genres ranging from comedy to historical drama to Westerns, Brosnahan has demonstrated her depth and range. As fans prepare to see her embody the iconic Daily Planet reporter and Superman’s confidante Lois Lane, it’s a great time to revisit the highlights of her impressive filmography.
Essential Rachel Brosnahan Projects to Binge Before Superman
These five selections showcase Brosnahan’s talent for tackling complex, emotionally rich characters and illustrate why she is the ideal choice for Lois Lane in the next chapter of the DC Universe. The following list offers a perfect guide to the best Rachel Brosnahan roles to watch before Superman changes how audiences see Lois Lane.
1. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Brosnahan’s Breakout as Midge
Prime Video’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is arguably Brosnahan’s signature project, earning her both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Miriam “Midge” Maisel. Set in the 1950s and ‘60s New York, the comedy series follows Midge, a housewife whose life is upended when her husband leaves her. Determined to pursue her own dreams, Midge sets out to become a stand-up comedian, challenging the social expectations of her era.
Brosnahan delivers a career-defining performance, blending impeccable comedic timing with deep emotional realism. Across five seasons, her depiction of Midge’s resilience and wit has charmed viewers and critics alike, solidifying the show—and her role in it—as must-see television. Anyone interested in Brosnahan’s acting range and star power should start here.
2. Manhattan: Drama and Intrigue in the Atomic Age
Manhattan is a gripping historical drama that dramatizes the creation of the atomic bomb in Los Alamos, New Mexico, during World War II. Unlike other adaptations, this series focuses on fictional characters, allowing for intricate storytelling and multifaceted relationships among the scientists and their families.
Brosnahan stands out as Abby Isaacs, the wife of a promising physicist striving for recognition. Her character’s evolution is one of the most compelling arcs, and Brosnahan’s performance brings nuance to Abby’s process of personal growth amid secrecy and pressure. Although the series ran for just two seasons beginning in 2014, it remains an underappreciated gem, well worth streaming for a look at Brosnahan’s dramatic depth.
3. Dead for a Dollar: Reimagining the Western Heroine
In the 2022 Western Dead for a Dollar, Brosnahan plays Rachel Kidd, a businessman’s wife kidnapped and held for ransom in Mexico during the 1890s. The narrative kicks off when a bounty hunter is hired to rescue her, but the storyline twists expectations, especially regarding Rachel’s role in her own fate.
At first, Rachel appears to be a familiar damsel in distress, yet as the plot unfolds, her agency and determination come to the fore, subverting genre conventions. Starring alongside Christoph Waltz and Willem Dafoe, Brosnahan holds her own in a cast of strong performances. The film’s blend of action, suspense, and character-driven drama makes it a distinctive entry in contemporary Westerns, and Brosnahan’s layered approach to Rachel adds emotional dimension to the story.
4. I’m Your Woman: A New Take on Crime Thrillers
Brosnahan stars as Jean in the 2020 Amazon original film I’m Your Woman, an unconventional crime thriller set in the 1970s. After her husband disappears while tangled in organized crime, Jean is forced to go on the run with her young son, encountering peril and uncertainty at every turn.
The movie stands out by focusing on the personal stakes and emotional strain facing those caught in the collateral damage of criminal life, rather than the criminals themselves. Brosnahan’s portrayal is both vulnerable and quietly powerful, charting Jean’s transformation as she navigates an unpredictable world and discovers new reserves of courage. The film gradually ramps up tension, ultimately delivering a satisfying and poignant conclusion. Those seeking a fresh spin on the crime drama genre should not overlook this title.
5. The Courier: Espionage and Nerve in the Cold War
The 2020 period drama The Courier tells the remarkable true story of Greville Wynne, a British businessman turned spy who helped prevent the Cuban Missile Crisis through covert actions in the Soviet Union. Benedict Cumberbatch leads as Wynne, with Brosnahan taking on the pivotal supporting role of Emily Donovan, an American CIA officer guiding the mission.
Brosnahan’s character supports the operation from behind the scenes, demonstrating shrewd intelligence and steady resolve in a world laced with danger. While Donovan is a smaller role, Brosnahan’s performance adds strength and credibility to the ensemble, making The Courier a standout entry in her filmography. Its suspenseful narrative, based on real events, delivers plenty of dramatic tension and serves as another display of Brosnahan’s ability to shine in diverse settings.
Why These Performances Matter for Brosnahan’s Superman Turn
With Superman set to premiere in theaters on July 11th, Rachel Brosnahan’s history of playing complex, determined women bodes well for her upcoming portrayal of Lois Lane, a journalist known for her grit and quick wit. Each project on this list not only highlights Brosnahan’s skill but also traces her evolution into an actress equipped to redefine such a legendary character.
From a trailblazing comic heroine in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel to commanding roles in suspenseful dramas like I’m Your Woman and The Courier, Brosnahan has repeatedly demonstrated the emotional depth and versatility needed for the big screen. For fans awaiting her performance in James Gunn’s Superman alongside David Corenswet as Superman/Clark Kent, revisiting these roles is the perfect way to see what makes her one of today’s most compelling stars.
Those eager for Brosnahan’s next appearance can find these top titles available for rental, streaming, or purchase on a range of digital platforms, ensuring there’s plenty to enjoy until Superman marks the beginning of a hopeful new DC era.
