Before taking on the mantle of the iconic Man of Steel in the highly anticipated James Gunn Superman movie, David Corenswet already built an impressive resume of varied roles. For those interested in David Corenswet Superman movie roles, exploring his past performances gives insight into the emerging star poised to define the next era of Superman on the big screen.
Corenswet’s Journey to Becoming Superman
David Corenswet, who hails from Philadelphia and studied at Julliard, will soon appear as the newest Clark Kent, sharing the screen with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. The film, scheduled for release on July 11 and directed by Guardians of the Galaxy’s James Gunn, promises to present a more vulnerable, relatable, and dog-loving Superman, even including his loyal canine companion Krypto. While anticipation builds for his portrayal of Superman, Corenswet’s previous roles highlight his versatility and range.
1. The Projectionist in Pearl
Fans may recognize Corenswet from Ti West’s horror film Pearl, where he plays the role of the Projectionist. Although his screen time is brief, Corenswet brings a memorable presence as the suave, somewhat slippery figure who not only introduces Mia Goth’s Pearl to a world beyond her own, but also triggers a pivotal moment with their tense breakup. The interaction adds depth to Pearl’s journey, and Corenswet’s performance leaves a lasting impression despite the limited appearance.
2. River Barkley in The Politician
In the Netflix series The Politician, created by Ryan Murphy, Corenswet takes on the complex role of River Barkley. Over the course of 11 episodes across two seasons, River navigates the social and emotional challenges of Saint Sebastian High School. As a popular student, he develops relationships with both Payton Hobart (Ben Platt) and Astrid Sloan (Lucy Boynton), revealing his internal struggles beneath a polished exterior. Corenswet’s nuanced performance enriched the show’s portrayal of youth and ambition at an elite school.
3. David McDougal in We Own This City
Corenswet’s dramatic range shows in the HBO crime miniseries We Own This City, where he plays Investigator David McDougal from the Harford County Narcotics Task Force. The series, inspired by real events and Justin Fenton’s non-fiction book, explores corruption within the Baltimore Police Department’s Gun Trace Task Force, led by Jon Bernthal’s Sgt. Wayne Jenkins. Corenswet contributes a steady, investigative presence, grounding the story within the context of real-world law enforcement challenges in Baltimore.
4. Reed in House of Cards
Although his appearance in House of Cards is brief, Corenswet’s portrayal of Reed in the show’s penultimate episode is notable. In a flashback sequence, he plays the young boyfriend of Claire Underwood (Robin Wright) when she was just twenty. Reed’s advice and relationship with Claire contribute to the show’s rich backstory, as he urges her to reconsider a life-altering decision — turning down Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey). His role, though small, becomes part of the larger narrative shaping Madame President and her ambitions.
5. Jake in Look Both Ways
In Netflix’s romantic comedy Look Both Ways, Corenswet stars as Jake, opposite Lili Reinhart’s Natalie. The film follows two possible futures for Natalie—one in which she pursues her dreams in Los Angeles with Jake, and another where her life takes a different turn after an unexpected event involving her friend Gabe, played by Danny Ramirez. Corenswet delivers a charming performance that explores how a single moment can impact a character’s entire path, bringing warmth to the film’s premise.
What Makes Corenswet’s Roles Stand Out
David Corenswet’s career so far encompasses a diverse set of roles across genres, from horror and drama to romance and political satire. His experiences, whether acting alongside actors like Robin Wright in House of Cards or navigating the layered world of The Politician, have shaped his skills as he steps into the dual roles of Clark Kent and Superman. With the upcoming film directed by James Gunn, Corenswet will not only bring his own interpretation of the Man of Steel to a new audience but also contribute to the legacy of one of cinema’s most iconic superheroes. As the premiere approaches, audiences can revisit these five standout performances to witness the trajectory of an actor on the verge of a defining career breakthrough.
