Skip to main content

Superman: James Gunn recalls screen test between David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan

A woman and two males read Superman comics.
James Gunn/Instagram / Instagram

There is still over a year before Superman flies into theaters next summer. With production underway, Superman writer and director James Gunn took to Threads on Monday to reminisce about casting David Corenswet as Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.

“One year ago today David and Rachel screen-tested for Clark and Lois,” Gunn wrote. “When they first read together it was like magic. What a wonderful year it’s been with two of the most extraordinary, vibrant, and meticulous actors I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with. I can’t wait for you to see them on screen in just a little over a year.”

Recommended Videos

This time last year, there were three finalists for the roles of Superman and Lois. Corenswet, Nicholas Hoult, and Tom Brittney were in contention for Superman, while Brosnahan, Phoebe Dynevor, and Emma Mackey were considered for Lois. All six actors screen-tested for Gunn and his DC co-head, Peter Safran. Ultimately, Corenswet and Brosnahan won the coveted roles and will headline the next Superman movie.

Superman pulls up his red boot while wearing a costume.
James Gunn / Instagram

Written and directed by Gunn, Superman will follow Clark Kent (Corenswet) as a 30-year-old reporter for the Daily Planet in Metropolis. Superman will not be an origin story. Instead, the film will balance Clark’s upbringing as a human in Kansas with his Kyrpotnian heritage as Superman.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Besides Corenswet and Brosnahan, Superman’s ensemble includes Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El/Supergirl, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Edi Gathegi as Michael Holt/Mister Terrific, María Gabriela de Faría as Angela Spica/The Engineer, and Anthony Carrigan as Rex Mason/Metamorpho.

Terence Rosemore as Otis, Pruitt Taylor Vince as Jonathan Kent, Neva Howell as Martha Kent, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Mikaela Hoover as Cat Grant, Christopher McDonald as Ron Troupe, Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard, Sean Gunn as Maxwell Lord, and Wendell Pierce as Perry White round out the ensemble. 

Originally titled Superman: Legacy, Gunn’s Superman will be the first film under Chapter One: Gods and Monsters in the DC Universe. Superman arrives in theaters on July 11, 2025.

Dan Girolamo
Dan is a passionate and multitalented content creator with experience in pop culture, entertainment, and sports. Throughout…
Superman: Everything we know about James Gunn’s DCU film so far
David Corenswet as Superman pulling up his red boot while wearing a costume.

DC Studios' upcoming film Superman is less than a year away, and countless comic book fans are anxious to see the new Man of Steel in James Gunn's reboot of the DC Universe. Originally titled Superman: Legacy, this blockbuster will be the Last Son of Krypton's first solo film in over 10 years, so the hype is palpable. For those excited to learn more about this superhero epic, here's a breakdown of everything that's been revealed about 2025's Superman so far.
When does Superman come out?
Superman will premiere on July 11, 2025, making it one of the year's most highly anticipated summer blockbusters.
What is the story of Superman?

According to Variety, the film "tells the story of Superman's journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas. He is the embodiment of truth, justice, and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned."

Read more
James Gunn reveals first image of Superman and Krypto the Superdog
Superman and his dog look at Earth from space.

When Superman flies into theaters next summer, the Man of Steel will have man's best friend by his side.

James Gunn revealed Krypto, Superman's loyal superdog, will appear alongside the titular hero in Superman. Appearing as a white dog with a gold collar, Krypto has similar powers to Superman, including super strength and the ability to fly. Gunn posted an image of Superman and Krypto overlooking Earth from space. Gunn revealed that his dog, Ozu, inspired the inclusion of Krypto in his comic book adaptation.

Read more
Who is Rick Flag Sr.? James Gunn explains Frank Grillo’s importance to Peacemaker, Superman
Frank Grillo looks to punch while Rick Flag Sr. poses on the right.

When James Gunn's DC Universe begins, Superman will be its most important superhero for the foreseeable future. Aside from the Man of Steel, another character who will play an integral role in multiple series is Rick Flag Sr.

Played by Frank Grillo, Flag is a military commander and leader of the Suicide Squadron during WWII. In the DC Universe, Flag is the father of Joel Kinnaman's Rick Flag Jr., the field leader of the Suicide Squad. Grillo will first voice Flag in Creature Commandos, the adult animated series coming to Max later this year. Grillo's Flag is the leader of the titular commandos — a black ops team consisting of monsters.

Read more