There have been so many casting rumors floating around Superman: Legacy, and each one has been batted away by James Gunn on Twitter. Now, as the movie settles into pre-production, the casting activity will be ramping up. Now some news comes from a legitimate source. According to The Hollywood Reporter David Corenswet (Pearl, Hollywood) is among the contenders to play Clark Kent. He’s rumored to be through to the next round, facing a screen test after Memorial Day.
The track record of British actors playing all the best superheroes could continue, as two other contenders are reported to be Tom Brittney (Grantchester) and Andrew Richardson (A Call to Spy). Australian actor Jacob Elordi (Euphoria) was an internet favorite but the report says he didn’t go for the role.
The rest of the familiar characters are also said to be in the casting mix. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel star Rachel Brosnahan has apparently already auditioned and was very strong. Samara Weaving (Ready or Not), Phoebe Dynevor (Bridgerton), and Emma Mackey (Death on the Nile) are also said to be in the running.
The report mentions one role that is seemingly closest to being confirmed and there is only one name attached. Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Hoult was previously in the final two for Batman before Robert Pattinson beat him to it.
Superman: Legacy is the only new DC Universe movie with a firm release date and is the first entry in the new Safran / Gunn cinematic universe. Filming is expected to take place in Atlanta, Georgia at the start of next year. Superman: Legacy is slated for theatrical release on July 11, 2025. Responses to the list coming out of DC Studios are varied. Sources have cautioned that some of these are not screen testing yet, and have merely been talked about. One insider said the filmmakers and studio “are nowhere near a decision.”