Everyone is familiar with the classic American superhero: the red-caped, flying figure from the planet Krypton, who uses his powers to protect the city of Metropolis from evil. As a character with a history that extends over 80 years, there is no single interpretation ofSuperman. There have been many actors who have donned his cape over the years, each portraying different facets of the DC hero.
From the original portrayal in film serials, all the way to the modern big (and small) screens, Superman as a character has endured despite the varying interpretations of the character. James Gunn will eventually be adding his own take on the classic superhero withSuperman: Legacy, so there may yet be another name to be added to the roster of Clark Kents.
RELATED:Every Superman Movie From Worst To Best, Ranked By Rotten Tomatoes
George Reeves Was the Original
While George Reeves was not the first actor to play the role of Superman, he was the first to make the character an icon with his portrayal on ABC’sAdventures of Superman(1952-1958). When Kirk Alyn turned down the titular role inSuperman and the Mole Men(1951) as well as the upcoming TV series, the studio decided to take on George Reeves, figuring that the audience’s reception to the new hero could serve as a test run. When the pilot was deemed a success, the series began airing the following year, becoming the first Superman to be filmed in color.
As a former boxer — and with his over-six-foot frame, broad shoulders and deep voice — Reeves filled out the suit and looked the part much better than his predecessor. His character and the origin story closely resembled thatwhich is presented in the comics. His larger-than-life portrayal of Superman was the epitome of a classic superhero, with his good-natured personality, confidence and optimism. He was equally convincing as the mild-mannered Clark Kent, who was also pretty similar to the comic book version.
While it can be argued that Reeves’ Superman did not have much of a character arc like some of the others, it must be remembered that the inaugural TV show was mostly geared towards a younger audience. He served as an ideal for them, and the actor took this fact quite seriously, by making sure that he was not seen smoking in public and avoiding making appearances around children with his girlfriends. Reeves openly detested how being Superman limited his career options, and was unfortunately unaware of the impact he had as Kal-El for years to come.
Christopher Reeve Defined the Hero
Christopher Reeve is widely considered as the definitive Superman to this day — and for good reason. His first film as the caped hero,Superman: The Movie(1978), earned him a BAFTA award, and its success also led to three sequels:Superman II(1980),Superman III(1983) andSuperman IV: The Quest for Peace(1987).
Reeve had read the comics to prepare for his audition, and went on to stunthe director Richard Donner. However, the producers had concerns about him being too young and too thin to play the superhero. After about 200 other failed auditions, they reconsidered Reeve, realizing that he was exactly what they were looking for in the first place. He even put on more than 40 pounds to bulk up for the role.
Reeve did not portray Superman as an authority figure, but rather a voluntary and earnest hero who served as a beacon of hope. He deliberately avoided striking any power poses, and instead played a more rounded and humble character. His former training as a pilot also allowed him to tilt and lean more naturallywhile ‘flying’ as Superman. He also understood the importance of the character’s duality and, with his Clark being clumsy and rigid, he made it believable that just a suit and a pair of glasses can disguise a superhero. He personified the best of what a hero is, and all actors playing Superman before and after him continue to be compared to his version.
Tom Welling Showed Clark Kent’s Humble Beginnings
“No tights, no flights”was the risky and rather ironic direction of the TV seriesSmallville(2001-2011). The idea was to explore Superman’s origin story only, which meant that Clark did not pick up the cape right until the finale. Surprisingly, the show’s formula worked, with Tom Welling portraying Clark in a manner that had never been done before. While other adaptations depicted the character as more or less just a means for Superman to disguise himself,Smallvillemade him the actual hero instead.
As Welling was playing Clark in his teenage years, he refrained from studying the previous versions so that he could make the character his own. The audience witnessed the adopted farm boy struggling to live the life his parents have, dealing with high school issues, and following his destined path as Kal-El. Welling brilliantly captured his wide-eyed innocence in the beginning and his growing confidence over the course of the show — all till the moment he takes up the mantle of Superman.
Brandon Routh Embodied the Classic Superman
Despite the convoluted storyline ofSuperman Returns(2006), Brandon Routh still managed to give a sincere and memorable performance. His version was heavily inspired by that of Christopher Reeve — in fact, he won the role in the first place due to his striking resemblance to the actor.
As the film was intended to be an extension of the Superman film series (but ignored all events afterSuperman II), it can be argued that his impression of Reeve’s superhero was, in fact, necessary to maintain continuity. While he grappled with the possibility that the world may no longer need him, Routh’s Superman was innocent, introverted and honest — exactly as he was, for better and for worse, directed to do. He returned as Superman in the “Crisis on Infinite Earths"Arrowversecrossover, depicting the role in the same manner.
Henry Cavill Gave the Man of Steel a Hard Edge
By the timeMan of Steel(2013) was released, there had been only one previous Superman movie in over two decades. Fans were in eager anticipation to see Henry Cavill put on the cape, especially since he looked the part with his chiseled jawline and impressive physique. Despite some criticism regarding the director Zack Snyder’s gloomy take on this film — and, later,Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice(2016)andJustice League(2017) — Cavilldid not fail to deliver on his performance.
His Superman (and even Clark) was much more serious and subdued than the previous iterations— and, thus,more layered and realistic. This was a superhero who maintained his ideals of hope and justice, even though humanity had not necessarily been kind to him.
Tyler Hoechlin Made Clark a Family Man
Tyler Hoechlin’s Superman was first introduced inSupergirlin 2016, after which his widespread popularity led to his own series,Superman & Lois(2021). The story follows the lives of Clark Kent and Lois Lane, while they raise their two children with Superman saving the world on the side.
In the pilot, Kal-El made his first appearance by simply saving a young boy and giving him his hat back. This set the tone for how he is portrayed throughout the series: gentle, warm, and friendly. His Clark is also introverted, yet confident. The show illustrates a character who, despite being a superhero, is still a flawed manwhose greatest strength — and weakness — is his family, thus making him more relatable and more human.
