We could be heroes: Cast, director of rebooted Superman want to bring back hope and optimism

LOS ANGELES – The new Superman movie marks a bright, optimistic break from the brooding tone of previous films.

Opening in Singapore cinemas on July 10, American writer-director James Gunn’s version stars American actor David Corenswet and is the first movie in the new DC Universe, a shared multimedia franchise.

It is the second major reboot of the Superman film series, which Christopher Reeve established in modern cinema with 1978’s Superman. English actor Henry Cavill took over in 2013’s Man Of Steel, which launched the DC Extended Universe.

Speaking at Superman’s recent Los Angeles premiere, Corenswet, 32, reflects on the character’s singular appeal.

“I think it’s the fact that among the superheroes, he’s the one who loves being a superhero the most. He brings that to his work every day, and he loves the people whom he gets to serve and save,” he says. The Juilliard-trained performer was previously best known for his starring roles in Netflix dramas Hollywood (2020) and The Politician (2019 to present).

This telling finds the character in his mid-20s and working as a reporter named Clark Kent at the Daily Planet newspaper in Metropolis, while juggling a double life as a superhero.

But this Superman believes ordinary people can be just as heroic.

“He wants to encourage and inspire regular people to become the heroes that they can be. He loves when they step up and become heroes in their own right,” Corenswet says.

And he wants the movie to inspire fans to do the same.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have a Superman to swoop in and save the day – we have only each other.

“So, if people leave the movie feeling a little more energised to take responsibility for themselves, for their loved ones, for their communities, I think that kind of energy is what we’re hoping to put out there,” says the actor. He is married to American actress Julia Best Warner, 34, and they have a one-year-old daughter.

Playing Superman’s arch nemesis Lex Luthor is English actor Nicholas Hoult, whose recent on-screen appearances include horror film Nosferatu (2024) and psychological drama The Menu (2022).

The rivalry between Lex and Superman is the key to their enduring popularity, the 35-year-old says. And the pair are iconic because they have been around for so long.

Hoult praised his co-star’s sensitive approach to the role both on- and off-screen.

“I loved David’s interpretation of Superman and Clark Kent. He’s such an incredible actor, even more so just watching how he is with people – his priorities, the work ethic he brings to set, and also the kindness he brings to everyone around.

“So, I’m excited for people to have a new Superman and for it to be him.”

American actress Rachel Brosnahan takes on another iconic Superman character, intrepid reporter Lois Lane, who is Clark’s sharp-witted colleague and love interest.

The 34-year-old won an Emmy for the comedy-drama The Marvelous Mrs Maisel (2017 to 2023). She is excited for people to meet new characters they have not met before, like Mister Terrific, Metamorpho and Hawkgirl, referring to characters played by Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan and Isabela Merced respectively.

“And maybe they could find a different way in.”

Gunn, Superman co-producer and DC Studios’ co-chairman and co-chief executive, set out to revive classic elements from Superman comics dating back to the 1940s, including the hopeful, wholesome sensibility of some of those stories.

Superman has resonated with fans and endured in pop culture because he is the original superhero, says the 58-year-old American film-maker behind the Guardians Of The Galaxy superhero franchise (2014 to 2023) and The Suicide Squad (2021).

“The guy is strong, he can fly, he can shoot beams out of his eyes, but he’s also got the greatest heart of any character in the history of the world, in a lot of ways. He stands for justice, truth, sticking up for the little person and protecting those who need to be protected. And I think that resonates with people today.”