Superman: Legacy gets its stars! James Gunn ropes in David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan to play the lead actors

James Gunn has found his Superman and Lois Lane in David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, who will feature in Superman: Legacy, which will inaugurate DC's new universe under writer-director Gunn and DC Studios co-boss Peter Safran.

As per reports in The Hollywood Reporter, Corenswet and Brosnahan were among six actors who auditioned for the lead roles, with Gunn filming screen tests over the June 17 weekend, along with Nicholas Hoult and Tom Brittney for Superman/Clark Kent and Emma Mackey and Phoebe Dynevor for Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane.

Superman's role is among the most desired and stressful. Corenswet will anchor a new DC universe as it strives to rebuild itself after a string of misses with October's Black Adam, and March's Shazam! Fury of the Gods, and the recent The Flash. Christopher Reeve's 1978 Superman launched the contemporary superhero genre and spawned three sequels. Brandon Routh was a one-hit wonder after Superman Returns (2006) bombed at the box office. A decade ago, Henry Cavill starred in Zack Snyder's Man of Steel, which established the DC Extended Universe and made the actor a cult favourite for his dignified portrayal of Clark Kent.

After years away from the role, Cavill made a cameo in Black Adam (2022) and confirmed his intention to star in additional Superman films. Before Gunn and Safran were hired to redesign DC, they planned a younger Superman.

The former expects to film Superman: Legacy early next year. Lex Luthor and The Authority, who will premiere in Legacy before leading their movie, will continue to be cast. Gunn and Safran will produce their debut film, Superman. The Flash's $55 million opening weekend was underwhelming given the new studio executives and Ezra Miller's unfavourable press.

Corenswet becomes a pop culture icon and the first No. 1 on a studio film call sheet in Legacy. The Politician and Hollywood, two Ryan Murphy-produced Netflix series, launched the actor's career. Pearl and HBO's We Own This City are other credits. Apple's Lady in the Lake and Twisters follow.

The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel earned Brosnahan Emmys and Golden Globes. House of Cards brought her fame and an Emmy nomination. Three actors played Lois Lane in the film. In 1978's Superman and its three sequels, Margot Kidder starred opposite Christopher Reeve. Amy Adams played Lois in Man of Steel (2016), Dawn of Justice (2016), and Justice League (2017). Kate Bosworth played Lois in Superman Returns (2006).

Earlier, during an interaction with the international publication, Gunn said that he completely relates to Superman because he’s everything he is. He’s an outsider who feels like an alien, but he's also the ultimate insider because he’s f***ing Superman. Gunn feels like that.