Welcome to Superhero Sunday! For the purposes of this list, only live action actors who have portrayed both Superman and Clark Kent are listed.
8. Dean Cain
Dean Cain finds himself on the bottom of the list. While his portrayal of Superman isn’t awful, his character is. By character, I mean Dean Cain himself. He has seemingly no fundamental understanding of Superman or Clark Kent.
And it does manage to seep into his portrayal of the character that I find truly awful as I rewatch now. Through today’s lens, the actor himself doesn’t understand his own show or character. Marking him as the worst on the list.
It is truly unfortunate, because I did enjoy the show as a kid. I used to get up early during the summer to watch the series on reruns. There is a certain nostalgia to the series for me.
Alas, through a modern lens, I can’t rank him any higher on the list.
7. Krik Alyn
Kirk Alyn gets the 7 spot! His portrayal of Superman is spot on for the time, but somewhat wildly different from today’s Superman. For example, his foster parents both die. He appears only a small number of years after the character was created. Thus, his world and him are missing key details.
He is however an excellent choice for the time and the character we knew then.
I do knock the time for the sheer fact that Clark Kent is such a throwaway costume instead of a real character.
6. Henry Cavill
I had trouble deciding where I wanted to put Henry Cavill. Because – ultimately – he’s not really portraying Superman. Not the iconic Superman we know and love. This character belongs on The Boys on Prime rather than in the DC Universe.
However, I gave him the 6 spot because Henry Cavill could have been great. He is an excellent actor and I wish we could have seen what he could have done with the correct version of the character.
5. George Reeves
Like Kirk Alyn, this character isn’t exactly how we know him. However, his portrayal is pretty iconic as he struggles to balance being Clark Kent and Superman. Coupled with rescuing Lois Lane and getting the scoop.
It’s a hokey show that embraces the thing it is and makes Superman feel real and super. Despite George Reeves never truly wanting to be the character, he pulls it off quite well.
Even once managing to convince a child not to shoot him to prove he really is or isn’t Superman. That’s a real life super save.
4. Brandon Routh
Brandon Routh takes the 4 spot! He never truly got a fair shake until Crisis on Infinite Earths. His portrayal is marred by the fact that he’s following in the footsteps of the (at the time) greatest Superman – Christopher Reeve.
While he was unfairly knocked over the role, he did a great job with it. He’s smooth and warm and kind. A soft-spoken Superman and he manages to emulate Christopher Reeve amazingly.
He switches between Clark and Superman believably making them feel like two separate people. He doesn’t rank higher, because he never fully got to embrace the character, and truly make it his own.
Though I did love his return in Crisis. He did an amazing job with what he was given and I think more people should appreciate him.
3. David Corenswet
David Corenswet understood the assignment. Making his Superman warm, kind, and dorky as hell. The guy who never swears and worries about squirrels. He’s the Superman every kid wants to run up to and get a high five from.
He embodies the character to the point that I’m somewhat certain he really is Superman.
His portrayal is utterly his own while also capturing the spirit of Christopher Reeve and the character.
2. Christopher Reeve
However, there is the Superman. The one who made everyone believe a man could fly. The one actor every Superman actor since has been compared to. Almost always falling short of the greatness that is Christopher Reeve.
He portrays the character with a charm and warmth few others can manage. Embodying the very line he utters in the movie, “A friend.”
He feels like a friend in every moment. Smiling non-threatening at everyone he meets. Insisting they’re on the same time.
His warmth and kindness shines through every moment. His smile, his calm presence, and perfect portrayal of the difference between Clark Kent and Superman is simply amazing. You’d believe he could fly and that he’s two people.
1. Tyler Hoechlin
However, for me, after all these years since I first saw Superman: The Movie, Christopher Reeve has been dethroned. By Tyler Hoechlin.
Another actor who understood his assignment. As well as the character.
He’s a dork who is completely believable as two separate people. He loves his wife more than anything except his children. He’s real. He struggles.
He’s sweet and warm and kind. His Superman feels grounded while Clark Kent feels like a real person as well.
Yet, when he’s with people who know that he’s both, he’s a unique third personality that is a combination of both. He’s strong when he needs to be, but understands that sometimes he can be weak too.
He can rely on his wife for support and love. He never treats people like their less than. Tyler captures a completely new Superman, feeling hopeful and kind while also protective. Of his wife, his family, friends, and the world as a whole.
Tyler understands who Superman is and brings it to life every moment he’s on screen.
What do you guys think? Do you agree with my order? What would you rank them as? Drop me a line in the comments to let me know!
I am also super surprised that I picked Tyler Hoechlin as number one. It’s always been Christopher Reeve before. Who knew?
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