Which actor reprises Superman in Supergirl?

David Corenswet reprises Superman in Supergirl (2026).

Corenswet plays Kal-El, also known on Earth as Clark Kent, in the new DC Universe. He first took the role in James Gunn's Superman, released in 2025, and returns for the follow-up Supergirl. In the latter film, Superman is Kara Zor-El's cousin and a survivor of Krypton who lives on Earth as a superhero.

The casting is easy to mix up because several actors have played Superman in recent film and television projects. Henry Cavill portrayed the character in the previous DC Extended Universe, while Tyler Hoechlin is associated with the television series Superman & Lois. Brandon Routh played Superman in Superman Returns and later appeared as an alternate-universe version in the Arrowverse.

Supergirl is part of DC Studios' Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. The story centers on Milly Alcock's Kara as she travels through space with Krypto and Ruthye Marye Knoll, while Corenswet's Superman connects the film to the wider DCU established by Superman.