Contrary to popular belief, playing a character like Superman requires more than having muscles. The DC superhero is a multifaceted character with a complex backstory and a range of unique abilities that offer many narrative opportunities to explore. It takes the right actor to bring all these aspects to life. With Henry Cavill removed from the list, the question remains: who could successfully take on the role?
5 Best Actors who could play Superman
Aaron Taylor Johnson
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is no stranger to the world of superheroes. He is well-known for his roles as Kick-Ass in the 2010 movie of the same name and as Pietro Maximoff, Wanda’s brother, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Additionally, he has starred in several other notable films, such as Godzilla (2014), Nocturnal Animals (2016), Tenet (2020), and Bullet Train (2022). His impressive physique and commanding presence make him a natural and fitting choice for the role.
Jacob Elordi
Jacob Elordi, known for his roles in Netflix’s The Kissing Booth and HBO’s Euphoria, quickly establishes himself as a rising star in Hollywood. He recently secured a significant role alongside Ben Affleck and Ana De Armas in Deep Water and is set to portray Elvis Presley in A24’s forthcoming Priscilla movie. Elordi’s acting abilities are superb, but he also possesses the physical attributes necessary to play Superman. He stands tall at 6’5″ with the iconic dark hair and chiseled jaw that Clark Kent is known for.
Austin Butler
Austin Butler has made a name for himself in Hollywood with his outstanding portrayal of Elvis Presley in the film Elvis, which has already generated buzz on the awards circuit in early 2023. At 31 years old, Butler demonstrated his ability to lead a comic-book movie, showcasing his impressive physique and charm in Elvis and his unwavering commitment to the role. In addition, he will appear as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in Dune: Part Two alongside Zendaya, Jason Momoa, and Oscar Isaac next year. Fans have already begun speculating about the possibility of Butler taking on the role of Superman.
Michael B. Jordan
There has been some discussion regarding the possibility of an upcoming project, but concrete announcements have yet to be made. There are talks about an HBO series featuring the actor playing Val Zod, a Kryptonian similar to Kal-El. However, the status of this project is still being determined. Nonetheless, casting the actor for this role would be a reasonable and likely choice.
Taron Egerton
After gaining prominence with his performance in Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014) and winning acclaim for his portrayal of Elton John in Rocketman, Taron Egerton has become a bona fide superstar. He has been linked to various superhero rumors, including Wolverine and several characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. At 33 years old, Egerton has demonstrated his physicality, charm, and dynamism, making him an excellent candidate to portray Superman.
