DC Comics fans have spoken out about David Corenswet’s casting as the new Superman, labeling it a “copycat” of Henry Cavill.
The actor, 29, who has never before taken on a lead role in a major studio production, will play Clark Kent in the rebooted film series alongside Rachel Brosnahan, 32, as Lois Lane, replacing Amy Adams, reports deadline.
David has taken over the role from Henry, 40, who was suspended in part of new studio heads James Gunn and Peter Safran’s massive shakeup to the DC franchise.
But after the casting was revealed, fans questioned why the producers decided to keep Henry on hand, only to replace him with a younger carbon copy.
Eagle-eyed fans noticed the striking similarities between the two with chiseled jawlines, a big head of dark hair and piercing eyes.
One wrote: ‘It’s crazy how similar David looks to Henry’.
Doppelgänger: DC Comics fans have spoken out about the casting of David Corenswet (left) as the new Superman, labeling the actor a ‘copycat’ of Henry Cavill (right)
Another added: “David Cornswet indeed resembles the younger Henry Cavill.”
A third fan wrote, “I’m sure David Corenswet is a decent actor, but he still looks like a cheap copy of Henry Cavill.”
“People (including me) just see him as a copy of Henry Cavil, so he needs to bring something new to the character,” said another.
“I’ve seen fans say what was the point of hiring David, he looks like Henry Cavill so why didn’t you hire Henry Cavill? I think that’s more of a compliment to both actors. They both look like #Superman so if they look the same they did the casting right both times,” another fan wrote.
Others think David is the perfect casting to portray a younger Superman.
David played Jake alongside Lili Reinhart in the 2022 Netflix movie Look Both Ways and also previously starred in Hollywood, The Politician, and A24 movie Pearl.
Superman: Legacy will be released on July 11, 2025 and Superman is described as balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.
Corenswet and Marvelous Mrs Maisel star Brosnahan attended a select few tests for DC co-chairs Peter Safran and director James Gunn in full costume and makeup.
Spooky image: But after the casting was revealed, fans asked why the producers decided to keep Henry on hand (right), only to replace him with a younger copy (left)
Spitting Image: Eagle-eyed fans picked up on the striking similarities between the two with chiseled jawlines, a big head of dark hair and piercing eyes
Superman: Legacy will be released on July 11, 2025 and Superman is described as balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing
December Announcement: Cavill announced his ax of the roll with an Instagram post
U-turn: The backtrack came just two months after Cavill took to Instagram on Oct. 24 — the Monday after Black Adam opened in theaters
The tests took place over two days with three actors in ‘full Superman clothes’ – after a months-long search for the new stars.
Sources told Deadline that each actor had “made test deals that would expire after two weeks of work” and wanted this resolved before a potential SAG-AFTRA strike, which could begin at midnight on June 30.
The other actors competing for the Superman role were British stars Tom Brittney and Nicholas Hoult, while Phoebe Dynevor and Emma Mackey were nabbed for the role of Lois.
In January, new DC Studios bosses Gunn and Safran defended their decision not to bring Henry back as Superman as they rebooted the DC Universe with a new overarching storyline.
“We didn’t fire Henry. Henry was never cast,” Gunn said during a presentation to reporters announcing plans for five new DCU movies and five new TV series, according to the Hollywood reporter.
Cavill, who was widely expected to return as the man of steel after appearing in a closing credits teaser for Black Adam in October, announced the “sad news” that Gunn and Safran had no plans to bring him back in December .
“I just met with James Gunn and Peter Safran and it’s sad news, everyone. After all, I won’t be returning as Superman,” Cavill began.
“After the studio told me to announce my return in October, ahead of their hire, this news isn’t the easiest, but such is life,” he added.
“The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that. James and Peter have to build a universe,’ he added.
“I wish them and everyone involved in the new universe the best of luck and happiness,” he added.