Over the years, there have been plenty of actors to play the role of Superman. The Man of Steel is one of the most recognizable superheroes of all time, and that makes him one of the most iconic movie and TV stars too. There have been multiple adaptations of the DC Comics character on both the big and small screen, with each actor adding something new and unique to the role. Most recently to do it is Tyler Hoechlin.
Hoechlin initially appeared in a guest stint on The CW's Supergirl in 2016 before starring in his own critically-acclaimed TV series Superman and Lois, which just wrapped its run after four amazing seasons. The show had to end prematurely due to DC Studios' decision to launch a brand new DC Universe featuring a new Superman movie.
With actor David Corenswet set to take over the role, Hoechlin opens up about handing over the cape to the next Superman and what the character's legacy means to him.
Tyler Hoechlin excited for David Corenswet's Superman
Superman and Lois star Tyler Hoechlin recently opened up about passing the Superman torch to David Corenswet. In an interview with Screen Rant during the Saturn Awards, he revealed that he's excited for the film, both as a Gunn fan and as a Superman star:
"I've always been excited about whenever that day comes to pass the baton, and so I'm so looking forward to see what they're going to do with it. I think they're great. I'm [a] huge, huge Guardians [of the Galaxy] fan, so I can't wait to see what James has done with it."
Hoechlin also revealed that he has always been "looking forward" when it comes to this role, specifically because whenever he was first cast as the Man of Steel in Supergirl in 2016 it was only for two episodes, which then increased to four and led to some more eventual returns. Little did he know he would go on to star in his own TV series and continue playing the role for eight more years. That in itself is a testament to the work he produced on both that series and spinoff Superman and Lois.
The Arrowverse star also said that David Corenswet is "a very, very classy guy", adding that the DCU star sent him a note when Superman started production (which would have also been around the time that Superman and Lois was filming its final season).
"David sent me a really nice note before they started shooting. He's a very, very classy guy, so I wish him and Rachel and Nick and everybody there the best. And for the fans too!"
He wrapped up with a thought that all DC fans undoubtedly have too, saying that he hopes "it's the best movie of the year." Same Tyler, same.
Hoechlin received both critical and fan acclaim throughout his time as Superman. Although some of the storylines he appeared in during Supergirl's run didn't always make the most of the character, his performance was so spot-on that fans longed to see more of him. In Superman and Lois, they got that chance as Hoechlin delivered what was, by far, the most nuanced version of the Man of Steel we have ever seen on any screen.
Fans of the show were understandably upset about DC Studios' decision to end the show after just four seasons, especially as it was planned to run for seven. And honestly, they are right to feel that way, because not only was Superman and Lois exceptional, the show was a major hit, bringing in strong viewing figures for The CW Network and achieving popularity around the globe. But alas, the studio didn't want a competing Superman project on-air when the James Gunn film comes out.
It's a questionable decision at best (especially when that same DC Universe is going to be responsible for us having two different Batman universes on-screen at the same time), but it's clear to see that Tyler Hoechlin has nothing but appreciation for his time as Superman. And that response just showcases how excited he is for the next chapter in the Man of Steel's iconic legacy.
Superman arrives in movie theaters on July 11, 2025.