Superman has been portrayed by many actors over the years, and every fan has their favorite. From Christopher Reeve’s friendly and youthful version to Henry Cavill’s powerful take and Brandon Routh’s single appearance, there’s a Superman for everyone. Recently, David Corenswet took on the role in the new DC Universe. However, one actor has arguably spent more time embodying the character than anyone else, having played Superman for years across hundreds of episodes, truly exploring what makes him such a beloved hero.
Before superhero origin stories became standard and long before The CW’s interconnected “Arrowverse,” Tom Welling starred in Smallville, a show with a fresh concept: what if a series followed Clark Kent growing up in his hometown? The show’s creators, Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, established a unique “no tights, no flights” rule, prioritizing character development and relatable stories over flashy special effects, which made it stand out from other superhero shows.
Right now, Smallville is a hit on Netflix, ranking as the 8th most popular show globally. Unfortunately, it’s not available to stream in the US – you can find it on Hulu instead. But there’s still plenty of DC content on Netflix, including The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow, plus another series known for its incredible take on superheroes (we’ll be talking about that one later!). It’s a great time to brush up on your DC knowledge, because 2026 will be a pivotal year for the entire franchise.
Off to a Super Start, but Will It Last?
Many people praise Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Clark Kent and Superman, and Zack Snyder’s casting choices were generally well-received, despite mixed feelings about his DC Universe films. However, not everyone enjoyed the dark and serious tone of movies like Man of Steel, Batman v Superman, and the various cuts of Justice League. With the new Superman film, James Gunn aimed for a more hopeful and optimistic version of the character. A recent clip showcases David Corenswet’s Superman explaining to Lois Lane that kindness and compassion are actually acts of rebellion in a world that’s become cynical, and this moment perfectly captures the core idea behind Gunn’s approach to the iconic hero.
Although Superman earned $624.3 million globally and received mostly positive reviews (83% on Rotten Tomatoes), it wasn’t a record-breaking hit. Interestingly, even though Iron Man was successful in 2008, the next Marvel movie, The Incredible Hulk, earned only half as much money at the box office and received significantly worse reviews – 30% lower, in fact.
Upcoming DCU movies could potentially undo the positive reception Superman has gained. It also adds pressure because audiences will be watching a new actor attempt their own version of a beloved and iconic superhero portrayal.
Prepare to Meet a New Kara Zor-El
Warner Bros.
As a huge cinema fan, I was really intrigued when Milly Alcock’s Supergirl appeared at the end of Superman. This version feels completely different from any Supergirl we’ve seen before. The trailers have shown us even more, and it’s clear this Kara Zor-El is a long way from the classic, purely heroic image of her cousin, Superman. Honestly, the trailers are wild – we see her turning 23 and celebrating like a lot of us do: with drinks, parties, and… galactic revenge missions! It’s a deliberate contrast to David Corenswet’s Superman, and I worry it might not land with everyone. Plus, let’s be real, Melissa Benoist’s portrayal of Supergirl is still pretty iconic, so Milly has a high bar to clear!
From the very beginning, Melissa Benoist brilliantly embodied the cheerful and hopeful nature of Supergirl and Kara Zor-El. She portrayed a genuine innocence without seeming naive, and as the character grew, so did Benoist’s confidence and maturity. Similar to the early days of the DC Extended Universe, the Arrowverse initially leaned towards a darker tone with Arrow. While The Flash suggested a lighter approach, Supergirl truly stood out as a contrast, establishing Benoist’s performance as one of the most compelling superhero portrayals ever.
If the Supergirl series doesn’t perform well this summer, it could create problems for the DC Universe. They also have Clayface planned for later this year, which is a scarier story that will likely only appeal to a smaller group of fans. Regardless of what happens with DC in the future, we’ll always have successful shows like Smallville to remember.
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2026-03-05 06:33