Superman Star David Corenswet Reveals Secrets Ahead of July Release

NEW YORK, NY — David Corenswet, the actor portraying Superman, shared insights about his life and career in a recent interview with PEOPLE while taking in the view from a Central Park hotel suite.

On a bustling June afternoon, the 31-year-old Philadelphia native reflected on his rise to fame, having first gained recognition for his role as River in the Netflix series The Politician. Corenswet, standing 6 feet 4 inches tall, expressed how he never thought he would portray such an iconic character: “I thought it was impossible that I’d ever get to play Superman because it’s impossible that anybody would get to play Superman.”

Corenswet’s breakthrough came after a competitive audition process where he outshined several notable actors for the role. He will star opposite the casting of the notorious Lex Luthor, played by the villain of last summer’s Twisters. His charm and versatility have been praised by many in the industry.

“He has, as one friend said, ‘such Superman face,’” noted one director. “But he’s also an incredibly talented actor that could balance the dramatic chops and humor.”

With Superman set to hit theaters on July 11, Corenswet opened up about his personal life. He married Julia in 2023, with their son arriving shortly before filming began in early 2024. Corenswet described this period as both exciting and uncertain. “I feel like I’ve been a dad for a long time, and just waiting for a kid to prove it,” he said.

He credits his father, an actor turned lawyer, for his nurturing side. “My dad was an enthusiastic father… very good with kids,” he recalled. Meanwhile, Corenswet enjoys home improvement projects in his own residence, noting, “It’s fun to work with your hands, especially as an actor where so much of what you do is talking to other people.”

Supportive of his ambitions, Corenswet respects Christopher Reeve, who portrayed Superman in the late 1970s. “He was somebody who we talked about quite a lot as an alumni who was to be sort of admired,” he noted.

When discussing his pet, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Ira, Corenswet remarked on his dog’s unique mohawk hairstyle, which makes him adoptable due to its disqualification from dog shows. “Ira has a wonderful personality,” he added, sharing that the dog visited him on set during filming.

Aviation remains one of Corenswet’s passions. “That’s sort of my most interesting hobby,” he admitted, referring to both flying and his home flight simulator. However, he confessed that the logistics of airport travel can be stressful.

For more on Corenswet and Superman, check out this week’s issue of PEOPLE, available on stands Friday.