James Gunn’s 2025 DC Cinematic Universe (DCU) reboot “Superman” has been rounding off a complete cast of characters from the comics.
Growing up, I was always obsessed with the supporting characters of the Daily Planet. Perry White acted like the paternal character to a room filled with budding and professional journalists who often butted heads on opposing perspectives — a healthy form of community for any newsroom.
A completed, comic book-accurate, and familiar casting of characters for an on-screen Superman title has yet to be seen. The closest comparison we’ve received as fans is with “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” in the 1990s. I mean, Jimmy Olsen hasn’t been in the bullpen with Lois and Clark since “Smallville’s” season eight in 2008! Steve Lombard appeared in 2013’s “Man of Steel” briefly, but a full bullpen has never been achieved, but that looks like it’s about to change.
A bullpen full of complex characters
There has been this trend of dropping Superman’s supporting cast, which appears to have ceased given that James Gunn has brought in Ma & Pa Kent, Lex Luthor, and super-friends from the Daily Planet office. With the recent casting of Beck Bennett as Lombard for “Superman” ’25, I believe we’re about to see fan favorites on the big screen together for the first time.
Superman is only Superman thanks to those he knows, and I truly think the hustle and bustle of Metropolis, the adventure of the Daily Planet, and the tranquility of Smallville were all missing something vital in past interpretations — people.
Of course, there are many others who have occupied Superman’s world before, but for the sake of my own sanity, I’ve decided to focus on the core group that inhabits the Daily Planet Building on a daily basis.
Clark Kent/Superman
Played by David Corenswet
David Corenswet, who will be playing Superman / Clark Kent in “Superman,” graduated from the Shipley School and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drama from the Juilliard School in New York City, where legendary Superman actor Christopher Reeve also attended. Corenswet’s most notable roles include “The Politician” and “Hollywood.”
Corenswet has been a subject of fancasts for as long as I can remember, and he’s even expressed his interest in the role for years. In a 2019 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Corenswet shared his aspirations regarding Superman, highlighting his vision for a more “upbeat” and “optimistic” portrayal of the superhero while acknowledging the achievements of his predecessor, Henry Cavill, in a darker and grittier universe.
“My pie-in-the-sky ambition is definitely to play Superman. I would love to see somebody do an upbeat, throwback [take on Superman],” said Corenswet. “I love the Henry Cavill dark and gritty take, but I would love to see the next one be very bright and optimistic.”
Corenswet also hinted at the importance of exploring Lois Lane’s character alongside Superman in an origin story format.
Who is Clark Kent?
There is no better job for a superhero in hiding than being a journalist. As a writer for the Daily Planet, Clark Kent is constantly aware of immediate crises and dangerous events as they unfold.
Like his wife, Lois Lane, Clark pursues the truth daily, always striving to give others a chance to hear their voices. The Daily Planet holds a special place in Clark’s heart because it’s where he found his true love, discovered his passion and was first named “Superman.”
Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive — Clark writes to fight a never-ending battle for “truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.”
First Appearance: “Action Comics” no. 1 (1938)
Created by: Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster
Lois Lane
Played by Rachel Brosnahan
Rachel Brosnahan, who will be playing Lois Lane in “Superman,” is best known for her role in the Amazon Prime Video series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, for which she won several awards, including two Golden Globe Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award. Brosnahan attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Brosnahan expressed her admiration for Lois Lane, stating that she has always loved the character and has been “stalking” journalists in real life.
“There’s not a lot of women in these universes anyway,” Brosnahan said to Entertainment Weekly. “It was nice to see somebody onscreen who felt as ambitious as I felt as a younger woman.”
According to Brosnahan, Lois Lane is smart, ambitious, and funny highlighting that the character often recognizes her intelligence in various situations. Brosnahan mentioned that she grew up watching the classic Superman movies featuring Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder, which further fueled her passion for portraying Lois Lane.
Who is Lois Lane?
Lois Lane has been an omnipresent force of journalistic integrity and human equity since the beginning. Starting out as a “lovelorn” columnist for the Daily Star in 1938, Lois often rubbed elbows with misogynistic-filled male counterparts, always scooping them on major stories.
Later on in the Superman mythos, Lois Lane became synonymous with the Daily Planet. Much of the Planet’s reputable recognition is due to Lois’s stories and exposes.
The Planet would not exist without her. Lois has constantly strived for equality, fighting for the truth while demanding justice. Now recognized as the Daily Planet’s top Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist, Lois is an indelible superhero in her own right.
First appearance: “Action Comics” no. 1 (1938)
Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster
Jimmy Olsen
Played by Skyler Gisondo
Skyler Gisondo will play Jimmy Olsen. He is known for his roles in films such as “Licorice Pizza,” “Booksmart” and “Vacation,” as well as television series “The Righteous Gemstones” and “Santa Clarita Diet.” Gisondo attended Milken Community High School in Los Angeles and later began studying at the University of Southern California’s film school.
He was the subject of many fancasts for Jimmy Olsen and was announced earlier this year as the Planet’s photographer. Gisondo has expressed his excitement and anticipation for taking on the role.
Who is Jimmy Olsen?
Superman’s pal, Jimmy Olsen, is recognized for his photographic excellence at the Daily Planet. Winning a Pulitzer Prize for the first official photo of Superman, Jimmy has earned a place among the Planet’s other ace players. Jimmy began as a cub reporter and quickly surfaced as one of the paper’s leading forces for connection to the Planet’s younger audience. Jimmy is the owner of the paper in current continuity.
First Appearance: Anonymous cameo: Action Comics No. 6 (1938)
As Jimmy Olsen: “The Adventures of Superman Adventures of Superman” radio show (1940)
Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster
Perry White
Played by Wendell Pierce
Wendell Pierce is Perry White and is known for his roles in various television shows, films, and stage productions. He gained recognition for portraying Detective Bunk Moreland in the HBO series “The Wire” and has been involved in various projects across different mediums throughout his career.
During an appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” Pierce shared that he’s looking forward to the role despite not having grown up reading comics and not being very familiar with Perry White or Superman lore.
Pierce attended the Juilliard School’s Drama Division from 1981 to 1985, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Pierce’s career spans over 30 films, nearly 50 television shows and a multitude of stage productions.
Who is Perry White?
Perry White has been a newshound at the Planet since he was young. Starting out as a newsboy in Metropolis’ Suicide Slum neighborhood, Perry soon accelerated through positions at the Paper, eventually becoming the Daily Planet’s most prominent Editor-in-chief to date.
Under his tenure, the Planet’s reputation grew faster than a speeding bullet. Perry is an award-winning journalist with a big heart and a tough stomach for news.
First appearance: “The Adventures of Superman Adventures of Superman” radio show, “Clark Kent, Reporter” (1940)
Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster
Steve Lombard
Played by Beck Bennett
Beck Bennett will portray Steve Lombard. Bennett is a comedian known for his work on the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live. He is also known for his role in AT&T’s “It’s Not Complicated” commercials, where he interviewed children and produced sketch videos with the comedy group Good Neighbor.
He attended the USC School of Dramatic Arts in the B.F.A. Acting program. Bennett was recently announced as Steve Lombard.
Beck Bennett was excited about playing Steve Lombard as confirmed the news on Instagram, thanking James Gunn and stating, “It’s been so fun.” Bennett also mentioned, “I love Lombard.”
Who is Steve Lombard?
Steve Lombard is the definition of misogyny personified. Dedicated to all sports content the Planet produces, Steve is known for his passive-aggressive attitude towards coworkers in the office. Despite being boorish most of the time, Steve often sticks up for his friends when it matters most.
First appearance: “Superman” no. 264 (1973)
Created by Cary Bates and Curt Swan
Cat Grant
Not yet cast
I love Cat Grant! I loved her before her portrayal in “Supergirl” (2015-2021) and before her appearance in “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” (1993-1994).
Her character leaped out to me in comics because she was strong and resilient. She overcame harsh stereotypes, took down abusive bosses, dealt with loss and so much more. She’s so real! There is no casting news for Cat, but I am holding out hope since she’s so important to the team and has a connection to Supergirl now.
Who is Cat Grant?
Cat Grant is recognized as one of the Daily Planet’s greatest success stories. She rose past her turbulent history with troubled relationships, becoming an icon in the process. Originally starting as an assistant at the Daily Planet, Cat became one of the paper’s leading columnists.
As her reputation thrived in recent iterations, Cat decided to leave the Planet to start her own multimedia organization, CatCo Worldwide Media. Cat’s journalistic aspirations ultimately landed her in the White House as Press Secretary.
First Appearance: “Adventures of Superman” no.424 (1987)
Created by Marv Wolfman and Jerry Ordway
Ron Troupe
Not yet cast
Ron Troupe is a vital character in the Daily Planet newsroom. His life experience brings wisdom to the team and helps bolster the paper like no one else can.
Unfortunately, his casting has not been announced yet. South African actor Peter John Prinsloo portrayed him solely in live-action in “Smallville’s” tenth and final season.
Who is Ron Troupe?
Ron Troupe is better known for his more level-headed, analytical approach to reporting. Traditionally scribing within the orbit of politics or business, Ron sometimes tackles hard-hitting issues, utilizing his writing through solutions journalism to change the world. Like his colleagues, Ron has taken on several Metropolis supervillains using his pen as a weapon.
First appearance: “Adventures of Superman” no.480 (1991)
Created by Jerry Ordway and Tom Grummett
“Superman” stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as star-studded Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane, Skyler Gisondo as photographer Jimmy Olsen, Wendell Pierce as Perry White, Nicholas Hoult as classic antagonist Lex Luthor, Neva Howell as Marhta Kent, Pruitt Taylor Vince as Jonathan “Pa” Kent and Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard.
The cast also includes Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Terence Rosemore as Otis, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner and María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer.
“Superman” is slated to premiere in July 2025. What additional characters are you hoping for?
