Superman (franchise)

Last updated
Adaptations of Superman in other media
Superman S symbol.svg
Official logo
Created by
Original sourceComics published by DC Comics
First appearance Action Comics #1 (April 1938)
Films and television
Film(s)
Television
show(s)
Theatrical presentations
Musical(s) It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman (1966)
Audio presentations
Radio show(s)

The American comic book character Superman, created in 1938, has appeared in many types of media since the 1940s. Superman has appeared in radio, television, movies, and video games each on multiple occasions, and his name, symbol, and image have appeared on products and merchandise.

Contents

Portrayals

Among the actors who have played Superman / Superboy (and/or his alter ego, Clark Kent) are:

Portrayed by

Voice only

Radio and audio

Film

Animated film

Live-action film

Canceled Superman live-action films

Television

Live-action

Untitled Superman series

In July 2021, it was reported that Michael B. Jordan is developing, producing and starring as Val-Zod in a limited series for HBO Max. [20] [21]

Animated television

Canceled Superman animated series

Video games

Theatre and live performances

Literature and printed media

Newspaper

Superman was a daily newspaper comic strip which began on January 16, 1939, and a separate Sunday strip was added on November 5, 1939. These strips ran continuously until May 1966. In 1941, the McClure Syndicate had placed the strip in hundreds of newspapers. At its peak, the strip, featuring Superman, was in over 300 daily newspapers and 90 Sunday papers, with a readership of over 20 million.

Attractions and theme park rides

Superman Escape at Warner Bros. Movie World Superman Escape Ride2.JPG
Superman Escape at Warner Bros. Movie World

Art

Parodies

Superman depicted as stricken by AIDS, in an awareness campaign Superman in AIDES campaign.jpg
Superman depicted as stricken by AIDS, in an awareness campaign

Merchandising

Recurring live-action cast

Many live-action actors have made appearances across multiple works in the franchise. V indicates a voice-only role.

ActorSerial films
(1948, 1950)
Superman and the Mole Men
(1951)
The Adventures of Superman
(1952–1958)
Salkind series
(1978–1987)
Superboy
(1988–1992)
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
(1993–1997)
DC Animated Universe
(1996–2019)
Smallville
(2001–2011)
Superman Returns
(2006)
DC Universe Animated Original Movies
(2007–)
DC Extended Universe
(2013–2023)
Arrowverse
(2012–2023)
DC Super Hero Girls
(2016)
Teen Titans Go! To the Movies
(2018)
Krypton
(2019–2020)
Superman & Lois
(2021–2024)
Kirk Alyn SupermanSam Lane
Noel Neill Lois LaneElla LaneAlexisGertrude Vanderworth
George Reeves SupermanSuperman (likeness)
Phyllis Coates Lois LaneElla Lane
Jack Larson Jimmy OlsenLou LamontBo the bartender
Marlon Brando Jor-ElJor-El
Christopher Reeve SupermanDr. Virgil SwannSuperman (likeness)
Margot Kidder Lois LaneBridgette Crosby
Marc McClure Jimmy OlsenDax-UrOfficer Ben Sadowsky
Officer Jerry
Terrence Stamp General ZodJor-El V
Sarah Douglas UrsaMala V Jinda Kol Rozz
Annette O'Toole Lana LangMartha Kent
Helen Slater SupergirlTalia al Ghul V Lara-ElSupergirl (likeness)Eliza DanversMartha Kent V
Jon Cryer Lenny LuthorLex Luthor
Gilbert Gottfried Nick KnackMister Mxyzptlk V
Sherman Howard Lex Luthor
Warren Eckworth
Steppenwolf V
Preserver V
Derek Powers V
Kevin Conroy Batman V Batman V Batman (Earth-99)Batman V
Mark Hamill Joker V
Trickster V
Joker V Trickster
Adam West Jerry RetchenGray Ghost V Batman V Batman (likeness)
Dean Cain SupermanDr. Curtis KnoxJeremiah DanversJonathan Kent V
Teri Hatcher Lois LaneElla LaneRhea
David Warner Jor-ElRa's al Ghul V
Michael McKean Dr. Fabian LeekPerry White
Clancy Brown Lex Luthor V Lex Luthor V General Wade Eiling
Matt Ryan John Constantine V John Constantine
Michael Ironside Darkseid V Sam LaneLewis Snart
Michael Rosenbaum Wally West V
Lex Luthor V
Various V
Lex LuthorBarry Allen V
Seth V
Joe Morton Steven HamiltonSilas Stone
Carl Lumbly J'onn J'onzz V M'yrnn J'onzz
Phil Lamarr John Stewart V Malefic J'onzz
JK Simmons General Wade Eiling V Commissioner Gordon
Tom Welling Clark KentClark Kent
Erica Durance Lois LaneLois Lane
Alura Zor-El
Noel Neill
James Marsters BrainiacLex Luthor V
Laura Vandervoort SupergirlBrainiac 8
Amy Adams Jodi MelvilleLois Lane
Peyton List Lucy LaneGolden Glider
Lynda Carter Moira SullivanAsteriaOlivia Marsdin
Sam Witwer DoomsdayBenjamin Lockwood
Brandon Routh SupermanRay Palmer
Superman
David Ramsey John DiggleJohn Diggle
Jenna Dewan Lucy LaneLucy Lane
Tyler Hoechlin SupermanSuperman
Ezra Miller The Flash
Elizabeth Tulloch Lois LaneLois Lane
Staz Nair William DeyDoomsday
Nicolas Cage SupermanSuperman V
Tom Cavanagh Harrison Wells
Eobard Thawne
Gordon Godfrey

Notes

  1. The actor’s likeness was digitally recreated for a cameo appearance in The Flash using CGI. Cavill filmed additional scenes as the character for the film, but they were removed during post-production.
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  21. @Collider (23 July 2021). "Update: Sources have since reached out to clarify that @MichaelB4Jordan's Black Superman project about Val-Zod is,…" (Tweet) via Twitter.
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  23. Wahlgren, Kari (July 6, 2023). "Sneak peek! 🦸🏻‍♂️ I play Ma Kent and Young Clark in the new "My Adventures with Superman" series. Looking forward to the premiere!". www.instagram.com. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
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References