5 best David Corenswet performances to watch before he stars in Superman: Legacy

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Ever since he came into the Hollywood spotlight, versatility and command of the screen have created an open door to various characters for David Corenswet.

He probably has more name recognition from starring in several Netflix series created by Ryan Murphy, including The Politician and Hollywood, among other shows and movies.

In June 2023, Corenswet was cast as Superman in James Gunn's upcoming superhero movie Superman: Legacy, scheduled for release in July 2025 and slotted as the first live-action movie in the DCU.

With his upcoming role as Superman, there is no better time to look back at some of Corenswet's standout performances.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and not Sportskeeda as a whole.


The Politican, Look Both Ways, and other best David Corenswet performances to watch before he stars in Superman: Legacy

1) Jack Castello in Hollywood (2020)

David Corenswet, Darren Criss, Laura Harrier, Joe Mantello, Dylan McDermott, Jake Picking, Jeremy Pope, and Patti LuPone are among the ensemble cast members of the American historical drama television miniseries Hollywood.

Produced by Ian Brennan and Ryan Murphy, it debuted on May 1, 2020.

The miniseries centers on a group of budding performers and filmmakers attempting to realize their aspirations during the Hollywood Golden Age following World War II.

David Corenswet portrays WWII veteran Jack Castello, who aspires to pursue a career in acting. He stands out in an ensemble role thanks to his charisma, which perfectly captures the aspirations and hardships of a young person in a competitive industry.

The glamour and glitz are evident, but so are the harsh realities, including attackers and a crumbling family as fame and success come his way. Jack juggles all these challenges along with his fellow castmates in the movie Hollywood.

Where to watch: Netflix


2) River Barkley in The Politician (2019–2020)

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Each season of the comedy series The Politician concentrates on a separate political election in which Payton Hobart (Platt), a wealthy Santa Barbaran, finds himself embroiled.

David Corenswet plays River Barkley (season 1; recurring in season 2), the political competitor and love interest of Payton Hobart (Ben Platt) for student body president in this show.

Corenswet impresses as River, seamlessly blending his character’s arrogance with moments of self-doubt. This dynamic deepens the political intrigue of the drama and makes River a compelling opponent to Payton Hobart.

Fans will see him kiss a man and charm others with his sweet, encouraging words, ultimately winning them over with his endearing 'sweet-boy' character.

A third and final season is in the works.

Where to watch: Netflix


3) The Projectionist in Pearl (2022)

Poster of the movie Pearl, featuring David Corenswet in the cast (Image via Instagram/@a24)
Poster of the movie Pearl, featuring David Corenswet in the cast (Image via Instagram/@a24)

Ti West co-wrote the horror film Pearl with Mia Goth, and he serves as its director, producer, and editor. It is the second movie in West's X film series and a prelude to X (2022).

Emma Jenkins-Purro, Matthew Sunderland, Tandi Wright, and David Corenswet play supporting roles, alongside Goth as she returns to her role as the titular character.

The title villain's genesis narrative is Pearl, who committed horrific crimes on her family's Texas property in 1918 because of her intense desire to become a movie star.

David Corenswet portrays The Projectionist in Pearl, a subdued and enigmatic figure who unintentionally causes Pearl to fall apart. His composed manner stands in stark contrast to Pearl's spiraling insanity, and his understated yet powerful performance is a crucial component of her decline.

Where to watch: Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV+


4) David McDougall in We Own This City (2022)

The nonfiction book of the same name by Justin Fenton, a reporter for the Baltimore Sun, served as the basis for the crime drama miniseries We Own This City.

Reinaldo Marcus Green directed the miniseries, which was created by David Simon and George Pelecanos. On April 25, 2022, the six-episode series debuted on HBO.

The rise and fall of the Gun Trace Task Force of the Baltimore Police Department, as well as the corruption that surrounds it, are covered in the miniseries.

The focus of the narrative is Sergeant Wayne Jenkins, one of eight cops found guilty in 2018 and 2019 of different corruption-related offenses. Flashbacks are a common feature of its nonlinear narrative.

David Corenswet portrays David McDougall, a seasoned detective who exposes police corruption while working with the Harford County Narcotics Task Force.

Where to watch: Prime Video


5) Jake in Look Both Ways (2022)

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The romantic comedy-drama Look Both Ways was written and directed by April Prosser and Wanuri Kahiu in 2022. Lili Reinhart, Luke Wilson, Nia Long, Danny Ramirez, Andrea Savage, Aisha Dee, and David Corenswet are among the film's actors.

In the movie, Natalie hooks up with her friend Gabe during her final year at the University of Texas, and they decide not to make a big deal out of it. Cara, Natalie's best friend, receives pregnancy tests after Natalie becomes ill a few weeks later on graduation night.

As a result, Natalie finds herself in two different realities, and the movie tells both tales at the same time.

In the part where the test is negative, Natalie relocates to Los Angeles and becomes romantically involved with her co-worker Jake (played by Corenswet). But when Jake accepts a one-year job in Nova Scotia, their relationship is put to the test.

David Corenswet portrays Jake as a sincere, supportive boyfriend who is always there for his girlfriend in the movie. He embodies the role of the perfect partner, and the way he treats his girlfriend will leave fans smiling at his heartfelt performance.

Where to watch: Netflix


David Corenswet's previous performances offer a glimpse into the range and depth he will bring to the role of Man of Steel as he prepares to don the cape and tights in Superman: Legacy. With his diverse roles across various genres of movies and series, fans can only expect great things from him.

Viewers can also watch his recent supporting parts in Twisters and Lady in the Lake.