Twelve stars in Superman (2025) are no strangers to the world of comic book adaptations, having already appeared in Marvel or DC movies and series. While James Gunn’s reboot of the Man of Steel ushers in a new era for DC films, its cast features a surprising number of actors who’ve previously portrayed iconic characters from other superhero franchises. These actors bring with them a legacy of performances that audiences will recognize, adding rich meta layers to the new cinematic universe.

James Gunn’s Superman isn’t just a fresh start for the DC Universe – it’s a meeting ground for veteran comic book performers. Whether it’s actors transitioning from Marvel to DC, or reprising new roles within the same comic house, these casting choices reflect a broader trend in superhero cinema: the recycling of familiar faces in new guises. The experience these actors bring from past roles may help ease viewers into this bold reboot of the Superman mythos.

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Nicholas Hoult Played Beast In The X-Men Movies

Movies Hoult Plays Lex Luthor In Superman

Before becoming Lex Luthor in Superman (2025), Nicholas Hoult was well known to comic book audiences, Hoult portrayed Hank McCoy, aka Beast, in the X-Men prequel films. From X-Men: First Class (2011) to Dark Phoenix (2019), Hoult’s portrayal of the brainy, blue-furred mutant brought heart and intelligence to the ensemble, offering both erudite observation and savage brawls.

Hoult is now playing the iconic Superman foe Lex Luthor. The villainous industrialist clearly already has his sights on the Man of Steel and is poised to enact his vendetta. Hoult’s leap from the morally centered Beast to the calculating and cold Lex Luthor is testament his acting range – and sets the stage for a fresh take on Superman’s arch-nemesis.

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Frank Grillo Plays Brock Rumlow In The MCU

Grillo Plays Rick Flag Sr. In Superman

Frank Grillo carved out his space in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Brock Rumlow, AKA Crossbones. Rumlow was a Hydra agent during their infiltration of SHIELD and served primarily as a physical threat to Captain America. Appearing in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Civil War, Grillo brought intense physicality and menace to the role.

In Superman (2025), he joins the DCU cast as Rick Flag Sr., a deep-cut DC character and father of The Suicide Squad’s Rick Flag Jr., marking his transition from Marvel brawler to DC soldier. Grillo previously appeared as Flag in Creature Commandos, during which it was confirmed that Rick Flag Jr. is still canonically ᴅᴇᴀᴅ after The Suicide Squad.

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Anthony Carrigan Played Victor Zsasz In Gotham

Carrigan Plays Metamorpho In Superman

Known for his unsettlingly cheerful portrayal of Victor Zsasz on the TV series Gotham, Anthony Carrigan has long had a flair for comic book roles. Zsasz, a psycH๏τic hitman with a penchant for tallying his kills with body scars, gave Carrigan a chance to blend charm with creepiness. He offered one of the most memorable and idiosyncratic performances in an already very bizarre series.

Now, in Superman (2025), Carrigan shifts gears to play the heroic Metamorpho – a shape-shifting elemental being. It’s a radical transformation that shows Carrigan’s versatility in tackling both villainy and valor. Unlike many of his roles, Carrigan’s beguiling and distinct appearance is buried beneath prosthetics, but still brings his otherworldly presence to the role.

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Nathan Fillion Played Hal Jordan In The DCAU And More

Fillion Plays Guy Gardner In Superman

A fan favorite in the world of voice acting, Nathan Fillion has lent his voice to the Green Lantern, Hal Jordan, in numerous DC Animated Universe projects, including Justice League: Doom and Green Lantern: Emerald Knights. His calm confidence and comedic timing made him a natural fit for the iconic lantern. Fillion has also had cameo appearances in the MCU’s ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool & Wolverine and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

In Superman (2025), Fillion steps into live-action as Guy Gardner. Gardner is another Green Lantern known for his brash atтιтude and unflattering haircut. It’s a shift from steady hero to H๏τheaded wildcard while still trading on Fillion’s history playing Lanterns.

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Edi Gathegi Played Darwin In X-Men: First Class

Gathegi Plays Mister Terrific In Superman

Edi Gathegi portrayed the mutant Darwin in X-Men: First Class (2011), a character with the power of reactive evolution – his body adapts to survive any environment. Though Darwin’s time in the film was tragically short, Gathegi left a strong impression with his calm presence and underlying strength. Darwin’s death unifies the team in their plight while also establishing the high stakes to their mission.

Gathegi takes on the role of Mister Terrific, AKA Michael Holt, in Superman (2015). Mister Terrific is a genius inventor and skilled fighter from DC lore, and a part of Guy Gardner’s hero team. The leap from mutant to superhero tech genius gives Gathegi a richer, more central role within a team-oriented DC narrative.

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Pruitt Taylor Vince Played Grill In Agents Of SHIELD And More

Vince Plays Jonathan Kent In Superman

Character actor Pruitt Taylor Vince made an appearance in the Marvel universe as Grill. Grill is the gruff mechanic of the Lighthouse’s junkyard with an unforgiving in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 5. Though his role was minor, Vince’s imposing demeanor and gravitas made an impact. Vince also appeared in Constantine as a Catholic priest.

Vince steps into a much more emotionally pivotal role as Jonathan Kent, Superman’s adoptive father. As a grounding force for Clark Kent, Jonathan embodies the values and quiet strength that guides Clark’s heroism. Vince’s history of playing deeply human, grounded characters across film and television is well-suited to portraying Superman’s mentor.

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Wendell Pierce Played Lex Luthor In Harley Quinn And Congressman Gary In Thunderbolts*

Pierce Plays Perry White In Superman

Wendell Pierce has dabbled in the comic book world both in animation and live-action. He voiced Lex Luthor in the animated Harley Quinn series, offering a cool, composed, and menacing version of Superman’s archenemy. He also appeared as Congressman Gary in Marvel’s Thunderbolts*, a politician who investigates Valentina Allegra de Fontaine.

Now, Pierce brings his commanding screen presence to Superman (2025) as Perry White, the no-nonsense editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet. With his authoritative voice and gravitas, Pierce feels like a natural fit for the legendary newsroom boss. It will be interesting to see how much warmer Perry White is compared to Pierce’s previous roles.

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Skyler Gisondo Played Howard Stacy In The Amazing Spider-Man 1 & 2

Gisondo Plays Jimmy Olsen In Superman