When DC Comics fans learned that David Corenswet would step into the iconic red boots of Superman, replacing Henry Cavill, the reaction was swift and divided. The announcement, tied to the upcoming film “Superman: Legacy” set for release on July 11, 2025, sparked a wave of commentary across social media and fan forums. At 29, Corenswet, an actor yet to headline a major studio production, was cast as Clark Kent alongside Rachel Brosnahan, 32, who takes over the role of Lois Lane from Amy Adams. This casting shift is part of a broader reboot of the DC franchise under the leadership of new studio heads James Gunn and Peter Safran, who opted to move on from Cavill, now 40, and chart a fresh course for the Man of Steel.

The decision to replace Cavill, who had embodied Superman since 2013’s “Man of Steel,” left many fans scratching their heads—especially given the striking physical similarities between him and Corenswet. Both actors share chiseled jawlines, thick dark hair, and piercing eyes, traits that align closely with the classic comic book depiction of Superman. Fans were quick to point out these parallels, with one remarking, “It’s crazy how similar David looks to Henry,” while another noted, “David Corenswet does look like the younger Henry Cavill.” The resemblance fueled a narrative among some that Corenswet was little more than a “carbon copy” of his predecessor, prompting questions about why Cavill was let go if the replacement seemed so alike in appearance.

Criticism emerged sharply from certain corners of the fandom. One fan vented, “I’m sure David Corenswet is a decent actor but he still looks like a cheap copy of Henry Cavill,” suggesting that the casting felt like a downgrade or a lazy swap. Another echoed this sentiment, writing, “People (me included) see him just like a carbon copy of Henry Cavill, so he needs to bring something new to the character.” For these fans, the physical likeness wasn’t a point of praise but a challenge—Corenswet would have to differentiate himself beyond the surface-level resemblance to justify the change. The frustration stemmed partly from Cavill’s established popularity; his tenure as Superman, though polarizing due to the darker tone of Zack Snyder’s films, had cultivated a loyal following that felt his exit was premature.

Yet not all reactions were negative. Some fans saw the similarities as a strength, a sign that the casting stayed true to Superman’s iconic look. One supporter wrote, “I’ve seen fans saying what was the point in hiring David, he looks like Henry Cavill so why didn’t you hire Henry Cavill? I think that’s more of a compliment to both actors. They both look like #Superman, so them looking similar means they got the casting right both times.” This perspective framed the likeness as a validation of both actors’ suitability for the role, suggesting that Corenswet’s appearance was a natural fit for a younger Clark Kent. Others went further, arguing that he was “the perfect casting to portray a younger Superman,” aligning with Gunn’s vision of exploring the character’s early years as he balances his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.

Corenswet’s resume, while not as high-profile as Cavill’s, offers hints of his potential to redefine the role. Known for supporting parts in Netflix’s “The Politician” and “Hollywood,” as well as the A24 horror film “Pearl,” he showcased versatility and charisma. His role as Jake opposite Lili Reinhart in the 2022 Netflix film “Look Both Ways” further demonstrated his ability to carry a story. For “Superman: Legacy,” Corenswet underwent screen tests in full costume and makeup alongside Brosnahan, besting a shortlist of contenders handpicked by Gunn and Safran. This meticulous process hints at a deliberate choice, not just a superficial stand-in for Cavill, but an actor capable of bringing depth to a rebooted narrative.

The fan debate reflects broader tensions in the shift from the Snyder-led DC Extended Universe to Gunn and Safran’s new DC Universe. Cavill’s Superman, marked by brooding intensity, contrasted with the brighter, more optimistic tone Gunn has teased for “Superman: Legacy.” Corenswet’s casting, then, isn’t just about replacing a face but reimagining a legacy. Whether fans see him as a “copycat” or a fresh start, his performance will ultimately decide if he can step out of Cavill’s shadow—or forge a new one entirely. For now, the Superman fandom remains a house divided, waiting to see if July 2025 delivers a hero worth rooting for.