Super-fans everywhere are flocking in droves to watch James Gunn's Superman flick, where David Corenswet stars as Clark Kent, alongside Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced. In the film, Superman must prove to the world that he is their protector after billionaire Lex Luthor devises a plan to turn public opinion against him.
The new Superman film has smashed expectations at the box office, proving that even a carefully managed budget can lead to massive returns. The film's early success has not only thrilled fans but also highlighted intriguing details about how much its stars were paid.
Casting and Salaries in the Superman Reboot
According to a report from Puck News, lead actor David Corenswet was paid £600,000 (approximately $750,000) for his role as Clark Kent. His co-star, Rachel Brosnahan, who plays Lois Lane, received the same figure. In contrast, Nicholas Hoult, cast as the villain Lex Luthor, earned significantly more—about £1.6 million (roughly $2 million).
These figures suggest a deliberate pay structure, with the more experienced actor commanding a higher salary. This pay disparity reflects DC Studios' approach to building a new cinematic universe. Rather than investing heavily in big-name stars, they opted for rising talent with potential to grow alongside the franchise.
Both Corenswet and Brosnahan are mainly known for their television work, which makes their relatively modest salaries understandable. Meanwhile, Hoult's extensive film experience, including roles in 'X-Men' and 'The Menu,' justifies his higher pay.
Comparison with Past Superman Films
Interestingly, Corenswet's starting salary exceeds what Henry Cavill earned for his debut as Superman in 2013's 'Man of Steel.' Cavill's reported pay was around £180,000 (approximately $300,000), with additional backend bonuses. The new film's casting strategy indicates a shift towards developing newer, less expensive talent, which might explain the lower initial salaries.
The approach is reminiscent of Marvel Studios' early days, where actors like Robert Downey Jr. earned just $500,000 for 'Iron Man' but later became some of Hollywood's highest-paid stars. Chris Hemsworth received only £100,000 (about $150,000) for 'Thor,' yet his character became a franchise staple. This method of investing modestly upfront has proved profitable for Marvel and now appears to be DC's tactic for its new universe.
Potential for Earnings Growth
The film's promising start at the box office suggests these salaries could soon be eclipsed by sizeable bonuses. Previews alone generated over £19 million (roughly $22.5 million), setting new records for James Gunn-directed films and 2025 releases. Industry estimates suggest the film could open with around £131 million (approximately $175 million), rivaling some of the biggest DC and Marvel openings.
If the film performs as expected, Corenswet, Brosnahan, and Hoult could see their earnings grow substantially through performance bonuses. The reported £180 million (about $225 million) production budget indicates a serious investment in the franchise's future. High box office returns would likely lead to lucrative contracts for the cast, especially if sequels are greenlit.
What This Means for the Future of Superman
This strategy marks a departure from the 2013 'Man of Steel,' which cast established stars with high salaries. Instead, James Gunn's reboot focuses on developing fresh talents, with the hope of building a sustainable universe. The positive early reviews and record-breaking previews suggest that this approach could pay off big.
As the film continues to attract audiences, the actors' initial paychecks might seem modest compared to the bonuses and future roles they could secure. The combination of box office success and good reviews points to a promising financial future for the cast. If the trend holds, Corenswet and Brosnahan could see their earnings skyrocket in upcoming installments.
