Even though the character of Superman was born from steel and sunlight, he has always worn his power on his body. But as the latest reboot with David Corenswet arrives in the theatres, audiences can’t help but notice a shift. This new Supes feels… less god, more guy.Cavill’s era, which was defined by chiseled perfection, is gone now, and in place is a more gentle one. Superman is still becoming. Still human. The transformation feels deliberate, and it begs a look back at how Clark Kent’s physical form has reflected the world he lands in. Or the one it hopes to become.
George Reeves (1952–1958)
TV’s first Superman was tough without trying. Reeves, once a boxer, had the natural bulk of a working man. No fancy workouts, no six-pack expectations. His wool suit helped add size, and the charm was all in the square jaw and sure stance, not in shredded abs.
Christopher Reeve (1978–1987)
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Initially lean and theatrical, Reeve trained under Darth Vader himself, bodybuilder David Prowse. Gained about 15 kilos. Bulked up while still moving like a ballet dancer. Classic, sincere, and forever iconic in his blue and red.
Dean Cain (1993–1997)
Cain came to the cape straight from football fields. Already fit, he needed little prep. A lightly padded suit did the rest. His Clark was relatable, softer in edges, more rom-com than god of thunder.
Brandon Routh (2006)
Routh trained with celeb-favorite Gunnar Peterson. Gained around 10 kilos. Focused on old-school lifts and protein-heavy meals. His look paid homage to Reeve, both physically and in spirit—sleek, noble, restrained.
Tom Welling (2001–2011)
A decade of Smallville meant slow evolution. Welling stayed lean but strong, mixing weights with agility work. Always Clark, never quite Superman. His frame matured with the role, never tipping into comic-book extremes.
Henry Cavill (2013–2021)
Cavill redefined superhero training. Under Mark Twight (of 300 fame), he ate big, lifted heavy, and sculpted a frame that looked forged in Olympus. No suit padding needed. Cavill was a statue come alive—impossibly perfect, and perhaps too far from human.
David Corenswet (2025)
He’s tall. He’s trained. But Corenswet’s Superman feels reachable. With around 18 kilos added during prep (some lost before shooting), he’s still undeniably strong—but less imposing. His suit, more fabric than armor. His body, less monument, more man. A nod, perhaps, to where the world wants its heroes to land now: strong, but still finding their way.