Superman on screen
GEORGE REEVES
To modern eyes, Reeves cuts an almost comical figure as Superman in cos-play pyjamas. But The Adventures of Superman, which ran for 106 episodes from 1952 to 1958, was a massive hit, smashing ratings records around the world. What happened next: So successful was Reeves as Superman that audiences wouldn’t accept him as anyone else. He died aged 45 from a gunshot wound.
CHRISTOPHER REEVE
To many, the pinnacle of the Man of Steel on screen, first appearing in the trailblazing 1978 smash Superman: The Movie, and nailing both the easy authority of character, as well as the awkward charm of his alter-ego, Clark Kent. Appeared in three more sequels of diminishing quality. What happened next: Shied away from action roles in favour of dramas. He was paralysed in 1995 and died in 2004 aged 52.
DEAN CAIN
Former aspiring profootballer Cain filled the blue tights well – and exhibited an affable aura – in the popular 1990s TV series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Alongside a feisty and well cast Teri Hatcher, the pair ruled the ratings for 87 episodes across four seasons.
What happened next:
Cain has worked solidly, if not spectacularly in film and TV, without ever regaining the heights of his Superman days. He was also one of Donald Trump’s few Hollywood supporters.
BRANDON ROUTH
As the largely unknown actor brought in to headline Brian Singer’s much maligned 2006 reboot Superman Returns, Routh was …. fine. But a troubled production and a sub-par film that underperformed at the box office meant that it was one and done in the red cape and boots.
What happened next:
Not much. Like Cain, Routh has been a constant screen presence without ever truly flying high, although he did at one stage play The Atom.
HENRY CAVILL
The square-jawed, supremely buff Brit looked like he was born to play the part and was the best thing about 2013’s Man Of Steel. He reprised the role in Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice and Justice League and has reportedly signed a deal for three more.
What happened next:
Cavill has arguably the best postSuperman career. He was in Netflix hits The Witcher and Enola Holmes Mysteries, plus Mission: Impossible – Fallout.