Favourite live action Clark Kent/Superman/Superboy

[Lantern Venom]

Henry Cavill for me.

I don't think I'll ever see him and not see Superman, even in his street clothes.

 

[rogue trooper]

1- Henry Cavill
2- Christopher Reeve
3- Gerard Christopher
4- Tyler Hoechlin
5- George Reeves
6- Brandon Routh
7- Tom Welling
8- Dean Cain
9- Kirk Alyn
10- John Haymes Newton

 

[flickchick85]

I voted Hoechlin because he had the Reeve confidence and easy-going charm as Superman, but his version got rid of the thing I always hated about the Reeve version, which was that the Clark Kent persona was a total act. Sure, Hoechlin's Clark added a little clumsiness, but some of it was natural, and he was primarily just being himself - that modest, mild-mannered Kansas farmboy, like Dean Cain was. I also liked that he's actually a well-respected reporter in that universe - like the version in STAS - and someone people could actually see as an equal worthy of dating Lois Lane. And he also wasn't afraid to show his confidence as Clark, and that even reminded me a little bit of George Reeves. His version is basically an amalgamation of all the things I've liked about previous Supermen, so that's why he's got my vote.

 

[Batmannerism]

I voted Hoechlin because he had the Reeve confidence and easy-going charm as Superman, but his version got rid of the thing I always hated about the Reeve version, which was that the Clark Kent persona was a total act. Sure, Hoechlin's Clark added a little clumsiness, but some of it was natural, and he was primarily just being himself - that modest, mild-mannered Kansas farmboy, like Dean Cain was. I also liked that he's actually a well-respected reporter in that universe - like the version in STAS - and someone people could actually see as an equal worthy of dating Lois Lane. And he also wasn't afraid to show his confidence as Clark, and that even reminded me a little bit of George Reeves. His version is basically an amalgamation of all the things I've liked about previous Supermen, so that's why he's got my vote.

Yeah, they got so much right with TH - the charm of Reeve, but a more updated feel to the character.

Reeve will always be my favorite (well, unless somebody comes along who combines the look and gravitas of Cavill, with Reeve's charm and acting skills)

Personally, I feel very differently about Reeve's take on the Clark/Superman divide. To me, a big part about what makes his Superman so convincing and compelling is that the Clark Kent and Superman personae are totally different. I maintain that one of the best acting moments in STM is after Superman/Lois' first flight, when he shows up as Clark - as Lois is getting ready he considers telling her the truth.
Suddenly Clark's slouch disappears, his chest fills out, and his entire face seems to broaden and beam - that little transition is just pure magic, and indicative of just how good an actor Reeve really was.

I do like Henry Cavill's take on Superman, but he's terribly served by the story. Also, Cavill has enormous presence as Superman. When he first walks out of the scout ship, in MOS, it really is like seeing Superman walk out of a comic book panel - I remember getting a chill in the theatre, and thinking " That's Superman. "

But sadly, he's only allowed to explore the dreary, overly introspective parts of the character. I think Superman can be very serious, and still be compelling ( like in Kingdom Come) but the best Superman stories blend serious and light ( All Star Superman).

Tyler reaps the benefit of being served a characterisation that draws on the best elements of Reeve, and


Anyway, going to have still go with Reeve as # 1. But, while Cavill has the look, and the acting chops, Tyler gets a much better characterisation of Superman to work with. Going to have to say he's my second most enjoyable Superman, so he gets the # 2 spot.

 

[flickchick85]

Personally, I feel very differently about Reeve's take on the Clark/Superman divide. To me, a big part about what makes his Superman so convincing and compelling is that the Clark Kent and Superman personae are totally different. I maintain that one of the best acting moments in STM is after Superman/Lois' first flight, when he shows up as Clark - as Lois is getting ready he considers telling her the truth.
Suddenly Clark's slouch disappears, his chest fills out, and his entire face seems to broaden and beam - that little transition is just pure magic, and indicative of just how good an actor Reeve really was.

Just to clarify, I do think Reeve's performance of that persona was brilliant, and I agree that moment was wonderful. I just don't like the idea of that interpretation on a conceptual level, for multiple reasons.

 

[Superchan]

Even George Lazenby was better than most of the actors to play Superman.

And he played Jor-el, kinda....

 

[scarlet-witch]

Christopher Reeve is the best, Henry Cavill is the worst.

 

[The Batman]

Personally, I feel very differently about Reeve's take on the Clark/Superman divide. To me, a big part about what makes his Superman so convincing and compelling is that the Clark Kent and Superman personae are totally different. I maintain that one of the best acting moments in STM is after Superman/Lois' first flight, when he shows up as Clark - as Lois is getting ready he considers telling her the truth.
Suddenly Clark's slouch disappears, his chest fills out, and his entire face seems to broaden and beam - that little transition is just pure magic, and indicative of just how good an actor Reeve really was.

I agree.

IMO, Superman works best when there is an actual duality between Clark and Superman. That duality is one of the most iconic aspects of the character.

 

[BH/HHH]

I'm probably gonna get flamed for this and I live Reeve's take but no way do I feel like that Clark Kent could be a hard hitting journalist. That's why I love what Tyler did he took elements of that Clark but combined it with a hard hitting reporter type. This was clear in the scene where he and Kara interrogated Lena Luthor. I think for a modern day take Tyler got the balance perfect.

 

[Indy Flash]

Tyler.

 

[Batmannerism]

Just to clarify, I do think Reeve's performance of that persona was brilliant, and I agree that moment was wonderful. I just don't like the idea of that interpretation on a conceptual level, for multiple reasons.

Cool. Totally respect your opinion. I can see how that particular interpretation doesn't work for many folks -, for a long time I found Clark to be unbearably lame, but over time I came I to love that its such a perfect disguise, I mean nobody could believe Reeve's Clark could be Superman. Not just a pair of glasses but a whole set of mannerisms and posture. Really makes you think, especially in light of David Carradine's superman speech in kill Bill2.

Cheers.

 

[Batmannerism]

Just to clarify, I do think Reeve's performance of that persona was brilliant, and I agree that moment was wonderful. I just don't like the idea of that interpretation on a conceptual level, for multiple reasons.

I'm probably gonna get flamed for this and I live Reeve's take but no way do I feel like that Clark Kent could be a hard hitting journalist. That's why I love what Tyler did he took elements of that Clark but combined it with a hard hitting reporter type. This was clear in the scene where he and Kara interrogated Lena Luthor. I think for a modern day take Tyler got the balance perfect.

Fair comment! IMHO Superman has to be tough, but have some charm at the same time - I agree that this was the most balanced take on the character in ages. When I saw the stills I was skeptical, but TH really breathes refreshing New life into the character. The DC shows are so much fun, wish they could put more of that into their films.

 

[LL2K2]

For being a Superman on the big screen and later in real life, Reeve gets my vote.

But among modern portrayals (over the past 25 years or so), Hoechlin tops my list. A Superman with a sense of humor but who can be authoritative in an instant, and who seemed to relish his role as protector of Earth. Complemented by a Clark Kent who was sweet, friendly, and klutzy (but not over-the-top bumbling), yet who could turn hard-hitting journalist when needed.

Like others here, I would never have imagined it just a few months ago. But Berlanti and company appear to have found another diamond in the rough.

 

[Micromind]

I'm probably gonna get flamed for this and I live Reeve's take but no way do I feel like that Clark Kent could be a hard hitting journalist. That's why I love what Tyler did he took elements of that Clark but combined it with a hard hitting reporter type. This was clear in the scene where he and Kara interrogated Lena Luthor. I think for a modern day take Tyler got the balance perfect.

You are not alone, Chris Reeve failed to present himself as a hard hitting journalist, maybe it was due to how the character was written in his movies but he looked more like a newspaper column writer who writes articles on some subject than an investigative reporter.

So, not a faithful representation of Clark Kent, still valid representation but not quite there.

 

[The Batman]

Christopher Reeve failed to present himself as a hard hitting investigative journalist.

Meanwhile, Dean Cain, Brandon Routh, and Henry Cavill failed to present themselves as being good versions of Superman.

 

[Batmannerism]

For being a Superman on the big screen and later in real life, Reeve gets my vote.

But among modern portrayals (over the past 25 years or so), Hoechlin tops my list. A Superman with a sense of humor but who can be authoritative in an instant, and who seemed to relish his role as protector of Earth. Complemented by a Clark Kent who was sweet, friendly, and klutzy (but not over-the-top bumbling), yet who could turn hard-hitting journalist when needed.

Like others here, I would never have imagined it just a few months ago. But Berlanti and company appear to have found another diamond in the rough.

Agreed ! You put it much better than I did ! This is a really balanced and enjoyable Superman, hope we see a lot more of him.

 

[Doctor Octopus]

Christopher Reeve best Superman and Clark Kent. The others not even close.

 

[Mandon Knight]

I grew up with Reeve, to me he is definitive but Cavill has absolutely made the role his own for this generation....

 

[Osiris-Rex]

Favorite Clark Kent - George Reeves
Favorite Superman - Christopher Reeve
Favorite Superboy - Tom Welling

 

[BH/HHH]

Rewatching the first two episodes of Supergirl season 2 has reaffirmed my choice if Tyoer Hoechlin as my all time favourite Clark Kent / Superman. I thought to myself before rewatching that maybe I'd just hyped it up in my mind, but no, he nailed the roles. He is so close to that version I have in my mind that he has to be number 1.

 

[Batmannerism]

Rewatching the first two episodes of Supergirl season 2 has reaffirmed my choice if Tyoer Hoechlin as my all time favourite Clark Kent / Superman. I thought to myself before rewatching that maybe I'd just hyped it up in my mind, but no, he nailed the roles. He is so close to that version I have in my mind that he has to be number 1.

Wish DC/WB would seize the moment and either include TH in more Supergirl, or use it as a spring-board to launch a Superman show.

I suppose there is a bit of a glut of superhero shows at present, so there probably isn't room for another one - but it would be sad to think that we got a glimpse of a great TV Superman and then hardly ever saw him again.

 

[Gotham Marvel]

Henry Cavill, not to take anything away from Christopher Reeve.

I still don't understand Tyler Hoechlin as Superman.
It just looks and feels so awkward.

 

[BH/HHH]

Henry Cavill, not to take anything away from Christopher Reeve.

I still don't understand Tyler Hoechlin as Superman.
It just looks and feels so awkward.

I love Cavill myself too.

I get everyone has their own opinion but I truly don't understand the comment that Tyler looks awkward. In the episodes he was in he was very comfortable in the role and performed like he'd been playing the part for years. As your looks he also looks like Superman like many of the other actors who have played him.

 

[idiot09]

Henry Cavill live action for me. In the comics side, rebirth Superman, and Byrne/Jurgen's Superman.

I tried to like Hoechlin I really did. But the material didnt do him any favours. Some of the things I didnt like : Him being almost dictatorial about the whole kryptonite thing. That seemed very selfish. I didnt like him bully-ish attitude and lines like "we will incinerate you" etc, Im all for a more bullish Superman, but that was a bit ott for the situation and tone of the show. Also the constant winking and forced smiling in all situations was weird. It was a bit too cheesy. With a better script, and hopefully a new TV series, I see him as being a good Superman. His acting is fine, he just went too extreme on a few things.

 

[Rorschach2012]

Reeve
Hoechlin
Cavill