Favourite live action Clark Kent/Superman/Superboy

[Rorschach2012]

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.

The perfect Superman for the modern era. Cavill really needs some better writing, but until then Hoechlin is better

Reeve is the all time greatest though, he was born for the role

 

[BH/HHH]

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.

It's a shame it wasn't for you, personally I liked that he stood up about the Kryptonite. He even explained that it was because he didn't trust the DEO if Jonn wasn't in charge anymore.

I loved that he was like anyone and he would get authoritive when he had to but when things were good he was happy. One of my favourite moments was as Clark when he basically told Lena he didn't trust her because she's a Luthor. I didn't think the smiling seemed forced at all as he only did it when it was called for. As for the wink was to that kid after he saved him & his family so that felt very natural to me.

The perfect Superman for the modern era. Cavill really needs some better writing, but until then Hoechlin is better

Reeve is the all time greatest though, he was born for the role

I don't think as far as a performance goes anyone will ever top Reeve. He was special but the Hoechlin version was the closest I've seen to that perfect version I have in that mind so that's why it wins out.

 

[Rorschach2012]

Best Superman interpretation ever is easily STAS tho

 

[BH/HHH]

Best Superman interpretation ever is easily STAS tho

That's my all time favourite period! Including the comics.

 

[idiot09]

Best Superman interpretation ever is easily STAS tho

Yep. STAS is up there for me.

@BH/HHH, yeah man I was so excited for him, you knew I was. I just hope he comes back again, and this time I like him more, and I hope he has more of an arc and a serious storyline where he really establishes his character

 

[Wildcard]

Tom Welling will forever be my favorite.

 

[Rorschach2012]

I have to revise my ranking

Honestly I prefer Routh and Welling to Cavill, they both did a great job.

If each actor were to be given the same exact material, my ranking would. E

Christopher Reeve
Tyler Hoechlin
Tom Welling
Brandon Routh
Henry Cavill

Cavill is not bad at all and I'm definitely a fan, I just think the other guys nailed aspects of the character that Cavill hasn't. The earnestness is so lost from Cavills interpretation

 

[Wildcard]

My list would be the same, but with Routh coming last. Even though I 100% agree that Cavill's interpretation needs improvement, I felt like Routh was doing his best Christopher Reeve impression as opposed to trying to give an authentic take on the character that was all his own. But then I guess that's what Singer wanted, afterall, so it's not all Routh's fault.

 

[BH/HHH]

Yep. STAS is up there for me.

@BH/HHH, yeah man I was so excited for him, you knew I was. I just hope he comes back again, and this time I like him more, and I hope he has more of an arc and a serious storyline where he really establishes his character

I hope he comes back too, I think he will tbh. Hopefully he'll get to appear on one of the other shows aswell.

 

[Ghost_Rider]

Christopher Reeve.

It's very unfortunate that none of the actors that came after Reeve came close to pulling off Superman as well as he did. The sad part is Reeve didn't give some Oscar-worthy performance. All he did was play Superman and Clark with honesty, virtue and likeability, making him an inspirational and hopeful figure.

MCU's Captain America proves you can still have a boyscout Superman in the modern era. The character didn't need the drastic reinvention it got and the portrayal by wooden actors.




If I had to select the Best of the Worst for Post-Reeve Superman portrayals, it would be Brandon Routh.

Some may argue that BR played it too close to Reeve, but IMO that was necessary. Reeve got it right in a way the other reinventions of the character failed to.

Brandon actually made an effort to play Reporter Clark and Superman as distinctly different. That is the hardest aspect of the character for an actor to play and pull off onscreen. He did it right. Reporter Clark was quiet and reserved, he faded into the background. Superman stood out in the foreground.

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 don't think Hoechilin looks the part compared to others, that's why. He looks like a college guy cosplaying as a supposedly late 30s aged Superman.

He'd look like Robin next to Affleck.

Though the awkward suit doesn't do him any favors.

He still managed to play a likeable version of the character, albeit within the cheesy 'Full House' tone of Supergirl.

Sadly, it's still better than wooden Cavill who just got a razzie nomination for BVS.

 

[Osiris-Rex]

Sadly, it's still better than wooden Cavill who just got a razzie nomination for BVS.

List of Razzie nominations for Batman v Superman.
WORST PICTURE
WORST PREQUEL, REMAKE, RIPOFF OR SEQUEL
WORST SCREENPLAY
WORST SUPPORTING ACTOR - Jesse Eisenberg
WORST DIRECTOR - Zack Snyder
WORST ACTOR - Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill

 

[BH/HHH]

list of razzie nominations for batman v superman.
Worst picture
worst prequel, remake, ripoff or sequel
worst screenplay
worst supporting actor - jesse eisenberg
worst director - zack snyder
worst actor - ben affleck, henry cavill

This is not a BVS thread take it elsewhere!

 

[BH/HHH]

I don't think Hoechilin looks the part compared to others, that's why. He looks like a college guy cosplaying as a supposedly late 30s aged Superman.

He'd look like Robin next to Affleck.

Though the awkward suit doesn't do him any favors.

He still managed to play a likeable version of the character, albeit within the cheesy 'Full House' tone of Supergirl.

I take it you weren't supposed to quote yourself

I think in stills superhero costumes often don't look right, the worst of the modern era is Routh's Superman suit which just doesn't look well constructed at all. But like all costumes, they look fine when in the actual footage from the show/film. I gad sone issues with Tyler's costume prior to the episodes airing but they weren't noticeable in the show. Also that S symbol is the best don't on any live action suit ever IMO. Even with the minor issues of his suit I don't think it looked like a bad cosplay at all. Sure, he's not the biggest of guys but he's in phenomenal shape, people can't expect him to get into Cavill like size for two episodes. Also he's a TV version not a movie version so I fail to understand your point what he'd look like stood best to Ben Affleck. Tyler really pulled it off IMO, he was well Super.

Again each to their own mind.

 

[Ghost_Rider]

I take it you weren't supposed to quote yourself

What?

I think in stills superhero costumes often don't look right, the worst of the modern era is Routh's Superman suit which just doesn't look well constructed at all. But like all costumes, they look fine when in the actual footage from the show/film. I gad sone issues with Tyler's costume prior to the episodes airing but they weren't noticeable in the show. Also that S symbol is the best don't on any live action suit ever IMO. Even with the minor issues of his suit I don't think it looked like a bad cosplay at all. Sure, he's not the biggest of guys but he's in phenomenal shape, people can't expect him to get into Cavill like size for two episodes. Also he's a TV version not a movie version so I fail to understand your point what he'd look like stood best to Ben Affleck. Tyler really pulled it off IMO, he was well Super.

Again each to their own mind.

Okay, we understand that you're gaga over the Hochilin Supergirl Superman, but do you really have to reply to any post that is critical of it?

That makes me think you're still unsure about this version and your opinion on it whether you want to admit it or not, which is understandable. He only appeared for two episodes.


I never commented on his build and size. It's irrelevant. The only thing off about that is his height, but they give him elevator heels to work around it.

My comment about him being miscast on appearance is he was cast to play a late 30s established Superman, and he looks more like Superboy. So much so, this had to be addressed onscreen, but it's still very off-putting.

Amusingly, Reeve was younger at the time but came off as older and had more gravitas, presence and authority. If Reeve played that 'elder statesman' version of Supes, it would have gone over better.

 

[Rowsdower!]

1. Christopher Reeve
2. Henry Cavill
3. George Reeves
4. Tyler Hoechlin


The rest of these guys aren't even worthy of being mentioned.

 

[Boom]

Christopher Reeve
George Reeves
Tyler Hoechlin
Henry Cavill

 

[Jochimus]

Reeve for me as well, though I honestly would like to see more of Hoechlin's take on the character.

 

[BH/HHH]

Okay, we understand that you're gaga over the Hochilin Supergirl Superman, but do you really have to reply to any post that is critical of it?

That makes me think you're still unsure about this version and your opinion on it whether you want to admit it or not, which is understandable. He only appeared for two episodes.


I never commented on his build and size. It's irrelevant. The only thing off about that is his height, but they give him elevator heels to work around it.

My comment about him being miscast on appearance is he was cast to play a late 30s established Superman, and he looks more like Superboy. So much so, this had to be addressed onscreen, but it's still very off-putting.

Amusingly, Reeve was younger at the time but came off as older and had more gravitas, presence and authority. If Reeve played that 'elder statesman' version of Supes, it would have gone over better.

I'm not unsure at all if I was if come out and say it. Also it's a forum mate you should expect replies. So don't turn this into something it isn't.

The only reason the age thing was addressed was because he didn't look 10 years older than Kara (which is what they had established in season one) not because he didn't look old enough to be Superman.

 

[Ghost_Rider]

He didn't appear old enough to be this version of Superman. That was my point.

Hoechilin couldn't really sell that he was a 15 year veteran Superman.

It was some really bizarre CW casting.


Hoechilin as Superboy, or maybe young Supes at the beginning of his career, I'd be more convinced. But this was awkward, as the other poster stated.

 

[BH/HHH]

He didn't appear old enough to be this version of Superman. That was my point.

Hoechilin couldn't really sell that he was a 15 year veteran Superman.

It was some really bizarre CW casting.


Hoechilin as Superboy, or maybe young Supes at the beginning of his career, I'd be more convinced. But this was awkward, as the other poster stated.

Well he sold it for me and many others. But as I've said before each to their own. Not trying to start anything.

 

[Rowsdower!]

Eh, I think Hoechlin does okay. I bought him as a veteran Superman a lot more than I bought Brandon "Stand around awkwardly and look confused" Routh.

I just wish they'd fix his costume. Those stupid cape clasps are an eyesore. The rest of the outfit isn't bad but please, get rid of those things. I can't stop staring at them when I see them.

 

[metaphysician]

That's my all time favourite period! Including the comics.

Likewise. That show deserves more praise than it gets. . . and it gets a lot of praise. Just not as much as it should, thanks to the shadow of B:TAS.

 

[Ghost_Rider]

Well he sold it for me and many others. But as I've said before each to their own. Not trying to start anything.

Tis the nature of a divisive portrayal on a very divisive series, fans won't agree on it.


The biggest shame is that this generation won't have it's Christopher Reeve.


WB failed Superman badly.

 

[BH/HHH]

Tis the nature of a divisive portrayal on a very divisive series, fans won't agree on it.


The biggest shame is that this generation won't have it's Christopher Reeve.


WB failed Superman badly.

Indeed we all have our own ideas and preferences.

I've personally been happy with what WBs have done with Superman with MOS, BvS and Supergirl.

Eh, I think Hoechlin does okay. I bought him as a veteran Superman a lot more than I bought Brandon "Stand around awkwardly and look confused" Routh.

I just wish they'd fix his costume. Those stupid cape clasps are an eyesore. The rest of the outfit isn't bad but please, get rid of those things. I can't stop staring at them when I see them.

I think Routh was failed by his material tbh.

The clasps were the worst part for me in the images etc but in the episodes themselves they didn't bother me at all. However I will always wonder why they went that route.

 

[Ghost_Rider]

#TeamSnyder