Superman 2025 Cast Salaries Revealed: David Corenswet Not the Highest Paid Star

The upcoming film Superman, directed by James Gunn, has created significant excitement. This buzz comes not only from its fresh take on the well-known superhero but also from revelations about the cast salaries. Surprisingly, David Corenswet, who plays Superman, is not the highest-paid actor in the film. This shift in the pay structure adds another layer of interest to an already anticipated release.

Corenswet, stepping into the iconic red cape, is reportedly earning $2 million for his role. While this is a considerable sum for a rising star, it falls short of what some of his co-stars are making. Although he plays the main character, Corenswet’s salary reflects both his status as a newcomer in blockbuster films and the careful budgeting by DC Studios under Gunn’s direction. Gunn is known for his sharp storytelling and ability to work with both experienced actors and new talent. He seems to be prioritizing the group dynamic over solely investing in the lead.

The real surprise comes from Nicholas Hoult, who plays Lex Luthor, the main antagonist. Initial reports suggested that Hoult was earning less than Corenswet, around $1 million. However, more details have emerged showing that his contract includes performance-based bonuses, which may make him the highest-paid actor in the film. This bonus system is common for studios compensating actors expected to carry substantial dramatic weight or draw in audiences. Given Hoult’s strong filmography, especially in villain roles, DC’s confidence in him is clearly evident in his contract.

Another prominent cast member is Rachel Brosnahan, who plays Lois Lane. According to various entertainment sources, Brosnahan is reportedly earning $4 million, making her the top earner among the main cast. This means she surpasses both Hoult and Corenswet on paper. Brosnahan brings star power from her award-winning performance in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and her casting is viewed as a strategic choice. It balances the fresh face of Superman with an actress of recognized talent. Her role as Lois Lane is expected to be significant and central to the film’s emotional journey, justifying her high salary.

Other notable cast members include Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, earning around $400,000, and Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, reportedly paid $250,000. These salaries reflect their roles as supporting characters and the film’s approach to introducing a diverse group of superheroes beyond just Superman. This method matches James Gunn’s broader vision for building a shared DC Universe, starting with this film.

Actors like Nathan Fillion, who plays Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, earn between $200,000 and $400,000. These amounts illustrate a clear trend: the film’s budget is being spread out among the cast rather than concentrated on a single star. Gunn’s approach resembles his work on Guardians of the Galaxy, where a diverse cast contributed to the film’s success instead of relying solely on big names.

The choice to avoid overpaying a single actor, even the lead, appears intentional. It shows a new direction for DC Studios, which aims to rebuild its cinematic universe with a more balanced, long-term strategy. Instead of chasing big payouts for individual stars, the focus seems to be on storytelling, world-building, and character development. This shift also makes sense given the financial struggles of some previous DC films, including larger-budget failures that did not perform well at the box office.

Many actors have contracts that allow for future bonuses or renegotiations based on the film’s success. If Superman does well, particularly at the box office or on streaming platforms, some cast members could see significant financial increases, especially those with bonus clauses like Nicholas Hoult.

In summary, the salary distribution for James Gunn’s Superman film provides an intriguing look into the changing economics of superhero filmmaking. While David Corenswet is the face of the franchise, Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult currently lead the cast in terms of pay. This strategy could be beneficial if the film succeeds in laying a strong foundation for the DC Universe. With a mix of rising stars and seasoned actors, Superman is shaping up to be more than just another reboot; it may mark the start of a new era for DC.