Superman film actors are speaking out about the encouragement they’ve gotten from television’s Man of Steel performers.
The latest actors to portray the iconic superhero say Tyler Hoechlin and Michael Rosenbaum reached out with support as they took on the challenging role.
Hoechlin currently stars as Superman in The CW’s Superman & Lois series. Rosenbaum played Lex Luthor for seven seasons on Smallville from 2001 to 2008.
“It’s really meaningful when someone who’s been there understands what you’re going through,” one recent Superman actor explained.
The superhero role comes with unique pressures. Actors must embody a character that’s been beloved for decades while making the performance their own.
Rosenbaum’s experience on Smallville gives him insight into the Superman universe that few actors possess.
His Lex Luthor became one of the most popular versions of Superman’s nemesis. The show ran for ten seasons and introduced millions of viewers to Superman’s origin story.
Hoechlin has played Superman across multiple CW shows since 2016. He first appeared in Supergirl before landing his own series.
“Tyler gets it because he’s living it right now,” another industry source noted.
The support between Superman actors isn’t new in Hollywood. Previous performers have often reached out to newcomers taking on the iconic role.
Christopher Reeve famously encouraged later Superman actors before his death in 2004.
The tradition continues with Hoechlin and Rosenbaum offering guidance to the next generation of performers stepping into Superman’s cape.
Their encouragement helps new actors navigate the unique challenges that come with playing one of the world’s most recognizable superheroes.