'Superman' actors who played queer characters in movies and TV shows
Superman, released in theaters on Friday, July 11, is breathing new life not only into a character that had been struggling to resonate with the general public for quite a few years on the big screen — but this new film is also the official launch of the brand-new DC Universe, otherwise referred to as the DCU.
If you need a reminder: The previous franchise of interconnected films based on DC comic books was called DCEU (DC Extended Universe) and included Henry Cavill as Superman, Ben Affleck as Batman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Jason Momoa as Aquaman, Ezra Miller as The Flash, and Ray Fisher as Cyborg. That continuity is, now more officially than ever, completely dead.
After a string of hits in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with the Guardians of the Galaxy films, filmmaker James Gunn and producer Peter Safran are now leading DC Studios and starting things from the ground up — a clean slate dubbed as DCU.
2025's Superman features several exciting characters being played by very talented actors. So whether you're curious to learn more about these actors you've never seen before, or want to remember where they might've caught your attention for playing a queer character, we're excited to help.
DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures; HBO Max
(L) Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl in Superman; (R) Isabela Merced as Dina on The Last of Us.
Isabela Merced, who plays Hawkgirl in this new Superman film, is a rising Hollywood actress who became an even bigger name in 2025 following her performance as Dina on The Last of Us season 2. On the HBO series, Dina is more than just a love interest for Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey) — she's a character that stands on her own, and also happens to be a loyal partner to Ellie at a time when she needs it the most.
On that note, it's worth noting that Merced identifies as queer in real life — not just her character on The Last of Us. "I've been queer my whole life, so I never really thought about it," Merced told The New York Times in April. "But I remember playing the game and seeing the scene in the dance and thinking, 'That's so cool.'"
is streaming on .
DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures; Netflix
(L) David Corenswet as Clark Kent in Superman; (R) David Corenswet as River Barkley on The Politician.
David Corenswet starred in the first season of Ryan Murphy's The Politician as River Barkley — a wealthy, popular, and troubled character who had a love affair with his school mate, Payton Hobart (played Ben Platt).
In front of everyone else, River had a longtime girlfriend and considered Payton as a rival for his political aspirations. Between just the two of them, however, River and Payton actually had a romantic connection and a deeper relationship than what other could see.
River had a tragic death in season 1 and only appeared as a recurring character in season 2. But, given how queer-inclusive The Politician was, Corenswet stood out to gay audiences for playing that character. Now, that actor is none other than Clark Kent himself.
is streaming on .
DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures; Netflix
(L) Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane in Superman; (R) Rachel Brosnahan as Rachel Posner on House of Cards.
While viewers may recognize Rachel Brosnahan for her performance as the titular character on Prime Video's The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, the actress — who plays Lois Lane in this Superman movie — has a long list of acting credits… Some of which are queer!
For instance, Brosnahan starred as the iconic Rachel Posner on House of Cards: A sex worker who used Doug Stamper (played by Michael Kelly) for money but identified as a queer woman. Overall, Brosnahan appeared in the first three seasons of the Netflix series.
is streaming on .
DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures; WGN America
(L) Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane in Superman; (R) Rachel Brosnahan as Abby Isaacs on Manhattan.
As Abby Isaacs on WGN America's Manhattan, Brosnahan delivered another great performance of a queer character. Set in the 1940s, there was certainly a bigger focus on that character for just being the wife of Dr. Charlie Isaacs (played by Ashley Zukerman).
And yet, viewers fell in love with Abby as a result of Brosnahan's nuanced and lived-in performance.
is streaming on .
DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures; E4
(L) Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor in Superman; (R) Nicholas Hoult as Tony Stonem on Skins.
Now that's what we call a "twink death."
From starring on the original, British version of Skins as a bisexual character named Tony Stonem to now embodying one of the most iconic super-villains of all time — Lex Luthor — in Superman, Nicholas Hoult continues to understand the assignment, no matter what project he's attached to.
is streaming on .
This article originally appeared on Out: 'Superman' actors who played queer characters in movies and TV shows
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