Superman | |
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DC Extended Universe character | |
![]() Henry Cavill as Kal-El / Clark Kent in Man of Steel (2013) | |
First appearance | Man of Steel (2013) |
Last appearance | The Flash (2023) |
Based on | |
Adapted by | David S. Goyer Christopher Nolan Zack Snyder |
Portrayed by |
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In-universe information | |
Alias | Kal-El (Birth Name) Clark Joseph Kent (Legal Name) |
Species | Kryptonian |
Occupation |
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Affiliation |
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Family |
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Significant other | Lois Lane (fiancée) |
Origin | Smallville, Kansas, United States |
Nationality | American |
Abilities |
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Clark Kent, best known by his superhero persona Superman, is a superhero in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) series of films, based on the DC Comics character of the same name created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. In the films, he is a survivor from the destroyed planet Krypton who lands on Earth and develops superhuman abilities due to environmental differences between the planets and their respective star systems.
A destructive conflict with a faction of militant surviving Kryptonians led by General Zod results in extensive damage to Metropolis, creates a moral divide amongst humanity, and draws the attention of Bruce Wayne / Batman, who would confront Kent for his actions. The two would eventually reconcile their differences to prevent Doomsday, with the latter giving his life to kill the creature with the assistance of Wayne. Kent eventually gets resurrected and allies himself with the Justice League to prevent the Unity of the three Mother Boxes and the stop conquest of Earth under Darkseid.
First appearing as the main protagonist of the film Man of Steel (2013), the character is portrayed by Henry Cavill, who is the first non-American actor to portray Superman in film. This version of Superman was one of the central characters of the DC Extended Universe, appearing in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Justice League (2017) (and its 2021 director's cut), and an uncredited cameo appearance in Black Adam (2022). Cavill's likeness was digitally recreated for a cameo appearance in The Flash (2023), while stand-ins for the actor made similar appearances in the film Shazam! (2019) and the first season of the television series Peacemaker (2022–present). Cavill was slated to reprise the character in future projects as of November 2022, including a planned sequel to Man of Steel, prior to James Gunn and Peter Safran becoming the new heads of DC Studios and beginning development on the DC Universe (DCU) media franchise.[1]
Director Zack Snyder's films in the DCEU have aimed to portray Superman in a more flawed and human light as compared to the previous film series by Warner Bros., which has received polarized reviews from critics.