10 Must-See Movies and TV Shows Featuring the Superman Cast

by

In other productions not part of the DC Universe, the talented cast from James Gunn’s hypothetical Superman film has made their mark. As the headlining character in DC’s expanding universe, Superman bears the responsibility of shaping the future of superhero movies at a pivotal juncture for the genre. The star-studded cast includes David Corenswet portraying Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Isabela Merced as Kendra Saunders/Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Michael Holt/Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, Anthony Carrigan as Rex Mason/Metamorpho, María Gabriela de Faría as Angela Spica/The Engineer, Wendell Pierce as Perry White, among others.

Instead of merely watching Superman, fans could explore the acting careers of the cast members further by investigating their most outstanding works. Here are ten films and television series that star some of Superman’s cast, and these productions should definitely be on your radar if you’re a DC fan.

1) Pearl – David Corenswet

Before donning the cape of Superman, I was certainly not a household name in Hollywood. However, my resume boasts some gems, one being the 2022 release, “Pearl.” This film serves as a prequel to “X” from the same year and focuses on Pearl (portrayed brilliantly by Mia Goth), a young woman with a fragile mindset, determined to achieve stardom in 1918. I play the role of the projectionist who forms an unlikely friendship with Pearl during her tumultuous journey. “Pearl” masterfully blends historical coming-of-age elements with psychological horror, providing a chilling and captivating expansion of its predecessor’s world. While Mia Goth delivers an unforgettable lead performance, my role as her supportive companion leaves a lasting impression as well.

Pearl is streaming on Max.

2) The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – Rachel Brosnahan

Any admirer of Rachel Brosnahan should definitely watch “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” which stands as her most outstanding work to date. This series follows the life of Midge Maisel, who aspires to succeed in New York’s standup comedy world following the breakdown of her marriage. Packed with humor, emotion, and drama, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” is an entertaining watch throughout its five seasons. Brosnahan’s performance earned her her first Emmy award, and her portrayal of Midge remains her most impressive role yet. The series also boasts a delightful ensemble of supporting characters and a genuinely heartwarming storyline.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is available to stream on Prime Video.

3) Manhattan – Rachel Brosnahan

One of Rachel Brosnahan’s least recognized projects, “Manhattan,” unfolds against a historical backdrop, focusing on the U.S. government’s secret mission to construct the world’s first atomic bomb during World War II. The series offers an engaging blend of fiction and reality as it chronicles the experiences of fictional scientists and their families involved in this operation at Los Alamos. Brosnahan portrays Abby Isaacs, a character who is married to a pivotal physicist within the project. Abby embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery amidst her life as a housewife in “Manhattan.” Brosnahan’s nuanced performance of this woman grappling with disillusionment stands out as the series’ most remarkable aspect, making it an essential watch for fans of Brosnahan.

Manhattan is streaming for free on Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Tubi, and Plex.

4) Mad Max: Fury Road – Nicholas Hoult

2015’s “Mad Max: Fury Road” stands out as an exceptional addition to George Miller’s series, with Hoult playing a crucial part. In this post-apocalyptic adventure, Tom Hardy portrays Max Rockatansky, who teams up with Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) and a band of prisoners against the tyrant Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne). Hoult assumes the role of Nux, one of Immortan Joe’s War Boys, who forms an alliance with Max. “Mad Max: Fury Road” is packed with thrilling action scenes and skillfully develops its characters throughout the film. Hoult delivers a compelling performance as Nux, making him one of the franchise’s most intriguing characters.

5) Nosferatu – Nicholas Hoult

In the year 2024, Robert Eggers’ adaptation of the classic vampire story, titled “Nosferatu”, showcases another stellar performance by actor Dan Houdt. This chilling tale unfolds in early-1800s Germany, where Houdt’s character, Thomas Hutter, a real-estate agent, embarks on a perilous journey to sell a property to the enigmatic Count Orlok residing within an ominous castle. As he ventures there, he encounters horrors beyond his wildest imaginations. Meanwhile, Houdt’s wife Ellen (played by Lily-Rose Depp) experiences haunting nightmares hinting at a strange psychic bond with Count Orlok and the impending doom looming over their town. Throughout the film, “Nosferatu” exudes an unsettling ambiance filled with dread and tension. In what is undoubtedly his finest portrayal, Houdt skillfully conveys Thomas’ terror and despair as he confronts each harrowing event. Fans of horror, vampires, and period dramas will be mesmerized and astounded by the spine-tingling narrative of “Nosferatu”.

Nosferatu is available to stream on Prime Video.

6) The Menu – Nicholas Hoult

As a follower, I can confidently say that Hoult’s filmography stands out among all Superman stars, and The Menu serves as another testament to this fact. In this movie, I step into the shoes of Tyler Ledford, a food enthusiast who invites Margot Mills (Anya Taylor-Joy) to a renowned chef’s private island for an extravagant dinner with other wealthy patrons. However, things take a sinister turn as we learn that Chef Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes) has more than just culinary skills up his sleeve. As the night progresses, a series of disturbing and violent incidents unfold. I excel in portraying Ledford’s pretentious admirer of Slowik, embodying an arrogance reminiscent of the wealthy guests. The movie keeps viewers on edge with each unexpected twist, managing to both thrill and provoke thought about the real value of art.

The Menu is streaming for free on Tubi.

7) The Last of Us – Isabela Merced

In a post-apocalyptic world plagued by a fungal infection transforming humans into monstrous beings, the story of “The Last of Us” unfolds. Amid conflict between factions and a quest for a cure, Ellie Williams (Bella Ramsey) and Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) form a strong bond as they navigate survival. Merced entered “The Last of Us” in Season 2, portraying Dina, Ellie’s love interest. Known for her captivating charm and powerful emotional performance, Merced is making waves in Hollywood with “The Last of Us” moving towards Season 3 and “Superman” hitting theaters. The narrative emphasizes themes of revenge and the recurring cycle of violence, while heart-stopping action sequences and emotionally charged losses are sure to resonate deeply with viewers.

The Last of Us can be streamed on Max.

8) For All Mankind – Edi Gathegi

In one of the most captivating science fiction series on air today, For All Mankind, joins an impressive lineup of intriguing characters, and Gathegi’s Dev Ayesa is certainly no exception. The show delves into a hypothetical history where the Soviet Union landed on the Moon first, sparking a fierce space race that profoundly influences every aspect of humanity. Making his debut in For All Mankind Season 3, which takes place in the 1990s, Dev is the founder and CEO of Helios Aerospace. While he may come off as arrogant and driven at first, Dev gradually reveals layers of complexity, as his inflated ego and ambition eventually give way to his emotional vulnerability and unwavering commitment to his cause. With each of its four seasons, For All Mankind continues to offer fresh perspectives, further fleshing out the series’ compelling alternate universe with distinctive characters and thought-provoking themes.

For All Mankind is available to stream on Apple TV+.

9) Firefly – Nathan Fillion

One can’t help but bring up the most memorable science fiction series ever produced without mentioning “Firefly”. This short-lived 14-episode show features Nathan Fillion as Mal Reynolds, captain of the spaceship ‘Serenity’. Wandering through their star system in search of better days while dodging oppressive government entities, “Firefly” draws inspiration from the American Wild West. A standout space opera both stylistically and substantially, this series offers a unique blend of action, emotion, and humor. Fillion’s portrayal drives the narrative forward, while the impressive supporting cast adds layers of character to the story. Themes of found family and the pursuit of a fair society are central to “Firefly”, making it a must-watch for any sci-fi enthusiast. To this day, many consider Fillion’s work on “Firefly” his finest project.

Firefly is currently streaming on Hulu.

10) Silver Linings Playbook – Bradley Cooper

In a surprising turn of events, it’s been announced that Bradley Cooper will step into the role of Jor-El, Superman’s father, in the DCU’s inaugural movie. To this day, his most notable performance remains the heartwarming romantic comedy “Silver Linings Playbook” from 2012. In this film, Cooper plays Pat Solitano Jr., who returns to live with his parents after leaving a psychiatric hospital. His goal is to win back his estranged wife, but he crosses paths with Tiffany Maxwell (Jennifer Lawrence) along the way. The two embark on an unconventional relationship involving dance competitions, football games, and romance. Cooper shines in “Silver Linings Playbook,” a movie that is filled with laugh-out-loud humor and touching moments. The chemistry between the lead characters adds depth to the storyline, making it a must-watch for fans of romantic comedies and Bradley Cooper enthusiasts alike.

Silver Linings Playbook is available to stream on Max.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/rachel-brosnahan-best-movies-shows-watch-before-superman/embed/#

Read More

2025-07-07 19:11