
David Corenswet is a name you’re going to be hearing a lot more. With his classic Hollywood looks and undeniable talent, he has been steadily building an impressive resume. From compelling television series to feature films, his career is on a steep upward trajectory. This guide will walk you through the essential David Corenswet movies and TV shows, exploring the roles that have defined his career so far and what makes him one of Hollywood’s most exciting rising stars. Whether you’re a new fan or have been following him since his early days, there’s plenty to discover about his work.
Before he became a familiar face on streaming services, David Corenswet was honing his craft. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was exposed to the world of acting from a young age; his father was a stage actor. Corenswet pursued this passion seriously, graduating from the prestigious Juilliard School in 2016. This intensive training provided him with a strong foundation in dramatic arts, preparing him for the complexities of screen acting.
Following his graduation, he began to appear in guest roles on various television series. These early parts, while small, were crucial for gaining experience and industry exposure. He had minor appearances in shows like Elementary and House of Cards, where he demonstrated his ability to make an impact even with limited screen time. These roles were the building blocks of his career, paving the way for the larger, more significant parts that would soon come his way. It’s this early dedication that makes the current list of David Corenswet movies and TV shows so impressive.

The show that truly put David Corenswet on the map was Netflix’s The Politician. Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan, this satirical comedy-drama was the perfect vehicle for his talent. Corenswet played River Barkley, the charismatic, intelligent, and seemingly perfect student body president candidate and rival to the show’s protagonist, Payton Hobart (Ben Platt). Although his character’s arc takes a tragic turn early in the first season, River remains a central figure throughout the series, appearing in flashbacks and as a manifestation of Payton’s conscience.
His portrayal of River was widely praised. He brought a compelling mix of warmth, melancholy, and gravitas to the role, making the character far more than just a handsome rival. Corenswet captured the immense pressure and inner turmoil of a young man struggling with his identity and mental health behind a flawless public facade. This nuanced performance showcased his depth as an actor and proved he could handle complex emotional material. The Politician was his first major project and immediately established him as a talent to watch.
After their successful collaboration on The Politician, Ryan Murphy cast David Corenswet in a leading role for his next Netflix project, Hollywood. This limited series, set in the post-World War II Golden Age of Tinseltown, reimagined film history. Corenswet starred as Jack Castello, an aspiring actor and war veteran who is determined to make a name for himself. The role allowed him to fully step into the spotlight and embody the classic leading-man persona that he seems so naturally suited for.
As Jack Castello, Corenswet portrayed a character filled with optimism, ambition, and a fundamental sense of decency. The series follows his journey through the highs and lows of the studio system, from compromising situations to landing the role of a lifetime. His performance captured the hope and desperation of a young artist trying to succeed without losing his soul. Hollywood was a critical step in his career, solidifying his status as a leading man and further expanding the growing catalog of David Corenswet movies and TV shows. This role felt like a perfect fit, blending his classic movie-star looks with a genuine, heartfelt performance.
In Hollywood, David Corenswet’s character, Jack Castello, serves as the audience’s guide into a reimagined version of the film industry’s most glamorous era. Jack’s journey is one of relentless ambition tempered by a strong moral compass. He arrives in Los Angeles with stars in his eyes, only to discover the dark underbelly of the studio system.
Corenswet effectively balanced Jack’s wide-eyed innocence with the pragmatism required to survive in a cutthroat environment. His portrayal was not just about wanting to be famous; it was about the desire to create meaningful art and challenge the discriminatory practices of the time. This performance added significant depth to the list of David Corenswet movies and TV shows.
Demonstrating his versatility, David Corenswet took on a role in the HBO crime drama miniseries We Own This City. Developed by David Simon and George Pelecanos (the minds behind The Wire), the series is based on the true story of the Baltimore Police Department’s corrupt Gun Trace Task Force. In this gritty, realistic drama, Corenswet played David McDougall, a veteran investigator with the Harford County Narcotics Task Force whose work helps uncover the widespread corruption in Baltimore.
This role was a significant departure from the charismatic characters he played in Ryan Murphy’s productions. As McDougall, Corenswet adopted a more subdued and grounded persona, embodying the hardworking, blue-collar nature of a determined cop. His performance was a crucial part of the ensemble cast, providing a contrasting perspective to the corrupt officers at the center of the story. Taking on a part in a critically acclaimed HBO series from the creators of The Wire showed his desire to tackle challenging, dramatic material and work with some of the best creators in television.
David Corenswet made a memorable appearance in Ti West’s acclaimed horror film, Pearl. A prequel to the slasher movie X, Pearl explores the origin story of its villain, a young woman with big dreams and a dangerous psyche, played by Mia Goth. Corenswet played “The Projectionist,” a handsome and charming young man who meets Pearl at the local movie theater. He represents a gateway to the outside world and the life of glamour and freedom that Pearl desperately craves.
His character is pivotal, as he encourages Pearl’s aspirations to become a “moving picture star,” unknowingly fanning the flames of her delusion and eventual rage. Corenswet’s natural charisma works brilliantly in the role, making it easy to see why Pearl would be so captivated by him. His chemistry with Mia Goth is palpable, and their scenes together are filled with a mix of sweet romance and underlying tension. Though not the lead, his role is impactful and demonstrates his ability to fit seamlessly into different genres, adding a notable horror credit to the list of David Corenswet movies and TV shows.
In the Netflix romantic comedy-drama Look Both Ways, David Corenswet starred opposite Lili Reinhart. The film presents two parallel realities for its protagonist, Natalie, after she takes a pregnancy test on the night of her college graduation. In one timeline, she is pregnant and moves back to her hometown to raise her child. In the other, she is not pregnant and moves to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of becoming an animator. Corenswet plays Jake, her love interest in the L.A. timeline.
As Jake, a fellow animator and colleague, Corenswet is the ideal romantic lead. He is supportive, charming, and ambitious, serving as both a professional inspiration and a romantic partner for Natalie. His performance is warm and grounded, providing a stable and endearing presence in Natalie’s fast-paced L.A. life. Look Both Ways allowed him to showcase his softer side and prove his capability in the romantic genre. The film was popular on Netflix, further boosting his visibility and proving that audiences love seeing him in leading romantic roles.

The most significant development in David Corenswet’s career to date is his casting as the next Superman. He will don the iconic cape in Superman, the film set to launch James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DC Universe. Landing this role is a monumental achievement, placing him in the lineage of actors like Christopher Reeve and Henry Cavill. His striking resemblance to the classic comic book depiction of Clark Kent, combined with his proven acting ability, has generated immense excitement among fans.
This role will undoubtedly transform his career, catapulting him to global superstardom. The pressure to embody such a beloved cultural icon is immense, but Corenswet’s past work suggests he is more than capable of handling the challenge. He possesses the blend of sincerity, strength, and charm that is essential for portraying both the mild-mannered Clark Kent and the powerful Superman. This upcoming project is the most anticipated on the list of David Corenswet movies and TV shows, and it has the potential to define his career for years to come. Many industry watchers, like those featured on platforms such as https://forbesplanet.co.uk/, see this as a turning point for the DC cinematic brand.
Playing Superman is more than just a role; it’s a cultural responsibility. The character represents hope, justice, and the best of humanity. David Corenswet has reportedly been a lifelong fan of the character, which suggests he understands the importance of getting it right. In interviews prior to his casting, he expressed a desire to play a more optimistic and classic version of Superman, which aligns with the vision James Gunn has for the new DC Universe. His physical presence, standing at 6’4″, and his earnest on-screen persona make him a natural fit for the Man of Steel. Fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to see his interpretation of this iconic hero.
To provide a comprehensive overview, here is a list of notable David Corenswet movies and TV shows.
|
Year |
Title |
Role |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 |
Elementary |
Houston |
1 Episode |
|
2018 |
House of Cards |
Reed |
1 Episode |
|
2019-2020 |
The Politician |
River Barkley |
Main Role |
|
2020 |
Hollywood |
Jack Castello |
Lead Role |
|
2022 |
We Own This City |
David McDougall |
Supporting Role |
|
2024 |
Lady in the Lake |
Allan Durst |
Upcoming Miniseries |
|
Year |
Title |
Role |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2018 |
Affairs of State |
Michael Lawson |
|
|
2019 |
The Sunlit Night |
Scott Glenn |
|
|
2022 |
Look Both Ways |
Jake |
|
|
2022 |
Pearl |
The Projectionist |
|
|
2024 |
Twisters |
Scott |
|
|
2025 |
Superman |
Clark Kent / Superman |
Lead Role |
Beyond the massive anticipation for Superman, David Corenswet’s future looks incredibly bright. He is also set to appear in Twisters, the sequel to the 1996 blockbuster Twister, which will further solidify his presence in major studio films. Additionally, he has a role in the upcoming Apple TV+ series Lady in the Lake alongside Natalie Portman. This project, a period drama, will once again allow him to showcase his talent for dramatic, character-driven work.
With a blockbuster franchise on the horizon and a series of interesting and diverse projects in the pipeline, Corenswet is strategically building a career that balances commercial success with critically respected work. He is proving to be an actor with not just the look of a movie star but the range and dedication of a serious artist. The world will be watching as the full list of David Corenswet movies and TV shows continues to grow, and he cements his place as one of the leading actors of his generation.
From his early days at Juilliard to his breakthrough roles on Netflix and his upcoming turn as the Man of Steel, David Corenswet has had a remarkable journey. His filmography showcases an actor of impressive range, capable of handling satire, drama, horror, and romance with equal skill. He possesses a rare combination of classic movie-star charm and genuine acting talent that has made him one of Hollywood’s most promising stars.
As he prepares to take on the iconic role of Superman, his career is poised to reach incredible new heights. Keeping an eye on the expanding list of David Corenswet movies and TV shows is a must for any fan of film and television. He is an actor who is not just on the rise—he is ready to soar.
1. What is David Corenswet’s most famous role?
While he has had several notable roles, his performances in the Netflix series The Politician and Hollywood are arguably what brought him widespread recognition. However, his upcoming role as Superman is poised to become his most famous.
2. Is David Corenswet the new Superman?
Yes, David Corenswet has been officially cast as Clark Kent / Superman in the upcoming film Superman, which is scheduled for release in 2025. This film will launch the new DC Universe under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran.
3. What kind of training does David Corenswet have?
He is a graduate of the prestigious Juilliard School’s drama division, class of 2016. This intensive four-year program provided him with a strong foundation in classical and contemporary theater.
4. Besides Superman, what upcoming David Corenswet movies and TV shows can we look forward to?
He is set to appear in the 2024 film Twisters, a sequel to the classic disaster movie, and the Apple TV+ miniseries Lady in the Lake, a period crime drama.
5. How tall is David Corenswet?
David Corenswet is 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) tall, a physical attribute that many fans feel makes him perfectly suited for the role of Superman.





