Superman cast salaries revealed after box office debut: Nicholas Hoult outearns David Corenswet
James Gunn’s Superman has officially launched in theaters with an impressive $22.5 million in box office previews, but it’s the off-screen numbers drawing equal attention. Newly revealed salary details show a surprising disparity among the film’s lead actors, with Lex Luthor actor Nicholas Hoult earning more than David Corenswet, who stars as the iconic superhero.
David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan in 'Superman.'
Warner Bros
According to Puck News, Hoult received a $2 million paycheck—$1.25 million more than Corenswet, who was paid $750,000. Rachel Brosnahan, cast as Lois Lane, earned the same as Corenswet. The film was produced on a reported budget of $225 million, making the salary spread a notable point of interest given the high financial stakes of DC’s franchise reboot.
Hoult’s higher salary can be attributed to his established career and extensive credentials. With previous franchise experience in the X-Men films and multiple award nominations—including two Golden Globe nods and an Emmy—his status in the industry commands a premium. Playing the main antagonist in the film further elevates his role’s importance and, in turn, his market value.
Brosnahan enters the DC Universe with a decorated résumé, including an Emmy and two Golden Globes for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Her career includes a balance of indie and mainstream projects, along with voice work in Spies in Disguise alongside Tom Holland and Will Smith. Corenswet, though positioned as the face of the new DC era, is still considered a breakout star. His previous credits include Netflix’s The Politician and Hollywood, as well as more recent roles in Twisters and The Greatest Hits.
When placed in the context of superhero franchise history, Corenswet’s earnings are relatively competitive. Robert Downey Jr. was paid $500,000 for Iron Man in 2008, Chris Evans earned $300,000 for Captain America in 2011, and Chris Hemsworth received $150,000 for his first turn as Thor the same year. On the DC side, Henry Cavill and Gal Gadot each earned $300,000 for their respective debuts in Man of Steel and Wonder Woman.
The landscape has evolved in recent years. Brie Larson received $5 million for Captain Marvel, and Ezra Miller earned $3 million for The Flash. Those higher salaries for newer faces set a higher modern benchmark, making Corenswet’s $750K appear modest by current industry standards—especially for an actor shouldering the responsibility of launching a cinematic universe reboot.
James Gunn, however, has expressed strong confidence in Corenswet’s future as a leading man. Speaking to CNN, the director praised his instincts in spotting rising talent. “I think David Corenswet is the biggest movie star in the world—and people don’t know it yet,” Gunn said. “That’s exactly what I said about Chris Pratt early on. There are very, very few people who’ve got the acting chops, the comedy timing, and happen to be ridiculously handsome all at once.”
