5 Shocking Ways David Corenswet And Brendan Fraser Are Linked: The Superman Connection Explained
The entertainment world is currently buzzing about the striking, almost uncanny resemblance between two generations of Hollywood heartthrobs: David Corenswet and Brendan Fraser. As of this December 13, 2025, the connection between the new Man of Steel and the beloved Oscar-winner goes far deeper than just similar looks, weaving a fascinating narrative of near-misses, a 'passing of the torch' in the DC Universe, and a shared professional path that has recently brought them into the same spotlight.
This deep dive explores the five most compelling links between David Corenswet, the star of James Gunn’s upcoming Superman: Legacy, and Brendan Fraser, the celebrated actor behind the *Mummy* franchise and the critically acclaimed film *The Whale*. Their intertwined careers offer a unique look at how Hollywood's past and future are often connected by more than just coincidence.
David Corenswet: The New Man of Steel—A Full Biography
David Packard Corenswet has quickly become one of Hollywood's most talked-about leading men, ascending to global fame after being cast as the new Superman/Clark Kent. His career trajectory, while seemingly sudden to some, is the result of years of dedicated work in television and independent film.
- Full Name: David Packard Corenswet
- Date of Birth: July 8, 1993
- Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
- Education: Graduated from the Juilliard School in 2016.
- Breakout Roles: Gained significant recognition for his starring roles in the Ryan Murphy-created Netflix series The Politician (2019–2020) as River Barkley and *Hollywood* (2020) as Jack Castello.
- Major Filmography Highlights: The Politician, Hollywood, Look Both Ways, We Own This City, Twisters, and the upcoming Superman: Legacy (2025).
- Family Background: His late father, John Corenswet, was a stage actor who later became a lawyer, and his mother is also a lawyer.
Corenswet’s rise has been marked by his classic leading-man looks and a versatile acting style, which many observers immediately compared to a young Brendan Fraser, especially his appearance as a charming, slightly goofy, yet inherently heroic figure.
The Superman Connection: How Brendan Fraser Almost Wore the Cape
The most compelling link between Corenswet and Fraser is the iconic role of Superman, a role that has defined Corenswet’s current career and was a major near-miss for Fraser decades ago. This shared destiny in the DC Universe narrative is an incredible piece of Hollywood trivia.
Brendan Fraser’s Near-Miss with *Superman: Flyby*
In the early 2000s, before Henry Cavill and now David Corenswet, Brendan Fraser was a serious contender for the Man of Steel in the planned film Superman: Flyby. This ambitious reboot was to be directed by Brett Ratner and written by J.J. Abrams.
Fraser has publicly confirmed that he went through the intense audition process, which included a screen-test where he donned the actual Superman suit. He described the security around the project as incredibly tight. However, the film was ultimately shelved, and the role never materialized for him. This missed opportunity has become a significant talking point in his career, especially following his triumphant comeback with *The Whale*.
Corenswet’s Manifestation of the Role
David Corenswet's casting in James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy, which is set for a July 2025 release, is the culmination of a long-held ambition. In a 2019 interview, Corenswet expressed his desire to play Superman, specifically stating he wanted to see an "optimistic" and "throwback" take on the character, a vision that aligns perfectly with James Gunn’s new DC Universe (DCU) direction.
The fact that Corenswet is now embodying the role Fraser almost had creates a powerful, full-circle narrative. Fans and critics alike have noted that Corenswet gives off a "big Fraser energy," suggesting he brings the same earnest, wholesome heroism to Clark Kent that Fraser was known for in his younger years.
The Striking Resemblance and Fan-Casting for The Mummy 4
The physical resemblance between David Corenswet and a young Brendan Fraser is undeniable, and it’s arguably the primary reason the two actors are so frequently mentioned in the same breath. Many fans on social media have pointed out that Corenswet’s facial features, especially his eyes and general demeanor, strongly echo Fraser's look from his Encino Man and The Mummy days.
This visual similarity has fueled a massive wave of fan-casting for a potential future project: The Mummy 4.
- The Fan Desire: Following Brendan Fraser’s Oscar win for *The Whale* and the renewed interest in his career, speculation about a fourth *Mummy* film with Fraser returning as Rick O’Connell has been intense.
- Corenswet's Potential Role: Fans have passionately argued that Corenswet would be the perfect fit to play a character like Rick O’Connell's son, or a younger version of Rick in a flashback or prequel.
- The Narrative Fit: Casting Corenswet would not only capitalize on the actors' resemblance but would also provide a seamless, believable transition of the franchise's heroic mantle, allowing Fraser to pass on the action-adventure torch to a younger star who shares his classic Hollywood charm.
A New Era of Collaboration: The 'Actors on Actors' Link
While David Corenswet and Brendan Fraser have not yet starred in a movie together, a very recent and tangible professional link has brought their careers into direct alignment. Both actors were featured in the star-studded line-up for the prestigious CNN and *Variety* 'Actors on Actors' series in December 2025.
This series pairs major talent for intimate, unscripted conversations about their craft and careers. Corenswet was listed in the line-up to discuss his role in *Superman*, while Fraser was featured for his work in the upcoming film *Rental Family*.
This event serves as a symbolic marker: the veteran star, fresh off his incredible comeback, and the rising star, ready to take on one of the biggest roles in cinema history, are now officially sharing the same professional platform. It is a powerful sign that Hollywood recognizes the parallel between the two, setting the stage for what many hope will be a direct, on-screen collaboration in the future.
The shared history—the almost-Superman role, the striking looks, the fan-casting for *The Mummy*—all culminate in this moment, positioning David Corenswet as the natural successor to the earnest, heroic energy that Brendan Fraser brought to the screen for a generation of movie lovers.
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