Superman as a Jewish conception
A Jew will make everyone brighter
By Vita Vladimirtseva
30.07.2025
Superman was created by the Jews, writing off his image from the biblical Samson. A century later, this role was given to a Jewish actor. And the superhero got it right away.
When another superhero blockbuster comes out, some of the audience inevitably pass by. Some people are not interested in comic culture, and some simply do not want to get confused in endless prequels, sequels and reboots of stories about people with superpowers. Perhaps an exception can be made for the recently released new "Superman" directed by James Gunn. This is not just a reboot of the myth about the hero in a cloak, but a warm, human and vivid story. It can be watched without special knowledge about the structure of the DC universe.
But even if you have never read comics, knowing about the origin of Superman will add depth. This hero was born as a response to historical fear. He personified hope for the creators - Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, our friends from Cleveland. The guys grew up in an anxious time: Nazism in Europe, the Great Depression, immigrant poverty. In 1938, they published a comic book about Superman, an alien sent to Earth by his parents to avoid death. He disguises himself as an ordinary guy, but at the same time stands on guard of justice and is always ready to protect the weak.
Here is the opinion of comic book researcher Roy Schwartz: "The creators of Superman built his origin on the image of Moses, and borrowed his power from Samson. In fact, Superman is a character with a pronounced Jewish basis." Siegel and Schuster intuitively reflected in the comic book the experience of Jewish otherness: exile, assimilation, hidden power and waiting for the savior.
Ironically, none of the ten former performers of the role of Superman in movies and TV series had Jewish roots. Until 2025. The new Superman was played by David Korensvet, a Jew on his father's side. His family was actively involved in the life of one of the oldest synagogues in Louisiana, Temple Sinai. The wedding ceremony of the actor himself and his chosen one, actress Julia Best Warner, was conducted by both the rabbi and the Catholic priest.
Fans began to discuss David Korensvet as a potential Superman back in 2019, when the actor appeared in the series "Politician". In an interview of that period, David said that he himself would like to play this role, but he considered it an impossible dream. And he added: "I would like someone to make a bright, optimistic retroversion of Superman. I like Henry Cavill's gloomy approach, but I would like something bright and life-affirming." This is exactly the kind of hero David created when he accepted the invitation from James Gunn's team.
Perhaps the studio paid attention to the fan discussions of Korensvet's candidacy, but the director claims that he himself wanted to take the actor for the main role after watching the horror film "Pearle". David's role in this project was not at all unambiguous, but Gunn set his eye on him: "He looks like Superman, this jaw, hair. But the main thing is that I want to hug him!" Korensvet turned out to be a real find for James: "I've never met such a disciplined and interested actor."
So, Gunn found someone who is able to play Superman not as an icon, but as a person. And built a story around him, where superpower is not the main thing. At the center of the fantastic plot is a young reporter named Clark Kent. He grew up on a farm in Kansas, but was born on another planet. Both he and his loving adoptive parents are used to hiding that Clark has superpowers. But his second personality, adored by all Superman, uses it to the fullest. Exclusively for noble purposes. Billionaire and technocrat Lex Luthor hates Superman and does not leave attempts to destroy the alien.
You can't envy Superman in this movie - there are a lot of personal problems: misunderstanding with your beloved girl, the collapse of ideals, and even caring for the charming, but absolutely ill-mannered dog Crypto. Billionaire's intrigues are already too overdoing! Nicholas Holt, the performer of the role of the villain Lex, says: "At first I tried on Superman, but after reading the script, I realized that Luthor suits me much more. And the offer to play him made me laugh happily." The actor sees his villain as a complex character, eager for recognition, rational and yet vulnerable. Lex Luthor hates Superman as an ideal that cannot be matched.
Rachel Brosnahan, who played Superman's lover Lois Lane, is loved by the audience for her roles in the series "House of Cards" and "The Amazing Mrs. Maisel". She says: "James Gunn called me with a message that the role is mine. At that moment, I was washing my hands in the public toilet and was terribly scared, in case he would hear the sound of the water going down!" The actress evaluates her heroine as a strong personality, not ready to give up professional principles even in the name of love. "It even scares me," says the actress, "that this role turned out to be much closer to me than all the past ones."
In addition to Superman, other supermen appear in the movie. One of them, a comic character named Green Lantern, was played by Nathan Fillion, the star of the series "Firefly", "Newbie" and "Castle". The actor assures that the number of swearing that his hero sputs is off the charts and exceeds all the indicators of his previous characters. Some of the critics and viewers generally reproach James Gunn for some excess: too many secondary characters of different races and nationalities, too many changes in Superman himself, too much criticism of militarism and corporate control. The director parrys: "You just didn't understand what this movie is about. It's not about politics, it's not about the agenda, it's about kindness and humanity."
It is very likely that David Korensvet will return to the role of Superman in the near future. At least, the actor's contract implies such an opportunity, despite the lack of a specific project. In the meantime, the viewer can enjoy a new image of a classic hero. The presence of morality and inevitable references to current events do not make the film heavy. It's still a bright, light movie, an attraction for the whole family.