July 12, 2025: The new Superman movie has fans buzzing with excitement thanks to its fresh storyline, talented cast, and the creative direction of James Gunn. But what’s catching attention off-screen is the surprising salary distribution among the film’s lead actors.
Despite playing Superman himself, David Corenswet reportedly earned $750,000 for the role — less than co-star Nicholas Hoult, who plays villain Lex Luthor. According to Puck News, Hoult took home a $2 million paycheck, making him the highest-paid cast member. Actress Rachel Brosnahan, who portrays Lois Lane, is said to have received the same amount as Corenswet.
While $750,000 is relatively modest by superhero blockbuster standards, sources suggest Corenswet and Brosnahan’s contracts include performance-based bonuses, which could boost their earnings if the film performs well at the box office.
🎭 Why Did Lex Luthor Earn More Than Superman?
Though it may seem odd that the actor playing Superman earned less than the actor playing the villain, the pay gap reflects experience and market value. Corenswet, though critically acclaimed for roles in Pearl and The Tornado, hasn’t led a major franchise before. Similarly, Brosnahan rose to fame through the series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, but lacks big-screen blockbusters on her resume.
In contrast, Nicholas Hoult is a familiar face in Hollywood, known for roles in X-Men, Mad Max: Fury Road, and Nosferatu. With his established popularity and action-genre experience, Warner Bros. likely saw Hoult as a box-office anchor, justifying the higher salary.
💸 It’s Not the First Time Superheroes Were Paid Modestly
The strategy mirrors early days of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Robert Downey Jr. earned only $500,000 for Iron Man (2008), Chris Evans received $1 million for his first appearance as Captain America, and Chadwick Boseman made $2 million for Black Panther.
The Superman reboot also stars Isabela Merced, Nathan Fillion, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Frank Grillo, Wendell Pierce, Skyler Gisondo, Mikaela Hoover, Beck Bennett, and Christopher McDonald.
🎬 A Strategic Move by James Gunn and Warner Bros.
Insiders say James Gunn was less focused on star salaries and more interested in crafting the right ensemble. “James Gunn may have cast with his eye rather than his wallet,” a source revealed, noting that Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav is reportedly thrilled with the film’s direction and budget strategy.
This approach is a departure from the 2013 Man of Steel, where Henry Cavill, then an unknown, was surrounded by expensive A-listers like Amy Adams, Kevin Costner, Russell Crowe, and Laurence Fishburne.
With smart casting, controlled budgets, and promising early buzz, Gunn’s Superman could be both a critical and commercial win—even if the man of steel was the second-best-paid on set.