9 Superheroes Who Have Been Played By Three Or More Actors (And Who Did It Best)

Played By: Henry Cavill, Tyler Hoechlin, Brandon Routh, Tom Welling, Dean Cain, Christopher Reeve, George Reeves, Kirk Alyn

DC's original superhero, Superman (aka Clark Kent, aka Kal-El), got his on-screen start way back in the late '40s when he was played by Kirk Alyn in a couple of film serials. The character's first feature film, Superman and the Mole Men, starred George Reeves as the titular hero, who would reprise his role in a Superman short film, a TV series, and even an episode of I Love Lucy.

However, Superman's definitive cinematic portrayal came in 1978's wildly popular and iconic Superman: The Movie, in which he was portrayed by the late, great Christopher Reeve. Reeve would then reprise the role for another three films (of which, Superman II was easily the best.)

2005's Superman Returns featured Brandon Routh taking up the Superman mantle in the world of film, which was a pretty great casting choice. Not only did he do a good job, but he was the spitting image of Reeve.

To kick of DC's cinematic universe, Henry Cavill became Kal-El in Man of Steel, then reprised his role in Batman v Superman and Justice League. While his performances have been a touch inconsistent, he does bring his best when it counts.

Meanwhile, Clark Kent has maintained his presence on television, being portrayed by Dean Cain in Lois & Clark, Tyler Hoechlin in Supergirl, and, most notably, Tom Welling in Smallville.

Who Did It Best: Christopher Reeve technically isn't the original Superman, but he is undeniably the most iconic. Sure, Superman III was very silly and IV was flat-out nonsensical, but those first two films were more than enough to secure Reeve's legacy, due in large part to how he brilliantly brought the character to life in a way that was faithful to the source. All of his successors have definitely done right by him, but none have ever surpassed him.