introduces the first film in the relaunched DC universe. The film has been hotly anticipated and a lot is riding on it - superhero films in recent years have been met with mixed reviews from critics and fans. Playing the Man of Steel is 31-year-old American actor David Corenswet.

Corenswet, who has previously appeared in TV series The Politician, Hollywood and We Own This City, is the fourth person to play the role in a major Superman movie, and the first for a decade. His version of the hero is far cheerier and more optimistic that other iterations, particularly compared to Henry Cavill's portrayal of him which was grittier and darker. The film will kick-start a new era for DC Studios, which writer-director Gunn and producer Peter Safran took over in 2022.

Cavill, who appeared in 2013's Man of Steel and its spin-offs, announced in 2022 that he would return to the role - but Gunn and Safran decided to replace him after they took over DC. Ahead of the premiere, a life-like Superman figure was seen suspended at the top of The Shard in London as part of a one-day-only installation. The statue, scanned from Corenswet, stands at 11ft (3.5m) tall and weighs more than 120kg (18st).

As a hero whose message is of hope and justice, I ask Corenswet what Superman would make of the world today. "He'd probably like to see more kindness," he says. "He's a figure who is willing to take on responsibility and has joy in doing that and I think he would like to inspire others in the world today to take on more responsibility." Rachel Brosnahan, who is best known for playing Midge Maisel in The Marvellous Mrs Maisel, plays Lois Lane and tells me that Superman would want to "step in and help whenever and wherever he could." "He sees people and things in need and steps in when you need him without questions," she says. Nicholas Hoult, who plays infamous villain Lex Luthor, adds that the superhero would want to "see more goodness in the world". (BBC/Getty Images)