Superman: who's your favorite actor?

He played Superman in four films, from 1978 to 1987. Christopher Reeve is undoubtedly one of the most memorable, iconic, and stylish of all those men who have worn boxer shorts over trousers. Do you agree?

He didn't have a superhero physique, so he underwent a tremendous diet and training routine to gain muscle. His trainer was a prominent film director: David Prowse, better known as Darth Vader.

The on-screen chemistry between Margot Kidder and Christopher Reeve made Lois and Clark's romance much more believable. It is one of the most remembered couples of the 70s and 80s, like Dany Zucko and Sandy Olsen in 'Grease.'

Four films have made Christopher Reeve the most recognizable Superman in Hollywood. Of course, 31 years have passed since his last film and, little by little, he may be forgotten.

Here's a curious, more recent interpretation of Superman: that of the CW series 'Smallville.' Running for 10 seasons, it became a big teen success, largely due to the charisma of its protagonist.

The premise was simple: no cape and no flying. Kal-El always wore something red and blue, but never his costume. He was a domestic hero in a small town where all kinds of things happened. Because of his looks, charisma, and smile, Tom Welling is a candidate to be the best Superman ever.

While Smallville's Clark Kent ended up marrying Lois Lane (Erica Durance), Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk) was his lover for six seasons. The on-screen chemistry of the couple was tremendous and the actress was very popular among the fans.

Lex and Clark's relationship of friendship, respect, love, hate, and envy was one of the best plots of the entire series. Michael Rosenbaum elevated the status of his character, Lex Luther, and he helped Superman mature over time. A worthy villain.

Given the success of the series and the fame of Tom Welling, many people expected him to make the leap to the cinema and start a franchise. It never happened. What we do expect, however, is his voice in a new, animated 'Smallville' series.

Yes, it's Nicolas Cage as Superman. He had long hair, his face had not yet been retouched and he was fit and muscular. Tim Burton was going to direct a 'Superman Lives' movie with him in 1990, but the project was canceled. We were left with a few promotional images and the desire to see Nicolas Cage fly.

This beefy, handsome actor played Superman in 'Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman' between 1993 and 1997. He wasn't the best actor in the world, but his physique screamed 'Superman.'

Wearing a typical 90s wardrobe, Dean Cain will always carry on his CV the dubious honor of being the first Superman with laces on his boots. If Krypton had existed, they wouldn't have let him come back with that look.

The series was a resounding success, as it focused more on Lois and Clark's relationship than on the adventures of the superhero. It was Teri Hatcher's definitive leap to fame. Seven years later, her Susan Delfino in 'Desperate Housewives' would almost make us forget her Lois Lane.

Teri and Dean were on fire when they were on screen together. The couple exuded sensuality and that was one of the great strengths of the series. The two became icons, but Dean Cain didn't go any further as Superman, nor did he make the leap to the movies with his character.

George Reeves spent 104 episodes of one series in Superman's cape and costume. Between 1951 and 1957, the stocky actor built a sleek, tall, haughty, old-fashioned superhero.

What would now be a vintage look for George Reeves was very fashionable. The series has not stood the test of time, but we have to recognize the path it blazed to get to where we are today.

He will always have the honor of being the first Superman in the history of cinema. Kirk Alyn appeared in two film serials: 'Superman' and 'Aton Man vs Superman.'

Kirk Alyn left a very good taste in the mouth of his audience. Precisely for this reason, it is strange that he did not have continuity. By the way, the sets were the same ones used by Adam West's 'Batman.'

Although Kirk Alyn was not very successful after 'Superman,' Warner Bros. featured him for Christopher Reeve's first Superman in 1978. In this film, Kirk Alyn played the father of Lois Lane as a child.

Image: Alyn with actress Noel Neill in a scene from 'Adventures of Superman' (1952).

Unknown and surprising, Gerard Christopher was Superman for three seasons on the series 'Superboy' (1989-1992). He did it to replace John Haymes Newton, who was Clark Kent in the first season of the series.

Image: Series poster, DC Comics / CBS

He was highly regarded as a superhero actor and in fact, he was almost cast for the series 'Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.' When the director realized that he had already played Superboy in the past, he went with the 'new face,' Dean Cain, instead.

He beat Tom Welling and Nicolas Cage in the casting to star in 'Superman Returns' (2006). His role was applauded by most critics, but director Bryan Singer did not manage to give the character as much play as expected. After 20 years, much more was expected.

With an enviable physique and a model face much like Christopher Reeve's, Brandon Routh played a restrained and shy Clark Kent.

Routh would return as Superman in the 2010s. He played guest roles in series like 'The Flash,' 'Legends of Tomorrow,' and 'Batwoman,' but they were always just that: occasional appearances.

The choice of Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor seemed appropriate. His best roles had been as a villain with a shaved head. But in 'Superman Returns' he looked like a cartoon. He didn't convince anyone, and if in a superhero movie the bad guy fails you, you're dead.

The 'present-day' Superman is this English actor. In fact, Cavill was the first non-American to don the cape of the superhero. The result could not have been better. He made his debut in 2013, with 'Man of Steel', and, at this point, the saga can't be imagined without him.

The actor has undergone a beastly workout that has multiplied his muscle volume. This fact, together with the British model face that she has, gives him an unexpected elegance, even with the suit.

And although he looks like a nerd when he plays Clark Kent, his muscles give him away. His performances have won over audiences and critics alike, and he has even recovered from the mustache blunder.

Although the film was not as good as expected, the confrontation between Superman and Barman (Ben Affleck) is already the history of superhero cinema. Who knew, that Superman would turn bad and that Henry Cavill would be such a good villain.

The fact that his Lois Lane is Amy Adams only adds to his Superman rating. The eternal Oscar nominee (six nominations without an award) is a safe bet and gave the perfect replica of a mythical superhero. She is thrilled with the role.

Here's an unexpected and applauded casting that came in the second season of the CW series 'Supergirl'. He was masculine, attractive, had impossible eyes, and caused a sensation.

Superman should be nerdy, hip, and sexy. Tyler Hoechlin was when he played Clark Kent. Of course, he didn't have time to show off too much, as he was only four episodes on the series.

Melissa Benoist (Supergirl) is pure love. And sharing a shot with her, in costume and on a joint mission, was the most epic thing that has happened in the series.

And then there's this guy. A legend of adult cinema also stepped into the shoes of Superman. Ryan Driller made two parodies of the Superman movies. Both were directed by Axel Braun, the king of adult cinema (with more than 500 films to his name).