Superman is the confident and stoic leader of the superhero age, and as themost pivotal characterfromDC Comics, it’s no surprise that his voice needs to match his size and stature. Luckily, there have been some incredibly talented performances lent to the Man of Steel over the years, and the voice work of some talents deserves as much credit as the live-action variants.
WithDC Comicsshowcasing plenty of talent for voice work with Superman in animated shows, movies, and games, it’s time to look back at some of the performers who have brought this titanic superhero to life with their vocal talents and see how they rank as the defining Supermen.
8Nicholas Cage
An A-Lister Who Deserved His Chance as the Man of Steel
Nicholas Cage playing Superman is something that should have happened decades ago with the canceled live-action Superman project from Tim Burton. However, Nicholas Cage’s turn as Kal-El never saw its chance in the sun, but he did get to voice the character inTeen Titans Go! To the Movies.
Nicholas Cage’s screen time as Superman may be brief in this animated comedy, but his voice certainly fits the bill. Cage’s confident voice fits perfectly with a veteran Superman who knows how tobalance heroics and responsibility.
7Adam Baldwin
A Gruffer Portrayal That’s More Than Just a Strong Man
Adam Baldwin hasn’t portrayed Superman that much, but in his time as the Kryptonian hero, there has been a decent level of range. His first portrayal inSuperman: Doomsdayis a tad gruff and tired, showcasing a Superman that’s beenthe hero of Earth and Metropolis for yearswith little break and little breakthrough in bringing about hope and a better tomorrow.
When it comes to Baldwin’s Superman inDC Universe Online, there’s a far more bolstered stoicism that shows a hero in his prime, beloved by all – who loves all. DC Universe Online’s Superman is defining with his booming voice that never commands and only inspires.
6Kyle MacLachlan
A Patriotic Superman That Bolsters the Voice of the 40s
Famed for his roles in David Lynch projects likeTwin Peaks, and the more recent greatness ofFallout, Kyle MacLachlan is a veteran talent who lends his voice to the role of Superman in a classic rendition of the Justice League’s first team-up, bringing back classic pulp of the 40s withJustice League: The New Frontier.
MacLachlan’s Superman perfectly fits the decade in which he portrays, as this Superman is far more patriotic for America, but stillunderstands the importanceand compassion that comes with being a hero for the world. MacLachlan also presents a greater confidence that represents the Boy Scout nature of Superman.
5Jerry O’Connell
A Superman of Focus, Friendliness, and Compassion
Jerry O’Connell’s Superman reigned supreme across the New 52 era of DC’s animated features, and he definitely came into his own with his later entries. With each new feature for O’Connell’s Superman, his voice adapted and found itself to become one of the greatest across various animated movies.
O’Connell’s voice was one of the strongest aspects of this New 52 era, and it’s easy to see why Superman was the leader of the Justice League with his quick thinking, deep voice, and calming demeanor.
4Danny Dark
A Classic Voice That Represents the Golden Age
Danny Dark was one of the original voices of Superman, and it’s certainly one of the most stoic. Danny Dark’s voice booms with confidence and restraint, showcasing how the Man of Steel is confident in the way he addresses those around him and stands with stature but compassion for those near.
It’s a classic voice that one would expect from decades-old serials for superheroes, and that’s why it works so well. Danny Dark’s Superman voice can easily be heard with a smirk and compassionate smile for a hero who knows how todo the right thingwith his powers.
3Nolan North
An Icon Who Brings Great Confidence to Superman
Nolan North is a voice actor who has brought some amazing characters to life over the years. North’s incredible range is perfect for Superman, to which North mainly uses his normal voice but with a tad extra boom tomake it stand outand seem more powerful with a puff of the chest.
North’s Superman is a testament to his other roles, from the cockney accent of the Penguin to the frenzied ramblings of the German scientist Richtofen – yet it’s Superman that harbors such charm, and it’s easy to see what makes Nolan’s Superman so friendly with his swell voice and smiling persona.
2Tim Daly
A Superman That Holds Great Power and Gentleness
Tim Daly’s turn as Superman expertly portrayed the powerful hero as one who can be more gentle. Daly’s voicework is brilliant as Superman, and it’s easy to see why. With a confident voice, bolstered by the power within, while still harboring the gentle nature of a farmboy from Smallville – Tim Daly’s Superman is one of the best.
Tim Daly’s voicework also pairs brilliantly with Kevin Conroy’s Batman, and the two oftencollaborated together, bouncing off of one another for great scenes. Daly’s voice is responsible for some of the best animated Superman content, and it’s both nostalgic and defining.
1George Newbern
The Superman Who Can Balance Being Friendly and Incredibly Powerful
George Newbern and Tim Daly are easily regarded as the two best voices for Superman of all time, and it’s George Newbern’s voice that slightly gains the edge over Daly. Newbern’s Superman has the veteran status of a hero to back it up, marked with such exciting confidence and stoicism that certain scenes are elevated to a whole new level when Superman’s allowed to let his powers loose.
This is a Superman who knows of his great power, and how in some instances – being that strong holds him back. George Newbern also has a great range for his Superman portrayals, as the Justice League animated series has him as both a friend and a hero, whereas his time as a villain in Injustice showcases a dictator, broken by his own tragic loss and his powers.
