Superman might be his big break, but David Corenswet has already captured the internet’s imagination as the perfect fit for countless other roles. Fans on TikTok, Reddit, and X have been plugging him into every adaptation under the sun — and honestly, the fancasts are pretty convincing. From swoony romance heroes to tortured dark academia leads, here are the dream roles that prove he was born to be Hollywood’s next leading man.
Charlie Lastra, Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Romance readers everywhere have been begging for David Corenswet to be cast in an Em Hen adaptation — specifically, and most loudly, as Charlie Lastra in Book Lovers. With its screen adaptation already in the works, fans have overwhelmingly declared Corenswet the ideal choice to play the brooding, buttoned-up New York editor opposite Nora Stephens. Even Henry herself has said she’s “in” if Corenswet takes on the role, giving the internet’s dream casting her stamp of approval. With his dry wit, commanding presence, and leading-man charm, Corenswet could bring Charlie to life in a way that would thrill both readers and moviegoers.
Harry Cameron, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
If Evelyn Hugo ever makes it to the silver screen, Harry Cameron is one of the characters that fans will be watching closely. Evelyn’s confidant, co-star, and lifelong friend, Harry, embodies both old-Hollywood glamour and the heartbreak hidden just behind it. With his classic looks and emotional range, David Corenswet would be a natural fit to balance Harry’s charm and his vulnerability. He could capture not just Harry’s dazzling presence, but also the heartbreak of a man forced to hide his truth in a ruthless industry. And honestly, just look at him in a period costume. It’s not hard to picture him walking straight off the page and onto a 1950s Hollywood film set.
Henry Winter, The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Fans on Reddit have even floated David Corenswet as a possible Henry Winter, the enigmatic leader at the heart of Donna Tartt’s The Secret History. Henry is magnetic, highbrow, and dangerous — a character who draws people in with his charm while hiding a much darker side. With his tall frame and polished presence, Corenswet certainly looks the part, and while he may be a bit older than Henry’s college-aged peers, it would all depend on casting chemistry. More importantly, Corenswet has the screen presence to capture Henry’s mix of allure and menace, making him a compelling choice for a dark academic adaptation.
Don Lockwood, Singin’ in the Rain
What if Hollywood’s next golden-age revival starred David Corenswet in a Singin’ in the Rain remake? Fans online are already sold. With his golden-age looks and easy charisma, Corenswet feels like he was built for old Hollywood musicals. Plus, with his background in theater and musical performance, he definitely has the chops to pull it off. Fans on TikTok have already been calling for it — some even pairing him with Mike Faist. It’s easy to picture Corenswet tapping across a rain-soaked soundstage, blending humor, romance, and star power in true golden-age style.
“david corenswet should do an emily henry romcom” no david corenswet should do a big and flashy golden age broadway musical revival
— lauren 💌 (@lovemedleys) July 21, 2025
Kai Rhodes, Caught Up by Liz Tomforde
If you’ve read Caught Up, you know Kai Rhodes is the quintessential single-dad sports romance hero: protective, passionate, and unexpectedly tender. Now picture David Corenswet — broad-shouldered in his iconic GQ shoot, glasses added — and you’ve got the baseball legend himself come to life. He embodies that perfect balance of strength and vulnerability that makes Kai irresistible. Add in his ability to pull off those soft-hearted, blushing moments (yes, we’re watching these gifs on a loop), and suddenly Corenswet feels like he walked straight out of Liz Tomforde’s Windy City series.
Honorable Mentions
Not every dream fancast gets a full breakdown, but these are additional roles that fans can’t stop picturing David in:
- If he were to step into another superhero role…fans have already imagined him as Cyclops in X-Men, and the fit is hard to deny.
- Marco Alisdair (The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern) – Corenswet could certainly embody the wiser, more world-weary side of Marco later in the book.
- Indiana Jones – David’s got the charisma (and the jawline) for a classic adventure revival.
- Anakin Skywalker (Clone Wars era, specifically) – A darker, broodier take that fans of the prequels would devour.
At this point, fancasting David Corenswet has become its own internet sport, and we’re not mad about it. From broody romance heroes to dark academica masterminds to golden-age musical leads, he somehow fits them all. Whether he’s in suspenders, a suit, or a baseball uniform, fans can’t stop imagining him as their favorite character. Until Hollywood catches up with the fancasts, we’ll keep daydreaming — and refreshing TikTok — for more proof that Corenswet really is the ultimate leading man.
If you can’t get enough of bookish leading men, don’t miss our roundup of Disaster Daddies in Slutty Little Glasses: A Love Story.
Ready to cast your own lineup? Browse our Book-to-Screen Daydreams list on Bookshop.org for even more titles we want to see adapted.
