Every Actress Who Has Brought the Iconic Character to Life
Lana Lang, a beloved character in the Superman universe, has been portrayed by several talented actresses in live-action TV and film adaptations. Her role as Clark Kent’s close friend and love interest has made her a significant part of the Superman mythos. In this video, we will explore the actresses who have had the privilege of portraying Lana Lang on screen, including some lesser-known portrayals.
Bunny Henning
“Superboy” (1961 – Unaired Pilot):
Bunny Henning played Lana Lang in the never-released 1961 “Superboy” pilot. While the pilot was never aired, her performance as Lana Lang in this early attempt to bring Superman’s world to television deserves recognition.
Diane Sherry
“Superman: The Movie” (1978):
Diane Sherry played Lana Lang in the iconic 1978 film “Superman: The Movie.” Her portrayal introduced Lana as one of Clark Kent’s high school friends in Smallville.
Annette O’Toole
“Superman III” (1983):
Annette O’Toole was the first actress to bring an adult Lana Lang to the big screen in “Superman III.” Her portrayal as a single mother stuck in Smallville also touched on Clark’s boyhood infatuation with Lana and their relationship as adults.
Stacy Haiduk
“Superboy” (1988-1992):
Stacy Haiduk played Lana Lang in the TV series “Superboy.” Her performance contributed to the show’s popularity and explored Lana’s dynamic with Clark Kent during their time at Shuster University.
Emily Procter
“Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” (1996):
Emily Procter had a guest appearance as Lana Lang in “Tempus, Anyone?” the 14th episode of Season 3 of the TV series “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.” Her brief stint provided an intriguing twist to the show’s narrative.
Jade Unterman
“Smallville” (2001-2003):
Jade Unterman played the role of young Lana Lang in two episodes of “Smallville”. In the pilot Lana tragically lost both her parents when their car was struck by a meteorite, while in the Season 2 episode “Accelerate” Lana is visited by the ghost of a childhood friend.
Kristin Kreuk
“Smallville” (2001-2011):
Kristin Kreuk’s portrayal of Lana Lang in the long-running series “Smallville” is one of the most iconic. A key member of the cast, Kristin’s performance explored Lana’s relationship with Clark Kent during their formative years.
Jadin Gould
“Man of Steel” (2013):
Jadin Gould played a young Lana Lang in the 2013 film “Man of Steel.” Her appearance in a flashback scene provided a glimpse into Lana’s childhood and her connection with Clark Kent.
Emmanuelle Chriqui
“Superman & Lois” (2021-present):
Emmanuelle Chriqui currently plays Lana Lang in the TV series “Superman & Lois.” Her portrayal showcases a more mature Lana Lang navigating the challenges of being a wife, mother and mayor of Smallville, while remaining intertwined with Clark Kent’s life.
Emily Peterson
“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016):
Emily Peterson had a cameo appearance as Lana Lang in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” While you wouldn’t necessarily know it was her, Lana’s appearance at Clark Kent’s funeral is still worth a mention.
Lana Lang has been a recurring character in the Superman universe, and each actress who has taken on the role has added her unique interpretation to the character. From Bunny Henning’s portrayal in the 1961 “Superboy” pilot to Kristin Kreuk’s role in “Smallville” and the more recent interpretations by talented actresses like Emmanuelle Chriqui, Lana Lang continues to be a significant and enduring presence in the world of Superman, thanks to the talents of these actresses.
