David Corenswet’s journey from a promising up-and-comer to the new face of Superman in James Gunn’s much-anticipated DCU reboot has been anything but ordinary. The past week has seen a flurry of excitement, speculation, and behind-the-scenes revelations as fans and critics alike dissect every detail of the film’s production, from the bold costume decisions to the emotionally charged creative process on set. All eyes are now on Corenswet, whose career trajectory and nuanced approach to the Man of Steel are shaping the future of superhero cinema.
On August 17, 2025, a behind-the-scenes featurette dropped, offering fans a rare glimpse into the creative process behind Superman’s revamped suit. The footage captured an earnest, sometimes tense, discussion between David Corenswet and director James Gunn about one of the most debated topics in superhero costuming: the fate of Superman’s iconic trunks. For many, Henry Cavill’s recent portrayal of the hero—gritty, trunkless, and visually severe—was still fresh in their minds. So when early trailers revealed Corenswet donning the classic red trunks, the internet lit up with debate. Was this a retro misstep, or a return to form?
The featurette didn’t shy away from showing the alternatives. At one point, Corenswet is seen wearing the suit without trunks. The result, as many fans noted, looked “strange and ill-fitting.” The absence of the trunks left the lower half of the costume feeling empty and boxy, robbing Superman of the visual balance that has long defined his comic book appearances. “With nothing below the hero’s emblem on his chest, the bottom half of the costume is too empty,” Screen Rant reported, echoing the sentiments of many who saw the test footage.
Ultimately, the decision to restore the trunks was not just a nod to nostalgia. As James Gunn explained during a set visit for several publications, including Screen Rant, Corenswet’s reasoning was a game-changer. Superman, Gunn said, is “supposed to be a beacon of hope, but he can be quite scary with his alien powers. To make up for that, Superman dresses frivolously in bright colors so that people will be unafraid of him.” The trunks, in this context, are more than just fabric—they’re a deliberate choice to humanize an otherwise intimidating figure. Gunn and Corenswet agreed that embracing the “ridiculousness” of classic comic book costumes was not only appropriate but essential for the DCU’s new direction.
James Gunn’s approach to the film has been anything but conventional, and his working relationship with Corenswet has been a focal point of recent coverage. On August 16, Gunn took to social media to share video footage from the set, capturing an emotionally charged back-and-forth with his Superman star. Gunn described the exchange as his “favorite day on the movie’s set,” highlighting the actor’s intense need to “question and analyze the emotional validity of pretty much every line that comes out of his mouth.”
The footage reveals a director and actor deeply invested in the philosophical underpinnings of Superman’s story. Gunn, known for his work with actors who “get it done” with minimal fuss, has found Corenswet’s approach both challenging and rewarding. In one memorable comparison, Gunn likened Corenswet to the film’s uncontrollable super-dog, Krypto, underscoring the unpredictable but affectionate dynamic between the two. According to Paste Magazine, this interaction produced some of the film’s best moments, particularly during the movie’s philosophical climax.
Corenswet’s star turn as Superman might feel like an overnight sensation, but his path to the cape has been built on a foundation of varied and impressive roles across film and television. As highlighted in a recent ranking of his best performances, Corenswet’s career began with the 2018 political thriller “Affairs of State,” where he played a young Washington D.C. aide entangled in a web of scandal. The film, while not a critical darling, marked his feature debut and set the stage for more ambitious projects.
From there, Corenswet’s filmography blossomed. In “The Greatest Hits,” he played Max, a lost love whose memory haunts the protagonist through time-traveling melodies. The bittersweet romance showcased his ability to bring charm and emotional depth to even the most fantastical premises. Netflix’s “Look Both Ways” further demonstrated his versatility, with Corenswet playing Jake, a love interest whose storyline unfolds across parallel realities—each shaped by the outcomes of a single life-altering decision.
Television has also been a significant arena for Corenswet. He made waves in Ryan Murphy’s “The Politician” as River Barkley, a high school golden boy whose tragic fate reverberates through the series. In “Hollywood,” another Murphy production, Corenswet played Jack Castello, a World War II veteran navigating the glitz and shadows of postwar Los Angeles. Both roles allowed him to flex his dramatic muscles and cemented his reputation as an actor to watch.
Corenswet’s range extends to darker material as well. In HBO’s “We Own This City,” he portrayed David McDougall, a narcotics detective embroiled in the Baltimore Police Department’s real-life corruption scandal. The miniseries drew inevitable comparisons to “The Wire,” with critics praising its unflinching portrayal of systemic failure. Corenswet’s performance was a standout, grounding the chaos with a sense of earnest determination.
Not all of Corenswet’s roles have been heroic or sympathetic. In AppleTV+’s “Lady in the Lake,” he played Allan, a grieving father with a complicated and troubling past. The series tackled issues of race, gender, and power in 1960s Baltimore, and Corenswet’s performance was notable for its complexity and nuance.
But it is his turn as Superman that has truly catapulted Corenswet into the spotlight. Critics have praised his “folksy charm” and the way he brings “light and hope” to a character often weighed down by darkness in recent adaptations. As noted by Chris Evangelista in a recent review, “Corenswet has oodles of charisma here, and it’s easy to buy him as a superhero.” For many, he is the best Superman and Clark Kent since Christopher Reeve—a high bar, to be sure.
With the DCU aiming to embrace the comic book spirit in all its colorful, sometimes ridiculous glory, and Corenswet’s thoughtful, emotionally resonant approach to the role, it seems the Man of Steel is soaring to new heights. The creative risks, from costume choices to philosophical debates on set, have paid off, giving fans a Superman who feels both classic and refreshingly modern.
As the dust settles on the costume debates and social media fervor, one thing is clear: David Corenswet’s Superman is here to stay, and he’s brought hope—and a little bit of fun—back to the big blue suit.
