On July 2, 2025, at the London premiere of James Gunn’s highly anticipated film "Superman," star David Corenswet shared intriguing insights into his journey stepping into the iconic role. Corenswet, 31, revealed that his predecessors Henry Cavill and Tyler Hoechlin, who both portrayed Superman in previous DC adaptations, chose not to offer direct advice. Instead, they encouraged him to "have fun with it," embodying the essence of Superman's character—more about inspiration than instruction.
Corenswet described these exchanges as "very encouraging," noting that both actors conveyed a sense of freedom rather than prescriptive guidance. Cavill, who made a surprise return as Superman in the post-credits scene of "Black Adam" in 2022, was later recast when Warner Bros. and DC Studios announced James Gunn and Peter Safran as the new creative leads. Now, Corenswet headlines the first film in Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe, starring alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as the villainous Lex Luthor.
Speaking with Jake Hamilton’s podcast "Jake Takes," Gunn explained why Hoult, despite being a talented actor, lost the Superman role to Corenswet. "He’s a great actor. Some might say he’s better than David in certain ways, but he just didn’t fit the role," Gunn said. The director elaborated that Hoult’s chemistry with a less controlled Lois Lane was strong, but Corenswet’s dynamic with Brosnahan, a very controlled actor, created a more compelling on-screen relationship. This chemistry, Gunn emphasized, was a key factor in casting.
Corenswet himself admitted to "hesitating" before accepting the role, reflecting on the life-changing nature of such a part. "It was not a no-brainer to say yes to it," he told Collider. "It took a lot of my brains, and a lot of thinking, and a lot of conversations with my loved ones to see whether this was a thing that was worth doing." He acknowledged skepticism about the hype surrounding superhero stardom but ultimately decided the role was "an adventure worth taking. And a risk worth taking." The film is set to hit theaters on July 11, 2025.
Earlier in April 2025, at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Corenswet and Hoult presented "Superman" to theater owners and media, marking one of their first public appearances for the film. Known for his introverted nature, Corenswet expressed a preference for privacy and quiet, acknowledging that the film's success would mean the "complete destruction of his privacy." The movie represents a major gamble for Warner Bros., as it aims to relaunch the DC Comics cinematic universe with an interconnected slate of films and series.
James Gunn, who oversaw an extensive casting process involving around 400 actors, said Corenswet was "the guy to beat" from the very beginning. Gunn praised Corenswet's look, noting his jawline and wavy black hair evoke the original 1938 Action Comics Superman, reminiscent of Christopher Reeve’s portrayal. Hoult, who initially auditioned for Clark Kent but ultimately landed the role of Lex Luthor, acknowledged Corenswet’s perfect embodiment of Superman’s physicality and presence, saying, "He obviously looks exactly like you imagine Clark Kent and Superman to look." Corenswet also sent a "beautiful" handwritten letter after his audition, which helped cement his casting.
Despite the opportunity, Corenswet thoughtfully considered the trade-offs of playing such a high-profile character. He lives near his childhood home outside Philadelphia and was inspired by his late father, John, a theater actor turned lawyer. Co-stars Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult have praised Corenswet’s grounded and unflappable demeanor, describing it as "otherworldly" and reminiscent of Old Hollywood charisma. Corenswet credits his emotional steadiness to a Buddhist-inspired upbringing focused on mindfulness meditation.
Gunn emphasized the importance of finding the right Superman, stating he wouldn’t make the film without the perfect lead who could balance the role’s dramatic, comedic, and action elements. The film’s tone is described as "tonally complex," blending drama, comedy, and action, with a colorful, fantastical palette that includes flying orbs, robots, portals, and even Krypto the super dog. Corenswet’s Superman is portrayed as "essentially free from angst and turmoil internally," a stark contrast to darker heroes like Batman. In this universe, Metropolis is a "wonderful, cosmopolitan almost utopia," only occasionally disrupted by monstrous invasions.
One of the film’s standout scenes, a nearly 10-page two-hander between Clark Kent and Lois Lane, showcases a screwball romantic energy and witty banter, a departure from the solemnity of recent superhero films. Brosnahan noted, "Superman has always been a love story," emphasizing the alien hero’s curiosity and affection for humanity. Gunn highlighted that on-screen chemistry was crucial, pointing out that Corenswet and Brosnahan’s controlled acting styles complemented each other, while Hoult’s chemistry with Brosnahan was stronger with a different actor.
Corenswet and Gunn’s working relationship was notably collaborative and direct. Gunn would frequently give immediate feedback via a "God mic" during filming, a style that Corenswet welcomed. Gunn affectionately described Corenswet as having a "filmmaker’s brain" but also being like "a kid sticking his finger in light sockets," requiring occasional reminders to pause his probing questions. This openness fostered a productive creative environment, with Corenswet eager to refine his performance.
The film arrives amid a cultural moment where Superman’s optimistic, earnest persona can feel out of step with prevailing cynicism. Gunn’s solution was to craft an alternate universe where Superman’s ideals set a hopeful standard rather than appearing outdated. Corenswet noted that the character’s core truths—his goodness, loving upbringing, and joyful approach to heroism—make him uniquely compelling. "He wants desperately to fit in and to love and be loved," Corenswet said.
Adding a personal touch to his portrayal, Corenswet bulked up to 238 pounds to embody Superman’s iconic physique. His co-star Nicholas Hoult, who stands 6 feet 2.5 inches tall, recounted on the "Armchair Expert" podcast how Corenswet, at 6 feet 4 inches, could literally hold him, creating a moment that felt "warm and safe." This physical presence complements the character’s emotional vulnerability.
Outside of the film, Corenswet is set to read the children’s book "What Does Daddy Do?" on CBeebies Bedtime Stories on July 11, 2025, the same day as the movie’s release. This appearance adds a charming dimension to the actor’s public profile, connecting with audiences beyond the superhero genre.
Corenswet’s journey to Superman is also marked by his personal history. His father’s battle with cancer and eventual passing in 2019 instilled in him a mature understanding of life’s darker aspects, which he channels into his nuanced performance. Balancing his new role with fatherhood, Corenswet welcomed his daughter around the time filming began, choosing to be present during her infancy rather than sacrificing sleep for the role. He humorously recounted refusing to give up cereal while training, saying it "makes me a better person," embodying a relatable humanity beneath the superhero facade.
As "Superman" prepares to soar into theaters, the film carries significant weight as a potential turning point for the DC Universe and the superhero genre. Corenswet’s thoughtful approach, Gunn’s visionary direction, and the film’s blend of optimism and complexity set it apart in a crowded field. Whether this new Man of Steel will capture the hearts of audiences remains to be seen, but the groundwork laid by its creators promises an earnest, fresh take on an enduring legend.
