As the release of the highly anticipated film Superman draws closer, director James Gunn has shared insights into his choice of David Corenswet for the iconic role of the Man of Steel. With less than 100 days until the film hits theaters on July 11, 2025, excitement is building around Corenswet’s portrayal of Clark Kent, especially as he takes over from Henry Cavill.
In a recent interview with Time Magazine, Gunn elaborated on what set Corenswet apart from other candidates who auditioned for the role. He emphasized the importance of kindness and respect in the industry, stating, "They treated everyone with kindness and respect. I’ve seen sets that cater to an actor or director’s ego and that’s just not something that would happen with David. He is Superman, even in his nerdiness. He listens to old jazz standards. Like that’s what he listens to, just as normal procedure. Like Superman, he’s a simple man in complicated times." This statement not only highlights Corenswet's character but also reflects the ethos Gunn aims to instill in the production.
Corenswet, who has previously starred in films like Twisters alongside Glen Powell, and Pearl with Mia Goth and Jon Bernthal, will now step into the spotlight as the titular superhero. He will be joined by a stellar cast including Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., and Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho. The ensemble promises to deliver a fresh take on the DC Universe, aiming to resonate with both new audiences and longtime fans.
Gunn’s vision for Superman also includes a focus on the romantic subplot between Superman and Lois Lane, a relationship that has been a cornerstone of the character's narrative for decades. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Gunn revealed a particularly emotional moment from filming that underscores this theme. He admitted to getting teary-eyed during a scene where Corenswet's Superman and Brosnahan's Lois share a kiss while flying. Gunn described the moment, saying, "I got teary-eyed, I've got to admit. If you remember, it was the one time I cried and I don't cry that much. (...) I was moved by the scene. I started crying, and Rachel's like, 'how did it go?' and I was like, 'look at that'. And it was so beautiful. It's the shot that's in the movie, that's in the trailer, that made me cry."
The emotional weight of this scene, complemented by John Murphy's score, suggests that the romance between Superman and Lois will be a central theme in the film. Brosnahan herself acknowledged the challenges of filming the scene, noting that the harnesses used for the flying sequences were quite tight, adding a layer of authenticity to their on-screen chemistry.
As the film prepares for its release, it is clear that Gunn is committed to exploring the depth of Superman and Lois's relationship more than any previous adaptation. This focus on character development is expected to resonate with audiences, making the film not just a visual spectacle but also an emotional journey.
After Superman, the DC Universe has several other projects lined up. The first is Peacemaker Season 2, set to premiere on Max in August, featuring John Cena reprising his role as Christopher Smith. Following that, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow will star Milly Alcock in the titular role, while Clayface is also in development with James Watkins directing a script by Mike Flanagan. Additionally, production has begun on Lanterns, a Max original series starring Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler.
As the countdown to Superman continues, fans are eager to see how Corenswet and Brosnahan will bring their characters to life, particularly in light of Gunn's emotional investment in their story. With a talented cast and a visionary director at the helm, Superman is poised to be a significant entry in the DC cinematic landscape.
