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‘Superman’ Star David Corenswet Trades the Cape for a Quiet Suit at the VMAs, and ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ Is the Reason

ByHrvoje Milakovic Published on
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Most stars treat the VMAs red carpet as an invitation to go big. Sequins, feathers, and cutouts usually steal the spotlight, which makes any understated look stand out. That was the case for David Corenswet’s VMAs appearance this year.

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards took place on Sunday, September 27, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. It was a night packed with music heavyweights, but the presenter lineup also made room for a handful of movie stars. Corenswet was one of the few pure movie stars in a roster dominated by musicians.

The moment that got people talking was small. The Hollywood Reporter shared a video on X captioned “David Corenswet hits the VMAs carpet,” and it quickly spread. In the footage, he stands on the carpet’s circular platform in a light gray double-breasted suit, hands clasped in front of him, leaning forward into a bow for the cameras.

The look was notably understated on a night that leaned into spectacle. For the first time since 2009, the VMAs appeared to have no pre-show performances, which turned the arrivals line into the main event. Against that backdrop, a tailored suit and sunglasses read as almost defiantly calm.

The appearance wasn’t only about fashion. Corenswet walked the carpet with his co-star Isabel May, and the pair presented together during the show. They joined a presenter roster that also included Alex Warren, Charli xcx, Teyana Taylor, Troye Sivan, Tyla, Jeff Probst, and Rachel Dratch.

The reason for the joint appearance is ‘Mr. Irrelevant,’ which isn’t hitting theaters until Christmas. Just Jared described it as an early start to the press tour. According to a fan account’s post, the duo presented the Best Collaboration award to Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter.

The film is the true story of John Tuggle, the last player selected in the last round of the 1983 NFL draft by the New York Giants. Corenswet plays Tuggle, and Michael Shannon plays his first-year head coach, Bill Parcells. May plays Tuggle’s newfound love.

Tuggle played one impactful season before dying of cancer at age 25 in 1986. Jonathan Levine directs from a script by Nick Santora, with David Krumholtz among the supporting cast. Paramount and Skydance Sports released the first trailer on September 13, and the film opens on December 25.

For Corenswet, it is a notable change of pace. He is best known for starring in James Gunn’s ‘Superman,’ and coverage of the trailer noted that he is used to playing a man of steel. Now he is playing a classic underdog.

There is even a fun bit of superhero trivia in the cast. The film reunites Corenswet with Shannon, who played General Zod opposite Henry Cavill in ‘Man of Steel.’ May, meanwhile, has appeared in the Paramount+ series ‘1883’ and in ‘Scream 7.’

RELATED:

First Trailer for ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ Reveals David Corenswet’s Post-Superman Underdog Story

The release date is a bold one. Trade coverage notes the film will open during a crazy busy period in which ‘Avengers: Doomsday,’ ‘Dune: Part Three,’ and a new ‘Jumanji’ film are all set to battle at the box office. That makes an early publicity push feel smart, and the VMAs offered a huge audience.

The trailer’s reception has also been reported as strong. According to one report, test screenings produced very high scores, though such numbers should be treated with caution until audiences see the finished film. Still, a heartfelt sports drama could offer a welcome alternative to the big franchise releases.

Corenswet’s VMAs moment was a small one, but it fit the strategy well. A calm, well-tailored appearance on a loud night got attention for a film that will need it.

What do you think of David Corenswet’s understated VMAs look?

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