‘Superman’ Is Being Described as “One of the Most Distinct Superhero Films in a Long Time”
David Corenswet recently spoke with GQ about his role as Superman in James Gunn’s upcoming film, which is hitting theaters worldwide this week. While the interview mostly focused on his experience working on the project, GQ also gave a small early review of the movie, calling it “one of the most distinct superhero films in a long time.”
According to GQ, the movie really stands out. They said it feels true to who Superman is, honest, hopeful, and not trying to copy other superhero movies that are dark or gritty. Gunn’s version is full of color, both in the way it looks and in the costumes.
It’s also pretty wild in a fun way, with robots, flying orbs, portals, giant monsters, and even Krypto the Superdog. There’s a part near the end where Superman gives a passionate speech about who he is. That moment really sums up the message of the whole film. And if you’re wondering, no, there’s no dramatic or controversial Superman like in some recent movies.
Corenswet talked about what makes Superman different from other superheroes. “The things we’re aiming for are the things that are truest and therefore most interesting about Superman,” he said. “The fact that he is essentially free from angst and turmoil internally. He’s a good guy who had a great upbringing, loving parents… He doesn’t have the Batman thing of having lost his parents early and doesn’t feel the burden of this terrible city that he has to come and save.” Instead, he said Metropolis is actually a great city—it just has its fair share of kaiju attacks and monsters now and then.
Director James Gunn had his own take on Superman’s personality. “I think that oftentimes people can see Superman as Pollyanna,” Gunn said. “They [say] ‘How can we make Superman cool?’ So if it’s the ’90s, they give him a mullet. But the thing is that he’s not cool. He’s kind. He loves little kids. He wants little kids to like him. I think it’s about owning that and being okay with that. It’s not trying to hippify him, you know?”
When it came to casting, Gunn didn’t choose a dramatic scene for auditions. Instead, he picked a long, fast-paced dialogue between Clark and Lois. It reminded Corenswet of old movies like Singin’ in the Rain and His Girl Friday. “I immediately read it in the terms of the movies that I grew up on,” he said, “and it turned out that that was what he was imagining.”
Gunn said what really stood out was the chemistry between Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, who plays Lois Lane. “David read with another actress who was very, very, very good. But his chemistry with Rachel was better,” he said. “Nick read with Rachel, and his chemistry wasn’t so hot with her, and his chemistry was actually much better with another actor.”
This strong chemistry comes through in the movie too. One of the first scenes shows Clark and Lois already deep into their relationship. It’s light, funny, and full of energy. According to GQ, just that one scene had more spark than all of the recent Superman movies combined. Brosnahan explained, “You really learn a lot about who the characters are and how their relationship has unfolded up until this point.”
Corenswet also spoke about what it was like working with Gunn on set. He said Gunn would shout out directions while filming, which isn’t how most directors do it. But for him, it worked. “The second that happened, I went, okay, this is going to be great,” he said. “Because I have no idea what I’m doing. I desperately need a director.”
The two of them built a very open and honest working relationship. Corenswet admitted he sometimes asked too many questions, trying to make sure he was doing everything right. Gunn said, “Sometimes his questions are great… But every once in a while, it’s just one question too many.” Still, he appreciated how Corenswet never took it personally when told to dial it back. “We have a really, to me, beautiful relationship in that way,” Gunn said.
Corenswet summed it up by saying, “James and I are made for each other.” From the sounds of it, both the movie and the team behind it are bringing something refreshing and heartfelt to Superman’s story. And if GQ is right, this could be one of the most unique superhero movies in a long time.
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