James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ bets it all on hope, and David Corenswet

James Gunn bets big on David Corenswet to revive Superman - with hope, romance, and a throwback to true heroism.

David Corenswet is about to step into one of the most iconic roles in pop culture history, Superman, and the pressure is sky-high. With James Gunn rebooting the DC Universe, the success of this new Superman film doesn’t just rest on box office numbers, it must restore faith in a character many believed Hollywood no longer knew how to handle.

Corenswet, known for Pearl and Hollywood, brings both the classic Superman look and a natural, grounded charm. He’s not playing up the stoic, brooding superhero archetype; instead, Gunn’s version leans into Clark Kent’s kindness, optimism, and awkward romanticism. “He’s a good guy who had a great upbringing,” Corenswet says. “He doesn’t carry trauma; he just wants to help.”

Gunn and Corenswet are crafting a distinctly hopeful Superman, with bright colours, emotional depth, and yes, even Krypto the super dog. Gone are the neck-snapping debates and grim backstories. Instead, the film’s core is a romantic, screwball-style energy between Clark and Lois Lane (played by Rachel Brosnahan), with a tone reminiscent of classic Hollywood. “Superman is a love story,” Brosnahan affirms.

Despite the high stakes, Corenswet remains calm. Living outside Philadelphia and largely avoiding the LA spotlight, he carries a quiet confidence that impressed Gunn from day one. And though he understands the curse of playing Superman, many actors have struggled to escape it, he accepts the risk: “If this is the only role I ever play, I’d still say yes.”

With a tone that’s more earnest than edgy, Superman could be one of the boldest superhero moves in years. And Corenswet may be just the guy to pull it off.