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

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.