David Corenswet discusses his hopeful take on Superman and working with James Gunn

David Corenswet opens up about becoming Superman, restoring joy to the role, and working with James Gunn

David Corenswet is ushering in a brighter era for Superman as DC Studios prepares to relaunch the iconic character under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran.

In a recent interview, the actor reflected on landing the role of the Man of Steel and his desire to bring optimism and humanity back to one of pop culture’s most enduring superheroes.

Corenswet revealed that he auditioned for the role through a self-tape, noting that even established actors were required to do the same. When he learned he had been cast, his reaction was calm rather than celebratory, driven largely by relief at securing a long-term project. For Corenswet, the opportunity aligned closely with his own vision of Superman as a hopeful and uplifting figure.

A lifelong fan of the character, Corenswet said Gunn’s publicly stated intention to deliver a more optimistic Superman immediately resonated with him. He aims to balance the hero’s alien origins with the grounded humanity of Clark Kent, portraying Superman as both powerful and deeply relatable. That approach marks a tonal shift from darker recent interpretations of the character.

Corenswet’s path to Superman began early. He appeared in his first professional stage production at age nine before later training at Juilliard, where he gained a deeper understanding of acting as a profession. He credits those formative experiences with shaping his versatility and discipline as a performer.

In addition to Superman, Corenswet will next portray real-life football player John Tuggle in Mr. Irrelevant, starring opposite Michael Shannon. He is also set to reprise his role as Superman in Gunn’s upcoming Man of Tomorrow, scheduled for release in 2027, alongside Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.

With DC Studios signaling a renewed focus on hope and character-driven storytelling, Corenswet’s Superman represents a fresh start for the franchise—and a return to the joy that first defined the Man of Steel.