SUPERMAN: David Corenswet Talks Pressure And Potential Legacy As Kal-El; James Gunn Shares New Story Details

SUPERMAN: David Corenswet Talks Pressure And Potential Legacy As Kal-El; James Gunn Shares New Story Details

Superman star David Corenswet has revealed how he feels about potentially only being remembered for playing the hero and addresses the pressure surrounding the role as James Gunn shares new story details.

By JoshWilding - Apr 01, 2025 02:04 PM EST
Filed Under: Superman
Source: TIME

Superman is likely to be a big part of Warner Bros.' CinemaCon presentation later this evening, and as the movie's marketing campaign begins to pick up pace, the DCU's Man of Steel, David Corenswet, has discussed the role with TIME

While playing a superhero was once a guarantee of success for actors, apparent "superhero fatigue" means these movies are no longer surefire hits. And for misfires like Morbius, Madame Web, and Kraven the Hunter, the damage done to the careers of those who led them is significant. 

Corenswet is well aware of that and the pressure a role like Superman brings. He also knows that there's a very good chance he'll only ever be remembered for playing the Man of Tomorrow. And he's okay with it. 

"Would this be worth doing if this was the only thing I do as an actor for the rest of my life?" he ponders. "I think the answer is yes."

"Compared to Batman and Spider-Man, he isn’t depicted as having great inner turmoil. If he’s invincible, what’s at stake?" the actor added, citing All-Star Superman writer Grant Morrison. "All the important stuff. You can be the most well-adjusted, well-intentioned person, but people will still die. You can’t save everyone forever."

While Superman writer and director James Gunn has freely admitted to feeling "miserable" due to the pressure surrounding the reboot, it seems Corenswet is far more chilled out. "What’s the pressure? Pressure to be good? I definitely want to be good," he admits. "But I’m not directing the movie."

"I give James puzzle pieces, and he gets to pick which one goes in which place. I can’t take on the responsibility that James took on of delivering a Superman film to the masses. But James is the right person to do it," the actor concluded.

The site also spoke with Gunn and learned what conditions Corenswet faced when he was offered this chance to lead the DCU. "[Chris Pratt and John Cena] treated everyone with kindness and respect. I’ve seen sets that cater to an actor or director’s ego and that’s just not something that would happen with David."

"He is Superman, even in his nerdiness. He listens to old jazz standards. Like that’s what he listens to, just as normal procedure. Like Superman, he’s a simple man in complicated times."

However, there were times when his leading man tried the filmmaker's patience. "David’s a pain in the ass because he asks a ton of questions about every single little moment," Gunn explains. "I honestly think my favorite moments were when I would get irritated by his endless questions and indulge him anyway, and then I’d see him turn those questions into something magical in his performance."

The DC Studios co-CEO also shared some plot details and reflected on a "12-minute interview scene with Lois and Clark", which appears to confirm today's plot leak as being the real deal. 

"[Superman] is starting to become successful (at both jobs) in the big glitzy city so far away from home," he teases. "He’s madly in love with a woman who isn’t so sure about him. And he’s made a few superhuman friends who like him but think of him as naive."

"All these new elements in his life have unbalanced him a bit and as he’s tottering we’re going to see where he lands in terms of his values and choices," Gunn adds.

The more we hear about this movie, the better it sounds. Superman stands a chance of being one of 2025's best blockbusters, and while it will face stiff competition from Jurassic World Rebirth and The Fantatsic Four: First Steps, if it strikes a chord with fans, it may end up winning the day.

Superman arrives in theaters on July 11, 2025.

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BobGarlen
BobGarlen - 4/1/2025, 2:46 PM
I've honestly got a good feeling about this movie.
RolandD
RolandD - 4/1/2025, 2:51 PM
@BobGarlen - I am definitely with you. Some of it is what I have seen and some is hope.
jst5
jst5 - 4/1/2025, 3:14 PM
@BobGarlen - The only thing I haven't liked so far is the suit...the colors are great...the look of the suit just isn't it.
whynot
whynot - 4/1/2025, 2:47 PM
Sounds SUPER
Malatrova15
Malatrova15 - 4/1/2025, 2:52 PM
Ok buy kang
Alucard28
Alucard28 - 4/1/2025, 2:57 PM
Superman listening to jazz standards? I'm watching this first day!
TheVisionary25
TheVisionary25 - 4/1/2025, 3:00 PM
Sounds good!!.

It seems like Clark & Lois are in the early stages of their relationship but the former is already deeply in love while the latter is still figuring out her feelings but given the footage we have seen , it seems likely that she also falls in love through the course of the film which is nice since in many stories , their romance is the heart of it…

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Also I would love like in First Avenger that Clark has a flat arc in that he doesn’t change himself (if anything , he’s more resolute in his beliefs) but changes the world around him such as public perception etc
Gambito
Gambito - 4/1/2025, 3:06 PM
Is it really that bad being remembered only for playing a big name?? Even Cristian Bale with his long and Oscar winning career has said he is known mostly and will be remembered for Batman and that he’s totally fine with it
ToldYaSo
ToldYaSo - 4/1/2025, 3:07 PM
"And for misfires like Morbius, Madame Web, and Kraven the Hunter, the damage done to the careers of those who led them is significant. "
I don't believe that's really accurate. I can't think of one instance of any of the leads that were raked over the coals for being involved in a poorly written and shot film.
ClungeOfSteel
ClungeOfSteel - 4/1/2025, 3:08 PM
Ehh I need a trailer 😮‍💨😮‍💨
POWERDUDE
POWERDUDE - 4/1/2025, 3:36 PM
C’mon Superman!!!! We all need you!!!!⭐️ Let’s make this a triumphant comeback!!!!
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dragon316
dragon316 - 4/1/2025, 4:28 PM
@POWERDUDE - can’t do it without people support it judge movie for them self see what there own opinion is on it .,

Fans love transformers one and people like avatar movies I hate avatar movies I was bored watching transformers one
ModHaterSLADE
ModHaterSLADE - 4/1/2025, 3:40 PM
Sounds like a Superman that is established, but a long ways off from the legendary hero he's known as across the galaxy. I like that this isn't going for a retread of other Superman projects where we get a Superman that is already with Lois and considered one of the wiser/seasoned Justice League Members.
HulkisHoly
HulkisHoly - 4/1/2025, 6:04 PM
@ModHaterSLADE -

It’s basically year two Superman and I love that.
I think that was a genius move for The Batman and I think it’s a genius move here as well.

It’s like an origin without having to retread the same story beats for the millionth time.
ModHaterSLADE
ModHaterSLADE - 4/1/2025, 9:12 PM
@HulkisHoly - Year Two Superman is a good analogy.
grif
grif - 4/1/2025, 4:06 PM
what pressure? hes done filming
McMurdo
McMurdo - 4/1/2025, 4:52 PM
@grif - this was during principal where the pressure quote was pulled.
Patient2670
Patient2670 - 4/1/2025, 5:03 PM
@grif - I wouldn't be surprised if this was more stressful or he's feeling more pressure now that it's in the can. At this point, it's out of his hands and he's got months to wait befoore finding out how people respond. Not all the hype has been positive, and all he can do is sweat it out.
Nonameforme
Nonameforme - 4/1/2025, 4:14 PM
Gonna be cbm of the year.
McMurdo
McMurdo - 4/1/2025, 4:52 PM
I'm loving the positivity in the comments, folks. Everyone whose sources I trust and follow who haven't botched huge stories and scoops time and time again like Jeff Sneider's current sources are stating the test screenings are great and that they love the film. I genuinely think we are in for another Guardians 3.
RolandD
RolandD - 4/1/2025, 5:38 PM
@McMurdo - But better.
DarthOmega
DarthOmega - 4/1/2025, 5:53 PM
I heard some good things about this film from some who usually seem to hate everything. This could be cool. The trailers so far have been meh, but of course we can't judge a whole film on one trailer.
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