With the film's upcoming domestic release on 11/7, director James Gunn and actor David Corenswet discussed the movie in an interview. Gunn admitted that casting Superman was his biggest fear because "if you choose the wrong person, everything falls apart."

Superman is an iconic figure for generations of audiences. He is tall, square-jawed, dark-haired, and exudes heroism. However, Gunn's project delves into the psychology of a character with romantic conflicts, a sense of humor, and occasional stubbornness. These traits demanded an actor who could embody both the physical and emotional aspects of the role.

"I needed someone who could portray all of that. And I was lucky enough to see David Corenswet's performance in Pearl (2022). When I looked into his eyes, I saw something special, something that made me think: This could be Superman," he said.

Gunn added Corenswet to the shortlist, sending his name to the casting director and producer with a request for an audition. Upon reviewing Corenswet's video, Gunn felt the actor captured the character's inherent goodness and compassion. He wasn't trying to be an action star but instead spoke about loneliness, pressure, and how Superman influenced his own thinking.

Beyond casting, the challenge lay in balancing audience nostalgia with a fresh, distinctive take. Gunn was drawn to unexplored aspects of the story, like the flying dog Krypto, extraterrestrial superheroes, and the rivalry between Superman and Lex Luthor. He also wanted to depict the love story between Superman and Lois Lane in greater depth.

Director James Gunn (left) and David Corenswet on the set of "Superman." Photo: DC Studios

In 2018, producer Toby Emmerich approached Gunn to direct a Superman film, but he declined, unsure how to approach the character. Despite this, the idea of a Man of Steel project lingered, and he eventually found his inspiration.

"My job is to make the best film possible, and then I can move on to the next project. I'm always happy when people like my work, but I don't live for praise. My joy comes from the creative process; that's where my focus needs to be," Gunn stated.

Corenswet said that upon learning he landed the role, he immediately began physical training to achieve the desired physique. Every day, he would get dressed, head to the gym, lift weights, do high-intensity workouts, and then go home.

The actor admitted to having doubts after reading comments suggesting he wasn't worthy of such a significant role. However, instead of dwelling on negativity, he focused on the director's objective: to tell a story of hope and compassion through a love for the character.

For months, Corenswet was a regular presence on set, performing stunts, hanging from wires, and enduring physical and mental fatigue. "After about eight or 9 hours, my body would ache, and exhaustion would set in. But the support of the crew helped me through it. I just kept thinking I had to keep going for them," he shared.

David Corenswet as Superman. Photo: DC Studios

Superman first appeared in Action Comics #1, published on 18/4/1938. The story revealed the origins of the alien boy sent to Earth and his love interest, Lois Lane. Superman became one of the most recognizable and celebrated figures in American pop culture, spawning blockbuster movies, books, toys, and even chewing gum.

The franchise has been adapted into television series, animated shorts, and feature films. The most recent film featuring Superman was The Flash (2023), with Nicolas Cage in the role. According to Numbers, the total box office revenue for Superman films exceeds $2.5 billion USD, with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) being the highest-grossing at $874 million USD globally.

James Gunn's DC Universe (DCU) features many casting changes from previous projects, including Henry Cavill, the actor most recently associated with Superman. In late 2022, Cavill announced his departure from the role due to the studio's plans to cast a younger actor. In 6/2023, DC chose the 6'4" Corenswet after months of searching. This latest project marks the beginning of Chapter One: Gods and Monsters of the DCU, overseen by Gunn and producer Peter Safran, set in a world where humans are aware of superheroes' existence.

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