James Gunn and David Corenswet Talk Superman’s Trunks—and Why Everyone Knows He’s an Alien

James Gunn is offering a fresh look at how Superman fits into his upcoming DC Universe reboot, and this time, there’s no mistaking the Man of Steel for an ordinary Earthling. In fact, everyone on the planet knows he’s not from around here.

“In this version of the DCU, everyone knows he’s an alien,” Gunn told Fandango. “He shoots beams out of his eyes, he can blow things down with his breath, he’s sort of this terrifying creature.” The comment speaks to a new tonal balance the director is trying to strike in Superman, due in theaters this July.

David Corenswet, who takes on the iconic role in Gunn’s reboot, weighed in on a key aspect of Superman’s appearance: the red trunks. Long a subject of fan debate, the brightly colored briefs are back and not without purpose. “My thing was, maybe they’re supposed to look a little silly,” Corenswet told Fandango. “Maybe the reason he wears them is to look a little silly. Basically to undermine how powerful he really is.”

Gunn admitted that he debated including the trunks at all and even consulted Zack Snyder, the director of Man of Steel and Justice League, before deciding. But it was Corenswet’s perspective that tipped the scales. “David saying that was like… But he really likes kids, and human beings, and people. He wants kids not to be afraid of him. And so that was the thing that made me decide to keep the trunks,” Gunn said.

The decision points to a broader theme in Gunn’s vision: a Superman who, while visibly superhuman, chooses to present himself as approachable, even disarming. It’s not just about power, it’s about perception. This Superman might punch through steel, but he definitely doesn’t want scare kids doing it.

Recent trailers have shown just how potent this version of the character is, heat vision unleashed, gravity-defying feats, and a dash into the cosmos, all without shedding his charm or his iconic look.

Superman, directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet, is set to open in theaters on July 11.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook Instagram Twitter(X) YouTube TikTok