James Gunn Reveals Why He Cast A ‘Square’ Actor As Superman

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In 2025, not many upcoming films are likely to match the grandeur of James Gunn’s initial DC Universe project, “Superman,” implying that few other movies have the same level of intense studio expectation to perform well. While some fans saw Gunn’s decision to cast David Corenswet, a rising star, as the lead character as a risky move, given his lack of established box office presence, the director stood by his choice and offered an unusual explanation for why it was a natural fit.

Following his successful stints in Ryan Murphy’s shows “The Politician” and “Hollywood”, Corenswet capitalized on his versatility by agreeing to star in Ti West’s horror throwback “Pearl” and the summer hit “Twisters”. However, it was not so much Corenswet’s on-screen character that convinced James Gunn to cast him as Superman, but rather his ordinary nature. As Gunn explained to the Associated Press:

Both Superman and David share the same shape, being squares. They both have a penchant for classic American music, reminiscent of artists like Dean Martin and Cole Porter. On their tablets (or in this case, iPad), you’d find them tuning into these timeless tunes. It might seem peculiar, but that’s just Superman for you.

It seems unlikely that the shots will hit their mark, given Superman’s incredible speed that outpaces bullets, whether they are moving or not. Moreover, considering James Gunn’s praise for the actor, my jest carries little impact.

To put it simply, it seems unlikely that David Corenswet felt insulted by the description, given that director James Gunn likely discussed this very opinion with him during casting. After all, Clark Kent is known for his awkwardness and adherence to rules, traits that are characteristic of Superman too, even when he’s at his most powerful. There’s always an understated “not the most charismatic” aura about Superman, which might stem from his alien origins.

Although it might not imply that Corenswet is an extraterrestrial or anything of the sort, he certainly deviates from the typical self-confident, alpha male persona often associated with 6’4″ and muscular men. In a sense reminiscent of Henry Cavill, who is known for his love of painting Warhammer miniatures, Corenswet’s closer-knit personality worked to his advantage in the end.

David Corenswet Compares Filming Superman To Summer Camp

Filming a movie can be an incredibly challenging experience for everyone involved, but this intense environment can also foster friendships that might not form in less time-constrained projects. This is crucial for series spanning multiple films like the DC Studios project I’m part of. To put it simply, I’ve made countless new friends during filming, making it feel like being at summer camp as a kid. In my own words: “I’ve formed bonds that I wouldn’t have otherwise in this high-pressure movie set, much like the camaraderie built during summer camps of my youth.

What transformed my life instantly was discovering an extraordinary journey – contributing as an actor to the creation of a fantastic movie. Now, I’ve made so many new friends! James fosters a warm, family-like atmosphere on set, making it feel like an exciting, prolonged summer camp experience.

It could be said that someone ordinary might find enjoyment in equating the experience of portraying America’s most famous superhero with going to summer camp. However, considering the social aspect of forming numerous new friendships, it seems this activity is less associated with nerdiness and more with a focus on friendship development.

As we continue discussing this topic, I would also like to offer another instance that underscores David Corenswet’s charmingly rectangular character. In anticipation of how his life could be impacted when Superman premieres and he ascends the popular culture hierarchy, the actor responded modestly by saying:

As an eager cinephile, I’m all too aware that changes might unfold once the movie hits the screens. Yet, life goes on as usual – I’ve got to rise with the dawn and enjoy my morning meal before diving into the day’s adventures.

If Corenswet were to consume the nutritionally balanced meal as depicted in cereal advertisements, complete with orange juice, grapefruit, and cereal served on a designated tray, it wouldn’t raise many eyebrows. However, if he’s consuming outdated boxes of discontinued Superman-themed cereals, yogurts, and assorted other food items, that would be an entirely different level of unusual behavior.

Check out Clark Kent’s innately square nature when Superman hits theaters on July 11, 2025.

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2025-05-05 00:09