As a film enthusiast with over three decades of immersing myself in the vibrant world of superheroes, I can confidently say that James Gunn’s decision to give Superman his signature red trunks is an exhilarating step forward for the DC Universe. The red trunks symbolize not just a piece of the costume but a cornerstone of Superman’s identity—an emblem of hope, positivity, and a reminder that even the most powerful beings among us can be approachable.
James Gunn explains his reasoning behind bringing back Superman’s signature red briefs after a nearly decade-long absence from the character’s outfit. Since Superman first appeared in 1938, his costume has remained instantly recognizable. Although minor details have evolved over time, key elements usually consist of a red cape, a blue jumpsuit with an ‘S’ on the chest, and a pair of red briefs. Despite Superman’s fantastical nature, some find the red briefs to be a step too far, and in 2011 with The New 52, DC Comics opted to remove this iconic element from Superman to modernize his appearance.
When James Gunn announced his upcoming Superman movie, many wondered if the classic costume element, the trunks, would make an appearance. In the first look at the character, the trunks were indeed present. Before the new Superman trailer was released, Gunn talked to reporters about the upcoming DC film. On the topic of the trunks, as reported by iO9, Gunn mentioned that it was David Corenswet who emphasized their importance to Superman’s character, stating they symbolize courage for children and help them overcome fear.
In simpler terms, the creators of Superman tried out various costumes for him, and they tested some with trunks and others without. One thing that stood out was David’s comment that Superman wants children to feel comfortable around him. Since he’s an alien with extraordinary powers, like shooting beams from his eyes, he could be perceived as scary. However, he wants to be liked and seen as a symbol of hope and positivity. To achieve this, they decided to dress him up like a professional wrestler, making him appear less intimidating and more approachable. This idea resonated with many people. It’s important not to overlook the playful aspect of Superman’s costume, as it adds to his superhero identity. He’s the first superhero, known for his bright colors, and that’s who he is.
In “My Adventures with Superman,” we see a return of the iconic red trunks on the character. Previously, Corenswet’s portrayal will mark a significant shift for Superman, as he will be seen in his traditional red-and-blue attire with trunks. In contrast, Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel,” launched during the New 52 era, chose to eliminate the red trunks from Superman’s costume to give him a more realistic appearance. Similarly, Tyler Hoechlin’s Superman in both the Arrowverse and “Superman & Lois” also forwent the red trunks on his costume, despite his character being designed to resemble the classic image of Superman. In live-action, Brandon Routh last wore the red trunks during “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” when he reprised his role from “Superman Returns” and donned an outfit inspired by the “Kingdom Come” Superman. The red trunks have made a comeback in animation.
Superman Needs His Red Trunks
The decision to give Superman the red trunks might not seem like a big deal, but it is a significant signal of intention for James Gunn’s DCU. The previous DCEU decision to ditch the red trunks in an attempt to make Superman feel more “real” or “cool” stemmed from a misunderstanding of the character, one that felt embarrassed about who Superman is and what his character means. This character is meant to embody a specific flight of fancy, speak to the imagination, and embrace the fantastical, so the idea of getting rid of the red trunks feels like an attempt to shake off that fundamental element of the character. James Gunn’s DCU is embracing these fantastical elements.
From a design perspective, the red trunks play a crucial role in Superman’s outfit, as they add contrast to his overall blue costume. The blue expanse is broken up only where the boots begin, leaving a large area without color until then. Although critics panned Jon Peters’ idea of replacing the traditional Superman costume with a black suit for the movie “Superman Lives,” some fans seemed to agree that Superman’s costume needed an update. Instead of altering Superman himself, James Gunn has chosen to present Superman as he is and gauge audience acceptance of him, both in the film and in terms of whether Superman can still resonate with modern audiences by remaining true to his essence.
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2024-12-17 21:32