The Only Reason James Gunn Was Okay With Superman’s Red Undies

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As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I can’t help but draw parallels between the world of superheroes and the virtual realms we navigate. Just as Superman has evolved through various iterations, so too have our favorite video game characters.

On Thursday, excitement ran high as the trailer for “Superman” was unveiled, sparking intense discussions among fans about every detail, including opinions from dedicated DC followers on Clark Kent’s hairstyle. Regarding Superman’s attire, his iconic red briefs have been a constant element, but director James Gunn expressed his intention to alter this design by eliminating them. However, David Corenswet, the actor playing Clark Kent, provided a compelling argument for why Superman should continue wearing his traditional outfit.

In their attempts to determine the best fit, they tested various versions, some with trunks and others without. During this process, David mentioned that Superman, being an all-powerful alien, should not instill fear in children. To achieve this, Tyler Hoechlin (Clark Kent) explained that Superman’s appearance needs to be a bit unusual to those around him so they won’t panic when he appears. He likened it to a professional wrestler’s attire, and James Gunn added that his choice of clothing serves to make people feel less afraid while also symbolizing hope and positivity. This concept resonated with me.

Ultimately, Superman’s iconic briefs remained part of his outfit, despite Gunn finding them somewhat goofy. However, it’s worth noting that he isn’t alone in attempting to redesign Superman’s appearance throughout different film adaptations.

James Gunn isn’t the first director to try losing Superman’s skivvies

As a gamer, I’ve noticed two distinct versions of Superman’s costume. In the 1978 version and its sequels, Christopher Reeve sported an outfit that stayed true to the classic comic design, complete with red trunks. Fast forward to 2013 with Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel,” where Henry Cavill donned a different look – all-blue suit, still featuring the iconic red cape and a toned-down insignia, but no more red shorts. This shift was in line with Snyder’s grittier, darker universe, and it continued into “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” and “Justice League.

James Gunn’s Superman is expected to strike a balance between seriousness and humor, but only time will reveal the outcome for the character. It’s logical that these directors are experimenting, as DC Comics itself has not maintained a uniform appearance for Kal-El over the years; they have frequently updated his costume to suit various storylines he’s been involved in. When the new movie premieres in theaters on July 11, 2025, fans will discover which portrayal aligns most closely with Gunn’s vision and where it ranks among the top and bottom live-action Superman costumes.

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2024-12-21 00:59