When you’re the new face of Superman in a reboot directed by James Gunn, you might assume you’ll do exactly what the filmmaker says.
David Corenswet has other ideas.
In a recent interview, the actor revealed there was one key performance note from Gunn he flat‑out refused to follow – and it’s about as crucial a moment as you can get for the Man of Steel.
The Note James Gunn Gave — And Corenswet Rejected
According to Corenswet, the disagreement came during a pivotal emotional scene between
Superman (Kal-El/Clark Kent) and
Lois Lane.
- In the scene, Lois tells Superman she loves him.
- Gunn reportedly wanted Kal-El’s reaction to be
more “solemn.”- Corenswet pushed back hard, insisting that the lighter, more playful take he’d already given was the right one, saying he was basically like,
“No!”He believed Superman’s reaction should carry a
warm, knowing chuckle instead of a heavy, serious tone, arguing it would make the moment land better emotionally.
In the end, Corenswet says he
held his ground, and his version of the beat stayed in.
Why This Moment Matters for Corenswet’s Superman
This isn’t just a tiny line-read tweak. It hints at how
Corenswet sees the character and what fans might expect from this new era of Superman:
- A
lighter, more optimistic Man of Steel, closer to classic comic-book charm than brooding modern takes.
- A Superman who lets moments of love and joy feel
playful and human, not weighed down by constant gravitas.
Corenswet’s insistence also signals that he’s
not just a placeholder in the cape; he’s actively shaping how this Superman sounds, feels, and connects with audiences — even when it means gently overruling his director on a key emotional beat.
The Power Balance: Actor vs. Auteur
James Gunn is known for being a writer-director with a
very specific vision. For a relatively young actor stepping into one of Hollywood’s most iconic roles, pushing back could have been risky.
Instead, this story suggests a
collaborative dynamic on set:
- Gunn had a clear idea of the tone.
- Corenswet had a clear idea of the character.
- They disagreed — and Gunn ultimately let the actor’s instinct win in this moment.
For fans, that’s an encouraging sign: the man playing Superman isn’t just wearing the suit; he’s
bringing his own conviction to the role.
What This Reveals About the New Superman Era
Even from this one anecdote, a few things come into focus:
- Expect a
more emotionally open, gently humorous Superman, rather than a purely stoic alien savior.
- The
Clark–Lois relationship is likely to lean into warmth, banter, and mutual affection, not just high drama and angst.
- Corenswet is treating this as
his Superman, not just James Gunn’s Superman.
If audiences embrace that warmer, slightly cheeky reaction in the final cut, this could become one of those tiny creative hills an actor chose to die on — and ultimately reshaped how a generation sees a legendary hero.
What to Watch For Next
As more footage and trailers roll out, here’s what to keep an eye on:
-
How often Superman smiles or jokes in emotional moments.
- The
chemistry and tonal balance between Clark and Lois.
- Whether this “knowing chuckle” vibe becomes a signature trait of Corenswet’s Kal-El.
If this early story is any indication, David Corenswet is planning to
wear the cape his way — and not even James Gunn can always talk him out of it.
Sources
1. Superman Star David Corenswet Reveals The One Note From James Gunn He Refused To Budge On: "I Was Like, 'No!'"
