David Corenswet’s Superman breaks the frustrating superhero costume trend

The world finally gets to see what director David Corenswet’s titular hero will look like in the movie. Superman, and the DCU’s leading superheroes are already bucking the common supersuit trend. Ever since James Gunn announced that the DC Universe’s first multi-year project would begin on the big screen under its then-titled Superman: Legacy (Currently called simply Superman), debate raged over what exactly Clark’s costume should be. Finally, Gunn shared the first image of Coren Sweat in his Superman costume, which clearly mixes inspirations both old and new.

Almost every superhero has an important relationship with their costume and overall visual design, but few combinations inspire as much heated opinion as Superman and his red and blue costume.From Christopher Reeves’ 1978 Classic Simplicity Superman Superman, who appears in Henry Cavill’s more alien design series, looks noticeably different depending on the actor. But Corren Sweat’s unique Superman reveal is bold and manages to avoid the frustrating tendencies common in modern superhero movies.

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David Corren Sweat’s Superman suit looks like real clothes

Early on the morning of May 6, Gunn posted a picture of Corren Sweat wearing a Superman costume on a thread and on Instagram. The design was generally well received, although there was some surprise and confusion about the composition of the photo and the details of the suit itself. . For lack of a better term, Superman’s suit looks almost alive. Not only is it dirty, but it’s also not the smeared mystery of physics that mysteriously clings to Korenwet’s body.

Perhaps anticipating questions about the suit’s fit, Gunn clarified in a thread post that the image was entirely “in-camera.” What this means is that everything the viewer sees is what the camera recorded, with no retouching or digital alterations (the Metropolis skyline and energy explosions are probably the most commonly used images in film production). (possibly a large wrap-around digital screen used). Korenwet’s suit is bulky and heavy, with visible wrinkles on the arms, shoulders, and torso. The cape hangs down to the ground without undulating. The fabric looks really real.

Superman’s unique approach to his visual debut won’t be to everyone’s taste, but it stands in contrast to an unfortunate trend in big-budget superhero movies. Practical suits can be extremely difficult to create and film, but heavy use of CGI often detracts from the overall experience. recently, flash The film was criticized for its overall visual effects, but especially for the bizarre uncanny valley effect of seeing Ezra Miller in an overly modified suit in the special effects. However, the MCU has also received notable, and often justified, criticism for using poor CGI instead of practical suits and sets that would give a more tangible feel.

James Gunn’s Superman reveal is based on shocking facts

Not just Clark’s suit, but the entire suit. Superman The reveal is surprisingly grounded. Many likely expected, and rightly so, that Superman’s debut image would be too heroic. Clark is probably flying through the sky, brightly lit by the sun, in front of the clear skies of Metropolis. Instead, Clark, played by Corenswet, is shown in a surprisingly human moment, sitting down and putting on his boots.

While not as action-packed or vibrant as some might like, this picture highlights the best parts of Clark Kent. Despite being an alien and one of the most powerful beings on Earth, he has the heart of a boy from Kansas and is perhaps more human than anyone else.meanwhile Superman‘s official marketing materials are likely to be as pretentious as any other hero.” Gunn’s first look is a great sign that he understands what makes Superman special.

Superman (2025)

release date

July 11, 2025

cast

David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Maria Gabriela de Faria