James Gunn knew from the beginning that David Corenswet was the right Superman, and it wasn’t just about his looks or acting chops — In ann interveiw with ABC Gunn recalled that what stood out was the humor. He mentioned that, instantly, there was a sense of relief because the actor displayed a playful charm that hadn’t been apparent in Pearl. He added that the actor's sense of humor made him think that this could be a really good match.
For Gunn, humor was the key to making Superman feel real, grounded, and relatable — traits that have often been overshadowed by the character’s god-like abilities.
"Superman is a square, and David is a square," Gunn laughed, describing how Corenswet’s quirky, old-fashioned charm made him fit the role perfectly. "He listens to the American Songbook. Like Dean Martin and Cole Porter. That’s what he listens to on his iPad. That’s weird. But oh, so Superman."
Corenswet, who is known for his more serious roles, found that it was his ability to bring humor into the character that truly set him apart.
"I didn’t realize how much of Superman’s humor came from this simple, innocent way of interacting with the world," Corenswet said.
He added that playing Clark Kent in Gunn's Superman: Legacy required a specific, light-heartedness that he hadn’t tapped into before. It wasn’t just about cracking jokes, it was about finding the comedy in Clark’s sincere, sometimes awkward moments.
When Corenswet received the good news, his excitement was evident. His first call was to his wife, followed by a text to his sister, who was on the golf course. Her response was a playful, "Is it possible that was a phone call with super good news?" To which Corenswet replied, "Yes. Super good news."
It’s clear that Corenswet’s take on Superman will bring not only heroism but also a refreshing dose of humor.
