When James Gunn was announced as the creative force behind the DC Universe’s reboot, fans knew they were in for a fresh take on their favorite heroes. Gunn, known for his irreverent humor and bold storytelling in films like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, took on the monumental task of reintroducing Superman to a new generation. Early in the process, rumors swirled about his vision for the Man of Steel, with one tidbit standing out: Gunn initially wanted to ditch Superman’s iconic red trunks. The classic costume element, a staple since the character’s debut in 1938, has long been a point of contention—some see it as timeless, others as outdated. But David Corenswet, the actor stepping into Clark Kent’s boots for the upcoming 2025 film Superman, offered a surprising defense of the trunks that’s turning heads and warming hearts.
Gunn’s hesitation about the red trunks wasn’t entirely unexpected. The filmmaker has a knack for modernizing characters while honoring their roots, and the trunks—a relic of Golden Age comics—have been mocked in recent years as a quirky anachronism. When Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel hit screens in 2013, Henry Cavill’s Superman sported a sleek, trunk-less suit, signaling a shift toward a more grounded, contemporary aesthetic. Gunn seemed poised to follow suit, reportedly favoring a streamlined design that reflected his grounded yet vibrant take on the DCU. Concept art leaked in late 2024 showed early sketches of Corenswet in a suit that echoed Cavill’s, with textured blue fabric and a bold red cape but no hint of the classic underwear-over-tights look.
Enter David Corenswet, the 31-year-old actor best known for The Politician and Pearl. Cast as Superman in mid-2023, Corenswet has been vocal about embracing the character’s legacy while bringing his own spin to the role. In a recent interview tied to the film’s production, which wrapped principal photography in March 2025, he revealed a behind-the-scenes twist: he’d lobbied Gunn to keep the red trunks. His reasoning? They make Superman more approachable, especially to kids. “There’s something about the trunks that softens him,” Corenswet explained. “He’s this godlike figure, faster than a speeding bullet, but those bright red shorts—they’re a little silly, a little human. I think they tell kids, ‘Hey, I’m safe. I’m here to help.’”
Corenswet’s perspective caught Gunn off guard, but it resonated. The director, who’s made a career of blending heart with humor, saw the logic in it. By April 2025, set photos confirmed the trunks were back, paired with a slightly retro-inspired suit that nods to Christopher Reeve’s era while feeling fresh for today’s audience. The final design—revealed in a teaser trailer last month—features a vibrant blue suit, a flowing cape, and yes, those unmistakable red trunks, now subtly integrated into the costume’s lines. Fans on X have been buzzing about the look, with some calling it the perfect balance of nostalgia and modernity. “Corenswet gets it,” one user posted. “Superman’s not just a powerhouse—he’s a symbol.”
This isn’t the first time an actor’s input has shaped a superhero’s on-screen identity. Robert Downey Jr. famously influenced Tony Stark’s wit in Iron Man, and Cavill pushed for a more introspective Superman in Snyder’s films. Corenswet’s advocacy for the trunks taps into Superman’s core: he’s not just a savior but a friend, especially to the vulnerable. The idea that a simple costume choice could bridge that gap speaks to the character’s enduring appeal. Gunn, for his part, has leaned into the shift, reportedly tweaking the script to emphasize Superman’s role as a beacon of hope in a cynical world—a theme that aligns with Corenswet’s vision.
As Superman gears up for its July 11, 2025 release, anticipation is sky-high. The film promises a mix of epic action and small-town charm, with Corenswet’s Clark Kent navigating his dual life in a world that’s forgotten how to trust heroes. The red trunks, once a punchline, might just become a standout feature, proving that even the smallest details can carry big meaning. Gunn may not have wanted them at first, but thanks to Corenswet, they’re here to stay—and they might just make Superman the comforting figure kids, and adults, need right now.
