David Corenswet, the newly cast Superman in James Gunn’s upcoming DCU reboot, has sparked a firestorm of debate among fans with a bold statement about his physique. In a recent interview with Variety on May 11, 2025, the 31-year-old actor, set to don the iconic red-and-blue suit in Superman (releasing July 11, 2025), compared his appearance to that of Henry Cavill, who portrayed the Man of Steel in Zack Snyder’s DC Extended Universe from 2013 to 2023. Corenswet’s comment—“I have the most realistic muscles compared to the previous versions of the Man of Steel”—has ignited a heated discussion online, with fans divided over whether the remark was a fair critique or an unnecessary jab at his predecessor.
Corenswet’s casting as Clark Kent/Superman was announced in June 2023, following a rigorous selection process led by Gunn and DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran. Known for roles in Netflix’s The Politician and the horror film Pearl, Corenswet has been praised for his all-American charm and striking resemblance to a young Christopher Reeve, the first cinematic Superman. Standing at 6’4” with a lean, athletic build, Corenswet underwent an intensive training regimen to prepare for the role, working with celebrity trainer Paolo Mascitti to bulk up while maintaining a natural look. In the Variety interview, Corenswet explained that his goal was to embody a Superman whose strength felt “earned” rather than exaggerated, emphasizing functional fitness over pure aesthetics. “I wanted to look like someone who could lift a car, but also someone you might see working on a farm in Kansas,” he said. “My muscles are real, practical—not just for show.”
The comment about having the “most realistic muscles” compared to previous Supermen, however, has been interpreted by many as a direct comparison to Cavill, whose chiseled physique became a defining feature of his portrayal. Cavill, now 42, was celebrated for his dedication to the role, often sharing glimpses of his grueling workouts and strict diet during the filming of Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Zack Snyder’s Justice League. His Superman was a towering, almost godlike figure, with a body that seemed sculpted to match the character’s Kryptonian invincibility. Fans of Cavill have taken to social media to defend him, arguing that his physique was not only realistic but also a testament to his commitment to the role. “Henry trained like a beast for Superman,” one user posted on X. “Calling that unrealistic is just disrespectful.” Others pointed out that Cavill’s build was tailored to Snyder’s darker, more mythic vision of the character, while Corenswet’s approach aligns with Gunn’s grounded, humanistic take.
On the other hand, some fans have rallied behind Corenswet, appreciating his emphasis on a more relatable Superman. “David’s not saying Henry wasn’t great—he’s just talking about a different style,” a supporter commented on Reddit. “Gunn’s Superman is younger, less seasoned. It makes sense he’d look more like a farm boy who’s naturally strong, not a bodybuilder.” Corenswet’s training focused on compound lifts, calisthenics, and outdoor activities like chopping wood, reflecting Clark Kent’s rural upbringing. Photos from the set, leaked in late 2024, show Corenswet in the Superman suit with a noticeably leaner frame than Cavill’s, though still impressively muscular. The new suit, designed with a brighter color palette and a classic S-shield, has also drawn comparisons to Reeve’s iconic look, further emphasizing the shift in tone.
The controversy has overshadowed what was meant to be a celebratory moment for the Superman production. Just days before Corenswet’s interview, Gunn announced that the film’s full trailer would drop on May 14, 2025, following a record-breaking teaser in December 2024. The reboot, which also stars Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, aims to redefine the DCU under Gunn’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. Early reactions to test screenings have been overwhelmingly positive, with insiders praising Corenswet’s earnest portrayal of Clark Kent as a “beacon of hope” in a cynical world. The film also introduces Krypto the Super-Dog and features a sprawling ensemble cast, including Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl and Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern Guy Gardner.
Despite the backlash, Corenswet has remained gracious, later clarifying his comments on Instagram. “I have nothing but respect for Henry and everyone who’s come before me,” he wrote. “We’re just trying to bring a new perspective to a character we all love.” Gunn also weighed in, tweeting, “David’s killing it as Supes. Let’s focus on the movie, not the measuring tape.” As the trailer release approaches, the controversy may soon be overshadowed by fresh footage of Corenswet in action. For now, though, the debate rages on, proving that Superman’s legacy—muscles and all—remains as powerful as ever.
