In the latest Superman film, the Man of Steel is depicted wearing shorts over his tights instead of the traditional briefs, a change explained by both director James Gunn and actor David Corenswet.
Should Superman wear swim trunks or not – this is the dilemma that every director of a Superman movie must tackle. The famous DC character dons bright blue leggings, so should these be matched with red swim trunks, as depicted in the comics? Or does a live-action Superman need something more practical and less comical?
Christopher Reeve and Brandon Routh both displayed a striking resemblance to Superman, but Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Superman notably kept his costume below the waist blue.
In the lead-up to production, James Gunn and David Corenswet engaged in discussions about the topic, and at times, Gunn sought advice from a former director on this very subject. However, it was the leading actor who eventually proposed an explanation for the trunks that resonated with everyone involved in the movie.
How David Corenswet solved Superman’s trunk problem
During an interview with Fandango about the latest Superman film, James Gunn shared that a significant point of discussion was whether or not to include the iconic trunks. He consulted Zack Snyder, the director of Man of Steel, who had experimented extensively with incorporating trunks but ultimately found it challenging to make them work effectively in the final product.
In our conversation, Judianna Makovsky and I agreed to explore two options: one with the character wearing a trunk and another without. David attempted both versions, but I found myself leaning towards the one without the trunk.
As a kid, I was raised on the classic, comic-book version of Superman. That iconic style is something I’ve always admired. However, I wanted to find a convincing, in-universe explanation for why my character would embody that look.
According to Corenswet, “They appear somewhat awkward,” he remarks. “What you were aiming for was to give them a cool appearance. Or perhaps you were searching for a purpose or rationale for their existence that would make sense. My idea was simply that they’re intended to look slightly comical. Maybe the reason he wears them is to project an air of silliness. Essentially, it’s to undercut his true power.
In this interpretation of the DCU, it’s common knowledge that he’s an alien. He emits beams from his eyes and can destroy objects with his breath, making him quite formidable. However, despite his intimidating appearance, he has a soft spot for children and humans in general. This compassionate side led Gunn to retain the trunks (symbolizing Superman’s innocence).
On July 11, 2025 is when Superman will make his appearance on the big screen. Until then, there’s news about the post-credits scene of Man of Steel, speculation about a possible Justice League film, a disclosure concerning Mr. Handsome, and information on changes James Gunn made following test screenings – stay tuned for updates!
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2025-06-12 16:18