As a seasoned cinephile with over three decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must say that the return of Superman’s red trunks in James Gunn‘s upcoming film has stirred quite a debate among fans and critics alike. However, after delving into the reasoning behind this decision, I find myself swayed towards the side of those who appreciate the symbolic significance it holds for our beloved Man of Steel.

During the filming of “Superman,” several significant news stories arose due to leaked set photos showing the revamped Man of Steel costume, complete with Superman’s classic red briefs. Notably, Zack Snyder had eliminated this element during Henry Cavill’s portrayal of the character. However, in the new adaptation, David Corenswet is seen wearing these red briefs, leading to discussions among fans about whether or not they appear overly comical.

In an interview with the press on the “Superman” film set this year (as reported by Gizmodo), its writer-director, Gunn, shared that he had been advocating for the absence of Superman’s trunks for quite some time. It wasn’t until Corenswet openly expressed his support for Superman wearing red trunks that Gunn decided to incorporate them into the movie.

I found myself experimenting with various designs, and we even considered both full-body suits and bare-chested options,” Gunn explained. What resonated with David, however, was the idea that Superman should be approachable and comforting to children. After all, he’s an alien with extraordinary abilities, including eye beams and immense power. These traits could easily instill fear. Yet, Superman yearns for acceptance. He wants to serve as a beacon of hope and optimism. So, he dons the attire of a professional wrestler – a choice that makes him less intimidating and more clearly conveys his message of hope and positivity. This concept truly struck a chord with me.

Gunn stated, ‘It’s absurd to attempt hiding the playful essence of Superman’s outfit by trying to make it seem serious, for he is a superhero. He was the original, vibrantly colored character, and that’s his identity.’

Fans of comic book movies can look forward to watching Corenswet’s red briefs in action when Warner Bros. releases the initial “Superman” trailer on December 19th. Some might find the costume amusing, but Gunn made it clear to journalists that his “Superman” film won’t carry the broad comedic tone of his previous superhero productions, such as the Marvel “Guardians of the Galaxy” series.

He clarified that while it’s amusing, it doesn’t quite reach the level of comedic brilliance as ‘Suicide Squad’ or ‘Guardians.’ However, there’s a lot of humor in it. Actors like Rachel Brosnahan and David add a great deal of humor to the mix. The show tries to strike a balance between realism and fantasy, creating a world that feels grounded yet fantastical. It’s a universe where superheroes exist, similar to ‘Game of Thrones.’ There’s an enchanting quality about it that’s hard to ignore.

Gunn’s “Superman” is set to open in theaters July 11, 2025 from Warner Bros.

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2024-12-18 03:16