David Corenswet Says Superman’s Anger Is “The Crux of the Character” in James Gunn’s Film
James Gunn’s Superman is aiming to dig into the emotional complexity behind one of the most recognizable superheroes of all time. According to David Corenswet, who’s stepping into the red boots for the first time, one of the key elements that sets this version apart is Superman’s anger.
It turns out that The Man of Steel, symbol of hope, beacon of virtue, isn’t always calm and composed. In fact, as Corenswet puts it, that tension is kind of the whole point.
During an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, referencing a moment in the trailer where Clark and Lois Lane are caught in an emotionally charged argument, COrenswet said:
“That scene I think is the crux of that character that we see. And the reality is that when he doesn’t have to be Superman, when he doesn’t have to be that calm, reassuring presence to the public.”
That glimpse of frustration is tied directly to the identity conflict Gunn is exploring. Corenswet explained that Gunn focused heavily on a “third” version of the character, beyond just Clark Kent and Superman.
“One great thing that James was really focused on from the beginning is this third character. We haven’t figured out what to call him yet, whether it’s Kel-El or Clark.
“But rather than thinking about either Superman or Clark Kent is the reason one and the other is the alter ego, which you can go back and forth on.
“But there’s a third, truer version of him. Which is the version of him when he’s with somebody that knows that he’s both.”
This internal identity, the unfiltered version of Kal-El, only emerges in moments of true intimacy, and according to Corenswet, Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) plays a major role in surfacing that version of him.
“And Lois Lane who knows that he’s both of these characters and she interacts with him as a journalist as Superman and she interacts with him as a colleague as Clark Kent.
“So she sees these characters and she’s one of the only people who gets to see him when he’s not playing either character and he’s a little bit of both.”
That duality opens the door for emotional honesty than previous versions of the character. His argument with Lois, for example, isn’t about personal conflict, it’s about passion, belief, and the stakes of being who he is in a world that doesn’t always understand him.
“It becomes just between him and Lois. You’re able to see not his anger at Lois, but his frustration with the perspective that she’s representing. And his passion about how certain he is that he’s doing the right thing.”
It’s a interesting evolution for this character. If Gunn and Corenswet pull it off, Superman could offer a fresh and emotionally grounded take on the hero we thought we already knew.
Superman flies into theaters July 2025.