David Corenswet Was James Gunn’s Make-or-Break SUPERMAN Casting
Casting Superman was more than just another checkbox on a production list. It’s the foundation everything else rests on, and James Gunn knew it from the start.
As he worked toward bringing Superman to the screen, Gunn made one thing clear to himself and to the studio. If the right Clark Kent didn’t exist, the movie simply wouldn’t happen.
“If I couldn’t find Superman, I wasn’t going to make the movie.”
Superman isn’t just a costume or a symbol. He’s the emotional center of the story and the face of a rebuilt DC universe. Get that wrong, and nothing else matters, no matter how strong the script or how impressive the visuals might be.
Unlike projects where casting can evolve during development, Gunn treated Superman as non-negotiable. The actor had to embody sincerity, warmth, and strength without slipping into parody or detachment. Audiences needed to believe in this version of Clark Kent as a person long before they believed in him as a hero.
That search led Gunn to David Corenswet, who ended up being one of the earliest auditions. The impression was immediate.
“David Corenswet was the second audition I saw. I remember thinking, ‘If that’s the worst we do, we’re in great shape.’”
Gunn wasn’t looking for perfection on day one. He was looking for potential, presence, and an instinctive understanding of the character. Seeing that so early in the process confirmed he was on the right path, even if the search continued.
What makes this casting decision especially important is the context surrounding it. Superman carries decades of audience expectations, comparisons, and emotional baggage. Every new actor inherits all of that the moment they step into the suit. Gunn understood that whoever took on the role would be judged instantly and relentlessly.
Corenswet’s casting wasn’t about chasing familiarity or trying to replicate previous versions. It was about finding someone who could ground Superman in sincerity and relatability. Gunn’s vision of the character depends on striking that perfect balance. Strength without arrogance. Kindness without weakness. Confidence without distance.
The stakes couldn’t have been higher. This was the cornerstone of DC’s future storytelling. Gunn was willing to walk away entirely if that cornerstone didn’t feel solid.
That mindset explains why the casting of David Corenswet matters so much. For Gunn, it was the moment the movie became real. Everything else could be built after that, because Superman finally had a face and a soul that fit the story being told.
