David Corenswet's Superman reveal breaks a frustrating superhero costume trend

The world finally knows what David Corenswet's titular hero will look like Superman, and the DCU's main superhero is already bucking the usual supersuit trend. Ever since James Gunn announced that the first few years of DC Universe projects would begin with the then-title on the big screen Superman: Legacy (now simply called Superman), there was heated debate about exactly what Clark's outfit should look like. Finally, Gunn has revealed the first image of Corenswet in his full Superman outfit, which features a mix of obvious old and new inspirations.

While almost every superhero has an important relationship to their costume and overall visual design, few pairings spark such heated opinions as Superman and his red and blue outfit. From the classic simplicity of Christopher Reeves' 1978 Superman In contrast to Henry Cavill's more alien design, Superman looked noticeably different from actor to actor. However, Corenswet's unique Superman reveal is bold and manages to avoid a frustrating trend that is all too common in modern superhero films.

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David' Corenswet's Superman suit looks like real clothing

Gunn posted Corenswet in his full Superman outfit on Threads and Instagram early on May 6, and while the design was generally well received, there was also a bit of surprise and confusion over the composition of the photo and some details of the suit itself. For lack of a better phrase, Superman's suit looks animated. Not only is he dirty, but it's not some painted secret of physics that mysteriously clings to Corenswet's body.

Likely anticipating questions about the suit's fit, Gunn clarified in his Threads post that the image was entirely “in-camera.” This means that everything viewers see is what the camera registered, with no touch-ups or digital alterations (the Metropolis skyline and energy explosion is likely a large, wrap-around digital screen often used in film production). Corenswet's suit is voluminous and heavy, with folds adorning his arms, shoulders, and torso. The cape hangs to the floor without bunching. The material actually looks real.

While the unique approach to Superman's visual debut probably won't be for everyone, it bucks a disappointing trend in big-budget superhero films. While practical suits can be incredibly challenging to create and film, the overuse of CGI often detracts from the overall experience. Recently, The Lightning was criticized for its general visual effects, but especially for the bizarre, uncanny valley effect of seeing Ezra Miller in a suit overly altered by special effects. However, the MCU has also received notable and often justifiable criticism for substituting poor CGI for more tangible, practical suits and sets.

James Gunn's Superman reveal is shockingly well-founded

More than just Clark's suit, though, the whole thing Superman The revelation is surprisingly profound. Many probably and reasonably expected Superman's debut picture to be overly heroic. Maybe Clark would fly through the sky, brightly lit by the sun, against a clear Metropolis sky. Instead, Corenswet's Clark is shown sitting down and putting on his boots in a surprisingly human moment.

While this picture is less action-packed or lively than some might like, it highlights the best part of Clark Kent. Despite being an alien and one of the most, if not the most, powerful beings on the planet, he has the heart of a boy from Kansas and is perhaps more human than anyone else. While Superman“Gunn's official marketing materials will likely be just as bombastic as those of other heroes,” and Gunn's first look is a great sign that he knows what makes Superman so special.

Superman (2025)

Release date

July 11, 2025

Pour

David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Maria Gabriela De Faría