As the excitement builds for the upcoming Superman film directed by James Gunn, actor David Corenswet, who takes on the iconic role, recently revealed the challenges of wearing the legendary suit. Set to hit theaters this July alongside co-stars Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult, Corenswet joins a long legacy of actors who have donned the capeâ€â€from Kirk Alyn in the 1940s to Henry Cavill in the 2020s. Each rendition of Superman has brought a unique spin on the classic costume, though many of these outfits come with significant drawbacks.
In an interview with People, Corenswet candidly discussed one of the primary difficulties: bathroom breaks. He lamented, “There are lots of zippers, but there’s no single zipper that allows me to go to the bathroom, which you would think would be quite straightforward, but nothing is straightforward about these things.” The financial constraints of costuming also meant that tailoring the outfit for easier removal wasn’t an option.
Despite the suit’s challenges, Corenswet found some relief thanks to his dresser, Scotty. “I had the most amazing dresser you could ask for, who was sort of like a mob fixer. […] He would make excuses for me if I needed, and we got very good together at getting in and out of the suit, so he would do it quite quickly,” he shared. Such support helped manage the demands of long filming days.
Interestingly, Corenswet’s initial experience with the suit was less than thrilling. He described the first fitting as “underwhelming” because the complete garment was still in progress, lacking the iconic S logo. Additionally, the suit was “quite snug” as it was designed for him before he bulked up by around 40 pounds of muscle.
His struggles with the restrictive costume are not unique to him; many actors in the superhero genre echo similar experiences. Corenswet noted, “You hear actors who play superheroes talking about squeezing into the suits; I got kind of claustrophobic in the suit the first time just being constricted in all those places at the same time.”
The physically demanding suit, while somewhat uncomfortable, contributes to Superman’s visually imposing presence. It emphasizes Corenswet’s muscular physique, designed to portray strength, yet paired with a bright palette and classic trunks to keep the character approachable. Corenswet explained that his Clark Kent wouldn’t want children to fear him, which is reflected in his suit’s design.
Though Corenswet’s journey in the suit comes with its own set of challenges, the final product appears to strike the perfect balance. The bright, bold colors and form-fitting shape encapsulate the spirit of Superman, making him not just powerful, but relatable. While fans will have to wait until July for the film’s release, teasers featuring Corenswet’s attire have already sparked considerable excitement, building anticipation for his cinematic debut.
As we eagerly await Superman, it’s clear that the legacy of the character continues, shaped by both the trials of its current star and the charm of its storied past.