David Corenswet’s Explanation for Superman’s Trunks Is the Best We’ve Ever Heard

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In the ongoing discussion about what’s fitting for Superman’s attire in a new film, I find myself siding with those who advocate for the inclusion of trunks. As we gear up for this reboot under James Gunn’s direction, I believe it’s crucial to consider the perspective of our lead actor, David Corenswet. During his interview on the DC Studios Showcase, he expressed a compelling viewpoint: to make Superman more relatable and approachable, he suggested that Kal-El wear a vibrant, perhaps even playful, suit adorned with trunks as a defining feature.

Corenswet expressed that the trunks appear somewhat amusing and suggested a possible solution: “James was trying to find a way to make them less goofy,” he said. “But James, despite being a trunk advocate, found it challenging. He wanted to justify the trunks but couldn’t. My idea was to embrace their silliness as part of Superman’s character. The reason Superman wants to look slightly silly is that he doesn’t crave coolness; instead, he aims to be Clark Kent – an ordinary guy who barely fits in at work.

As a movie critic, I’d rephrase it like this: “Much like Superman, who can catch falling buildings and destroy threats with his laser vision, I want to assure you that I am not just an untouchable superhero. I am approachable. You could ask me for directions, seek my help with homework, or even ask for assistance when your cat gets stuck in a tree. The trunks in the movie are symbolic of this accessibility. They signify that despite my immense power, I’m not too proud to say hello.

Various live-action portrayals of Superman have tackled the question of the ‘trunks’ (short for underwear) in diverse ways. For instance, Christopher Reeve’s suit sported prominent red trunks, and Brandon Routh’s Superman, set within the same storyline as the original films, also wore these trunks as a nod to the previous series. In contrast, Zack Snyder’s portrayal in the DC Extended Universe chose to omit the trunks for Henry Cavill’s character, resulting in a more realistic, textured appearance for his costume.

Throughout the creation process of “Superman”, Gunn consistently wrestled with the issue of the trunks. He even sought Snyder’s advice on this point, who revealed that he had tried to integrate the trunks into Cavill’s costume but couldn’t make it function properly. It wasn’t until Corenswet expressed his viewpoint that the disagreement was finally resolved.

The logic behind Corenswet desiring the trunks aligns perfectly with the essence of the Superman persona. Historically, Superman is depicted as an upbeat, motivational hero who strives to lift the community as a symbol of hope. Given that Superman appears to be drawing inspiration from the original Reeve films (as evident in the use of John Williams’ famous theme in promotional materials), it’s entirely logical for Corenswet’s portrayal to wear the trunks. This choice reflects how each hero adopts their costume for a distinct purpose. While Batman uses his attire to instill fear, Superman aims to demonstrate that despite his extraordinary powers, he’s just an ordinary guy trying to fit in. In the DC Universe, Superman embodies “truth, justice, and a brighter future,” so it’s fitting that he doesn’t aim to intimidate with his appearance.

It’s intriguing to observe how the costume design for Corenswet’s Superman may change as he continues in this role. Typically, changes and adjustments are made to the suits in sequels of superhero movies, reflecting the character’s development throughout their storyline. It seems probable that the briefs will remain a constant feature of the DCU’s Superman suit, unless Corenswet manages to bring his vision of a more mature, R-rated portrayal of Superman to life. In either case, it’s expected that Superman will continue to embody the qualities of a bright, friendly, and capable hero who can tackle everything from battling super-powered aliens to assisting children with their homework.

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2025-07-04 17:44