In James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman film, fans will finally get a canon answer to a long-standing comic book mystery: Clark Kent‘s glasses explanation. For decades, audiences have wondered how no one recognizes Clark Kent as Superman just because of a pair of glasses.
Gunn is known for his grounded storytelling. With help from comic book writer Tom King, the film will offer a believable solution rooted in classic DC lore.
Lois Lane Already Knows Clark’s Secret
Unlike previous adaptations, this movie skips the traditional “Lois discovers Clark is Superman” storyline. When the story begins, Clark Kent has already served as Metropolis’ hero for at least three years.
He and Lois Lane are a couple, both working at the Daily Planet. This shift allows the film to dive straight into their relationship. However, it also leaves audiences asking a familiar question: If Lois knows the truth, what is Clark Kent’s glasses explanation that fools everyone else?
Clark Kent’s Glasses Explanation Comes from the Comics
Gunn tackled this head-on during a Rolling Stone interview, revealing that the film briefly but directly addresses the disguise.
“It comes up again later in the movie and it’s explained. She says it. We mention it. And it’s a one-off and people chuckle, but there’s stuff later in the movie about the glasses that are canon. That’s canon in the comics.”
This points to the explanation from Superman (Vol. 1) #330 (1978), where Superman uses super-hypnotism while wearing his glasses to subtly alter how others perceive him. Though rarely discussed today, Clark Kent’s glasses explanation is officially part of the character’s comic book history — and Gunn is now bringing it to life for modern audiences.
Tom King Helped Gunn Crack the Glasses Problem
Gunn also credited acclaimed writer Tom King with helping him accept the in-universe logic. The director recalled their first meeting:
“The first time we met was at Peter [Safran]’s house… I’m like, ‘I just don’t know how to [frick]ing deal with the glasses thing, because it bothers the f* out of me.’”
But Gunn didn’t want to hand-wave the issue with, “It’s just fantasy.” Instead, he insisted that every element in the story should feel earned and believable:
“All that little stuff people are like, ‘It’s a fantasy, just let it go.’ I’m like, ‘No, I have to explain everything.’ Everything for me has to come from a place where I believe it, as outlandish as it is.”
Kryptonian Glasses? A Sci-Fi Twist That Might Work
While Gunn hasn’t revealed the final explanation used in the film, many believe it will incorporate newer comic concepts. One theory suggests Clark’s glasses are crafted from Kryptonian glass salvaged from his spaceship — a material that could subtly distort or conceal his appearance from human eyes.
This approach blends comic science fiction with visual logic, potentially giving fans a satisfying and consistent answer.
Corenswet’s Performance Strengthens Clark Kent’s Glasses Explanation
Adding depth to the disguise, fans have already observed that David Corenswet shifts his posture, voice, and hairstyle between scenes as Clark Kent and Superman — echoing the iconic transformation style of Christopher Reeve in 1978’s Superman: The Movie. This physical distinction enhances the illusion, making Clark appear visibly different from Superman.
Combined with the film’s canon-based explanation for Clark Kent’s glasses, Corenswet’s nuanced performance could finally make the disguise convincing for modern audiences — both visually and narratively.
Clark Kent’s glasses explanation has always been one of the most debated elements in Superman lore. But under James Gunn’s direction, it’s finally being addressed with humor, authenticity, and respect for comic canon. If successful, this moment could help redefine how fans perceive Clark Kent’s dual identity for years to come.
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Patrick Webb