The DC Universe is entering a new era with James Gunn’s Superman (2025). Yet, past portrayals still linger — especially Zack Snyder‘s Superman. In a recent interview, new Superman actor David Corenswet expressed his admiration. He respects the legacy, especially the bold direction taken by Snyder and Henry Cavill.
Why Corenswet Respects Zack Snyder’s Superman
In a recent profile with GQ, Corenswet spoke about the importance of giving iconic characters room for interpretation. Furthermore, he praised the creative risk behind Zack Snyder’s Superman, which, notably, presented a darker and more grounded version of the Man of Steel. Reflecting on this, Corenswet said:
“With a great character like Superman, you want great artists and writers and actors to explore all of the possibilities of them. The one way they become boring is if you just keep doing the same thing over and over again.”
He continued, directly referencing Snyder and Cavill’s take:
“Just like [Christopher] Nolan took Batman and did something darker and more grounded with the character, Zack Snyder and Henry Cavill explored a side of Superman that hadn’t been explored on the big screen.”
This shows Corenswet’s deep respect for past creative choices. He and Gunn now plan to reintroduce Superman with a different tone.
A Lighter Tone, But with Depth
James Gunn’s Superman is expected to shift away from the mythic tone of Zack Snyder’s Superman. Instead, it will embrace a more hopeful and human approach. Nevertheless, it won’t ignore what came before. In fact, Gunn has repeatedly emphasized emotional vulnerability as a key aspect of his new Superman:
“I wanted Superman to be vulnerable.”
This fresh version will not be a god-like figure untouched by emotion. Instead, he’ll be powerful but flawed — a hero grounded by emotional stakes and real-world challenges.
What to Expect in Superman (2025)
The film, scheduled for release on Friday, July 11, 2025, stars:
- David Corenswet as Clark Kent / Superman
- Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane
- Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor
- Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner
Unlike previous iterations, this movie won’t be another origin story. Instead, it drops Superman into a world where metahumans already exist, and where public trust is fragile. With Lex Luthor working in the shadows and skepticism mounting, the stakes are higher than ever.
Building on the Legacy of Zack Snyder’s Superman
Even as the DCU moves forward, it remains clear that Zack Snyder’s Superman left a lasting impression. Cavill’s brooding yet powerful presence, combined with mythological themes and moral dilemmas, allowed Snyder to redefine Superman on screen.
Moreover, David Corenswet’s appreciation for that legacy isn’t just fan service — rather, it’s a thoughtful nod to how enduring and adaptable the character truly is.
As Superman (2025) approaches, fans can look forward to a portrayal that respects the past while forging a bold new path.
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