David Corenswet plays three Superman personas in film, a unique approach that could set the upcoming Superman movie apart as it aims to lead the summer box office. The film, directed by James Gunn and produced by DC Studios, is poised to redefine audience expectations for the DC Universe when it premieres in just a few weeks.
David Corenswet’s Multifaceted Portrayal in Superman
James Gunn and DC Studios intend for Superman to become a major event this summer, hoping the film will lay the groundwork for a new era in DC productions. Although Creature Commandos, an animated series released earlier this year, technically opened the doors to the fresh DC Universe, many believe Superman will serve as the first true assessment of Warner Bros.’s ambitious cinematic reboot. This movie, much like 2013’s Man of Steel for the DC Extended Universe, is expected to define the tone and spark the interest of both longtime fans and newcomers.
David Corenswet, stepping into the role once filled by Christopher Reeve, Brandon Routh, and Henry Cavill, is not just tasked with embodying Superman and Clark Kent. In recent interviews, including a major feature with Entertainment Weekly, Corenswet revealed he portrays not only the superhero and his alter ego, but also a third, lesser-seen side of the character.
During the interview, he said,
“We also had this third character, of who Clark is when he’s in a room with somebody who knows both sides of him,”
—David Corenswet, Actor. He added,
“He’s not really playing the character of Superman, but he’s also not really playing the role of Clark, either.”
—David Corenswet, Actor.
The Complexity of Clark Kent and Superman
Corenswet’s insight echoes what many Superman fans have long understood: that the character isn’t limited to the obvious duality of Clark Kent and Superman. There exists a third persona—one that emerges only with his closest relationships, as Corenswet explained in another quote:
“It’s a personality that only comes out with his parents and with Lois, once she really gets to know everything about him.”
—David Corenswet, Actor.
This perspective traces back to the roots of Superman’s nearly century-spanning presence in DC Comics. Whether in comics or on screen, the relationships Clark maintains with his parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent, and with Lois Lane, play a pivotal role in shaping who he is. While Bruce Wayne, Batman, and Wonder Woman may understand the life of a superhero, the personal connection and deep understanding that Clark shares with his family and Lois set them apart from everyone else in his world.
Actors like Christopher Reeve famously differentiated between Clark and Superman by using distinct personalities and mannerisms, making Clark appear unassuming and a true everyman at the Daily Planet, while letting Superman embody hope and heroism. Corenswet’s aim appears to build on these layered interpretations, striving to deliver authenticity in each portrayal.
What Three Personas Mean for the Film
By acknowledging and performing three distinct personas, Corenswet brings forward a richer understanding of Superman that could resonate powerfully with audiences. Superman must not only be a beacon of hope and the hero of Earth, but he also has to convincingly hide his extraordinary abilities behind the shy, often awkward facade of Clark Kent. Then, in truly private moments—with his parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent, or with Lois Lane—he drops the defenses and reveals his genuine self.
This hidden self is not for the world at large, nor for his superhero peers like Batman and Wonder Woman, but is reserved for the few who know both his burdens and aspirations. This dimension, as emphasized by Corenswet, is rooted in deep human emotion, allowing audiences to connect with Superman on a much more personal level. Tagging along with familiar names like Lois Lane, Martha Kent, and Jonathan Kent, the film promises to humanize the “Man of Tomorrow” in new ways. The movie is also expected to be a hit among long-standing Superman enthusiasts and newcomers alike, especially as it explores the internal life and multidimensionality of Clark Kent.
The Stakes and Outlook for Superman’s New Era
DC Studios and James Gunn are placing significant expectations on this new Superman film to establish the tone for all future DC Universe films and shows. Integrating Corenswet’s passionate performance and nuanced understanding of his character’s threefold identity could be pivotal in winning over both critics and fans. After a slate of previous incarnations, from the DC Extended Universe to the fresh start initiated by Creature Commandos, this Superman is intended to be the barometer for how audiences will respond to this new vision.
The cast, which also features portrayals of well-known characters such as Lois Lane and even references to superhero colleagues like Batman and Wonder Woman, is tasked with capturing the spirit and emotional core that has kept Superman relevant for generations. For now, excitement is building around David Corenswet’s performance, with many anticipating he will bring a memorable new interpretation that respects the layers of the character first popularized by actors such as Christopher Reeve and Henry Cavill.
With its release on the horizon, Superman stands ready to become a defining film for the rebooted DC Universe. As audiences prepare to meet David Corenswet’s take on Clark Kent, Superman, and the authentic self he reveals only to those closest to him, all eyes are on whether this rendition will soar to the heights of the summer blockbuster season and usher in a new era for superhero cinema.
