James Gunn keeps Superman’s red trunks after David Corenswet‘s advice, choosing to restore this iconic piece of comic book tradition in his upcoming Superman film set for release in 2025. The return of Superman’s red trunks marks a sharp contrast to Zack Snyder’s earlier decision, offering fans both an homage to classic lore and evidence of the evolving nature of superhero movie costume design.
Corenswet’s Influence on The Costume Decision
In a Fandango interview, David Corenswet, cast as the next Superman, appeared with colleagues Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, and James Gunn, director and producer of the highly anticipated Superman film. The cast provided a glimpse into what is in store for Superman, sparking particular interest when the conversation shifted to the famous red trunks.
James Gunn described his internal debate regarding the traditional trunks, referencing previous discussions with Zack Snyder. Snyder, who directed Man of Steel and notably left out the trunks for Henry Cavill’s iteration, had explained his own struggles in reconciling the classic appearance with a modern look.
“One of the biggest questions was, were we gonna have trunks or were we going to, you know, not have trunks. I talked to Zack Snyder who was like, ‘You know I tried a billion different versions with the trunks and at the end of the day it just I tried it but it just I couldn’t get there’, and I was feeling exactly the same way. David he tried in not Trunks and he tried in Trunks and I still was going to go with not Trunks and then you said…”
—James Gunn, Director/Producer
Eventually, Gunn leaned away from including the trunks, sharing how challenging it was to strike the right tone and justify their appearance in a contemporary film. Yet it was Corenswet’s perspective that ultimately shaped the decision.
“Well, you were… You wanted trunks in theory. But the problem is they look kind of silly. You were looking for a way to make them look cool or you were looking for a function, an explanation for having them, justify them, and my thing was just, maybe they’re supposed to look a little silly maybe the reason he wears them is to look a little silly basically to undermine how powerful he really is.”
—David Corenswet, Actor
Corenswet argued that the boldly colored trunks should be embraced, even if they border on the silly, because they add a layer of humanity to an otherwise godlike character. By highlighting this quirky charm, Corenswet convinced Gunn that Superman’s image can balance power with personality. The trunks, in Corenswet’s view, are as defining as the character’s other traits, serving both as a call-back to the original design and a subtle break from the seriousness often emphasized in recent superhero interpretations.
The Legacy and Symbolism of Superman’s Red Trunks
Zack Snyder’s choice to remove the red trunks from Henry Cavill’s Superman costume in Man of Steel was a clear move toward a realistic, gritty reimagining. Snyder envisioned Superman as an alien warrior rather than the cheerful, hopeful figure epitomized in earlier decades, so shedding the trunks seemed to fit his updated approach.
However, this new vision sparked controversy and disappointment among many fans. The omission became a symbol for what some saw as a drift away from the heart of Superman’s identity. Without the trunks, Cavill’s Superman lacked the familiar palette and charm seen in the classic portrayal of Clark Kent, leaving critics to call out the suit as incomplete and emotionally distant.
In the context of comic book history, the red trunks serve more than just a decorative function. Their presence divides the bodysuit visually, breaking up the monotone design and offering Superman a balanced, immediately recognizable silhouette. Over time, these trunks have become an essential part of Superman’s mythos—respected by writers and artists working on Action Comics, and cherished by long-time fans who associate them with Superman’s golden-age optimism.
The return of the trunks under James Gunn will be seen not just as aesthetic fan service, but as a gesture that reconnects Superman to his classic comic book roots—a response to years of debate about what Superman should embody on screen.
Community Response and the Importance of Details
The reaction from fans has been overwhelmingly excited, with many taking to social media to applaud the restoration of Superman’s original look. While it may seem like a minor change to outsiders, devoted followers of the franchise argue that these details carry emotional weight and directly impact how Superman is perceived as an icon.
For many, Superman has always stood out because of his unique mix of otherworldly power and relatability. The red trunks, with their due share of playful absurdity, are a reminder that superheroes can own their heritage confidently—even as they evolve for new audiences.
The involvement of cast members like Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult, as well as the guidance of writers and filmmakers who are attentive to historic details, underscores how collaborative the filmmaking process has become. Gunn’s willingness to listen to his team, especially Corenswet, exemplifies modern superhero storytelling—one which respects the past while responding to present fan expectations.
Superman is set to debut once again on July 11, 2025 in the USA, with fans eager to see James Gunn’s vision and Corenswet’s take on the “OG” Superman embodied in full. The return of the trunks is more than a wardrobe update—it’s a reaffirmation of Superman’s enduring legacy and his evolving place in both cinematic and comic book culture.
