James Gunn discusses Superman costume red trunks decision, explaining how the choice to revive this iconic element was not taken lightly and involved seeking Zack Snyder’s viewpoint. As the director prepares for the highly-anticipated Superman reboot releasing July 11, fans are eager to learn what led to the return of the legendary look.
Deliberating the Costume’s Iconic Feature
Gunn shared recently that he faced a significant decision about including Superman’s famous red trunks in the new film. He openly discussed consulting Zack Snyder, who had previously opted against the trunks when designing Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel costume. Gunn emphasized the dilemma between staying true to tradition and adopting a modern take, acknowledging the complexity of this creative choice.
“One of the biggest questions was, ‘Were we going to have trunks, or were we not going to have trunks?’”
—James Gunn, Director
When speaking to Snyder, Gunn learned that the earlier director had explored many possible designs but ultimately felt the trunks didn’t fit. Gunn recounted,
“I talked to Zack Snyder, who was like, ‘I tried a billion different versions with the trunks, and at the end of the day, I tried it, but I just couldn’t get there.’ And I was feeling exactly the same way.”
—James Gunn, Director
Fan Response and Fresh Perspective
The debate over Superman’s costume intensified after leaked photos of David Corenswet in the suit, fueling strong reactions on social media about the character’s classic appearance. These reactions encouraged the creative team to further question the original decision to forgo the trunks.
During costume fittings, Corenswet had the opportunity to test the Superman suit with and without the trunks. In these sessions, he highlighted how the design would help embody the hero’s spirit and intentions, offering valuable insight that resonated with Gunn.
“One of the things David said is that Superman wants kids not to be afraid of him,”
—James Gunn, Director
“He’s an alien. He’s got these incredible powers… He wants people to like him. He wants to be a symbol of hope and positivity. So he dresses like a professional wrestler… in a way that makes people unafraid of him.”
—James Gunn, Director
Corenswet’s thoughtful input convinced Gunn that the trunks could serve a greater narrative function, depicting Superman as a symbol meant to inspire and reassure rather than intimidate.
Superman’s Latest Chapter Approaches
Warner Bros. recently released the final trailer for Superman, setting the stage for the film’s arrival in theaters on July 11. Corenswet stars as the new DC hero, capturing Superman’s struggle to balance his Kryptonian heritage with a desire to live amongst humans as journalist Clark Kent. This fresh interpretation aims to pay homage to tradition while connecting with a contemporary audience, demonstrating how collaborative decisions behind the scenes can shape the future of a beloved icon.
