David Corenswet recently discussed his first-hand David Corenswet Superman suit experience as he steps into the leading role for James Gunn’s Superman reboot, revealing that wearing the iconic hero’s costume proved to be unexpectedly intense and challenging. The actor opened up about the realities behind donning the famed suit, sharing moments of discomfort and how he managed to navigate the difficulties on set.
Facing an Unexpected Test with the Superman Costume
When Corenswet was fitted for the Superman suit, he discovered the challenges started before even stepping in front of the camera. The suit had been tailored to his measurements from his screen test, when he weighed around 195 pounds, but he had since put on additional muscle for the role, bringing his weight up to approximately 235 to 240 pounds. This caused the suit to fit far more tightly than anticipated, making the process of getting dressed a rigorous part of his preparation for the character.
He recalled the significant difference in fit due to his changed size:
“It was quite snug because they had made it to my proportions when I screen-tested where I weighed about 195 pounds, and when I walked in for my first costume fitting, I weighed about a 235, 240 pounds.”
—David Corenswet, Actor
Physical and Mental Pressures Inside the Suit
Corenswet addressed the widespread perception that superhero costumes are difficult to wear, confirming that his personal experience was no exception. The added bulk led to a claustrophobic feeling, as he suddenly found himself enclosed and constrained everywhere at once. This sensation demanded a quick adjustment, both physically and mentally.
“You hear actors who play superheroes talking about squeezing into the suits. I got kind of claustrophobic in the suit the first time just being constricted in all those places at the same time.”
—David Corenswet, Actor
Dealing with Practical Setbacks and Solutions
Beyond the snugness, the practicality of the suit posed its own challenges. The costume, though fitted with many zippers, lacked a single zipper for quick changes or bathroom breaks. Yet, according to Corenswet, this inconvenience did not become a serious problem during filming.
“I never had an issue with that.”
—David Corenswet, Actor
The Role of Teamwork Behind the Scenes
Corenswet was quick to credit Scott R. Hankins, the costumer responsible for helping him into and out of the Superman suit, with making the process manageable. Describing Hankins as invaluable to his experience, Corenswet likened him to a behind-the-scenes fixer, someone always ready to step in and offer a much-needed break.
“He was always in my ear going, ‘Do you need a break? Do you need a break? Tell ’em you need a break and we can step you out. I’ll tell him it’s me. He would make excuses for me if I needed. And we got very good together at getting in and out of the suit, so he would do it quite quickly, and I could take breaks if I needed to over the course of a day.”
—David Corenswet, Actor
What This Means for the Superman Reboot
As fans look forward to Corenswet’s official debut as Superman, his candid discussion about the suit points to the level of commitment and adaptation required for such a high-profile role. The experience highlights the behind-the-scenes reality of superheroing, where actors, costumers like Scott R. Hankins, and the whole production team must navigate both physical demands and the realities of filmmaking. Ultimately, Corenswet’s account adds depth to the anticipation surrounding James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film, providing insight into just how complex and intense preparing for the cape can be.
