Director and writer James Gunn has expressed that casting David Corenswet as Superman was essential for making the upcoming film. Speaking with GQ, Gunn revealed he would not have proceeded with the movie if he hadn’t found an actor who matched his vision for the Man of Steel. Corenswet’s combination of looks, athleticism, and theatrical background made him the perfect fit in Gunn’s eyes, setting the foundation for the new DC movie.
Comparing Corenswet’s Qualities to Chris Pratt’s Experience
Gunn drew a notable comparison between Corenswet and actor Chris Pratt, with whom he has worked closely on the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. Although Pratt was never considered for Superman, Gunn highlighted that Corenswet’s unique skills and ability to bring the character to life reminded him of Pratt’s presence and versatility. Gunn stated,
“I said from the beginning, If I don’t find Superman, I’m not going to do this movie. Because I knew that this was dependent on the guy that’s playing Superman.”
—James Gunn, Director
“The easy part is, [David Corenswet] looks like Superman. But the fact that David is a theater kid that’s so athletic is even weirder. I don’t know if anybody I’ve worked with before would’ve been able to do this stuff, besides maybe Chris Pratt.”
—James Gunn, Director
Pratt’s recent roles as Mario and Garfield, alongside his history as a superhero in other franchises, illustrate his adaptability, yet Gunn acknowledged that casting him as Superman would be unlikely due to a mismatch with the character’s traits. Despite this, the director’s appreciation for working with familiar actors suggests Pratt could have a different opportunity within the DC Universe in the future.
Additional Insights on the Superman Project and Gunn’s Approach
The upcoming Superman movie, set to debut on July 11 as the first major installment in DC’s Chapter One initiative, reflects Gunn’s fresh take influenced by his personal experiences, including his controversial departure from Marvel. Warner Bros. has already previewed an early cut of the film, expressing confidence that Gunn “really understood the assignment.” Furthermore, Gunn confirmed that the movie includes a secret voice cameo from several Guardians of the Galaxy cast members, hinting at playful connections between his Marvel and DC projects.
Looking Ahead to Superman and Future DC Films
As anticipation builds for Superman’s release, fans are also eager to see how Gunn’s distinct style will shape the broader DC universe. His commitment to authentic casting, as demonstrated with David Corenswet, underscores an effort to bring depth and realism to iconic characters. The inclusion of familiar voices and potential future roles for actors like Chris Pratt demonstrate Gunn’s collaborative spirit, which may influence upcoming DC adaptations. Superman’s arrival is just the start of an exciting era for the franchise and its fans.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. James Gunn, the director of the new Superman movie, says his belief in God helped him succeed, but he doesn’t claim God did all the work. He credits his faith for providing guidance and strength during his career. However, Gunn emphasizes the importance of hard work and personal effort in achieving goals.
Q. Why did James Gunn leave the MCU?
A. Alan Horn, who leads The Walt Disney Studios, announced that they found James’ tweets offensive and against the studio’s values, leading to ending their partnership with him.
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic family and has shared that prayer is still important to him. However, he also says he is “in some ways, anti-religion.”
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving MCU?
A. When Gunn took on the role of co-CEO at DC Studios, he became solely linked to their brand, leaving Marvel Studios behind. It’s well-known that as the writer and director of the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, he developed strong connections with the actors in those films.
