Director James Gunn made the final call to include Superman’s signature red trunks just the night before filming began for the latest Man of Steel movie, reflecting deep uncertainty about the character’s costume. This revelation came from a visit to the film set in July 2024, as reported by the Brazilian entertainment outlet Omelete, showing the complexity behind choosing this classic design element for the DC Universe.
The debate over the trunks was intense, lasting throughout the production process and involving many voices from the crew. Costume designer Judianna Makovsky, known for her work on films like Captain America: Civil War and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, shared insights into the ongoing discussions and her determination to keep the red trunks in the costume.
Creative Conflict Over the Costume’s Traditional Elements
Makovsky described the constant back-and-forth on the trunks’ inclusion, saying,
“The red underwear was the subject of discussions every day and every hour from the moment we started the movie,”
and added her personal stance:
“There were a lot of people who didn’t want the underwear, and a lot of people who did. And James was very divided. And I have to say, I refused to give up.”
Her commitment to maintaining this part of Superman’s classic attire was driven by an attempt to find an effective way to make the trunks fit modern sensibilities while preserving the hero’s iconic look. She emphasized,
“We didn’t have this iteration of the underwear until just before we shot it. The decision to wear the underwear wasn’t made until the night before filming started.”
Actor David Corenswet’s Firm Support for the Classic Style
From the very beginning, Superman actor David Corenswet was a vocal advocate for the red trunks. Makovsky noted,
“David has always been pro-pants. He always wanted underpants.”
Corenswet’s preference for the traditional comic book costume is well-known and helped sway the final design decision.
During the open set visit, James Gunn acknowledged that Corenswet’s perspective influenced his own feelings on the trunks. Gunn explained the reasoning behind the classic look, stating,
“We were trying on all these different versions, and we screened tested with trunks and no trunks, and one of the things David said is that Superman wants kids to not be afraid of him.”
The Symbolism Behind Superman’s Costume Choices
Gunn reflected on Superman’s role as a symbol of hope and positivity, highlighting the importance of the costume’s visual impact. He remarked,
“He’s an alien. He’s got these incredible powers. He shoots beams out of his eyes, can blow [a] truck over. He’s this incredibly powerful, could be considered scary, individual and he wants people to like him. He wants to be a symbol of hope and positivity. So he dresses like a professional wrestler. He dresses in a way that makes people unafraid of him, that shows that hope that shows that positivity.”
This reasoning helped Gunn understand the value in preserving some playful elements in the design. He added,
“And that really clicked in for me. And I think trying to pretend that Superman’s costume doesn’t have some frivolity to it at its base, trying to make it look serious, is silly because he is a superhero. He’s the first one, brightly colored and that’s who he is.”
Anticipation Builds as Superman’s New Look Debuts
David Corenswet’s interpretation of Superman, complete with the red trunks, is set to premiere in theaters on July 11th, just days away from audiences experiencing the updated character for the first time. This behind-the-scenes look at the costume debate reveals how the creative team balanced tradition and modernity in crafting one of the most iconic superhero looks in film history.
With the high stakes involved in presenting Superman to today’s viewers, the decision to embrace his classic red trunks underscores the broader commitment to honoring the character’s legacy while updating his presence for a new generation. The outcome also reflects the collaboration and creative tensions that shape blockbuster productions in the DC Unified Universe.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer still matters to him. However, he also described himself as “somewhat anti-religion.”
Q. Why did James Gunn leave the MCU?
A. Alan Horn, who leads The Walt Disney Studios, announced that the inappropriate comments found on James’ Twitter account go against the studio’s values. He stated that due to this, they have ended their professional ties with him.
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving MCU?
A. Once Gunn took on the role of co-CEO at DC Studios, he focused only on that brand, ending his work with Marvel Studios. Gunn, who wrote and directed the Guardians of the Galaxy films, developed strong friendships with the actors in those movies.
