David Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman in the upcoming DCU film promises to showcase a powerful version of the hero, and fans are eagerly anticipating his full range of abilities. As the movie release on July 11 approaches, many are curious about which David Corenswet Superman abilities will be brought to life on the big screen.
Although Superman’s powers have been well explored in previous films and television shows, James Gunn’s direction offers the opportunity to introduce lesser-known abilities from the comics. Here are ten specific powers that fans hope to see featured in this new cinematic portrayal of the Man of Steel.
The Unique Power of Voice Manipulation
One intriguing ability of Superman that is seldom shown in live adaptations is his super ventriloquism. This power allows Clark Kent to project his voice so precisely that it seems to originate from anywhere else, effectively throwing his voice across distances or to specific objects. Sometimes, enemies have been startled by hearing a disembodied voice coming from an inanimate source.
While not decisive in major battles, this subtle skill could provide a clever nod to comic book enthusiasts and add depth to the character’s range of powers in James Gunn’s film.
The Power to Freeze with a Breath
Superman’s freeze breath is a notable yet underused ability, where he exhales with such force and cold that it instantly freezes objects or enemies in his path. This skill has been demonstrated in the comics, including a moment in Action Comics #1034 where it was instrumental in halting a war.
James Gunn has acknowledged this power in interviews, confirming that Superman
“
can blow things down with his breath
,”
according to him. Such an ability could add suspenseful and dramatic rescue or combat scenes, like freezing fire hazards or immobilizing foes.
The Surprising Trait of Creating Miniature Versions of Himself
A more unusual power from the comics is Superman’s ability to generate a tiny duplicate of himself, sometimes referred to as Tiny Superman, emerging from his fingertips. While this miniature version can act independently, the cost is that the main Superman significantly loses his strength until he regains his powers.
This quirky ability has not been adapted in live-action before but could offer both dramatic stakes and comic relief if David Corenswet’s Superman uses it in a critical moment, perhaps as a last-ditch effort against an adversary like Lex Luthor. The visual of mini-Supermen in action might also capture audiences’ imaginations.
Passing Through Solid Objects by Vibrating Molecules
Another subtle but powerful skill is Superman’s capacity to phase through walls and other solid structures. He accomplishes this by vibrating his particles in harmony with the object’s molecules, temporarily merging with it before returning to his normal form. This power grants him an effective form of stealth and surprise.
This ability could prove useful during covert missions or infiltration sequences, allowing Clark Kent to bypass security or enter hostile locations undetected. Seeing this rarely-explored side of the Man of Steel could add a fresh element to his physical prowess.
Invulnerability to Conventional Weapons—But With Limits
Superman’s iconic invulnerability to bullets and human-made weapons remains a foundational trait. Classic scenes, such as stopping bullets with his hand, underline this strength. However, James Gunn has hinted at a nuanced take on this, indicating that the hero will experience vulnerability and even bleed when fighting an equivalent opponent.
“I mean, listen, he’s fighting an equal and opposite force. We do see him bleed, which is different.”
—James Gunn, Director
This development could deepen the dramatic tension by showing that even the Man of Steel is not completely impervious, raising the stakes in his confrontations.
Rapid Healing Abilities That Keep Him in the Fight
Complementing his physical resilience is Superman’s accelerated healing factor. Though less discussed than his other powers, this ability enables him to recover quickly from injuries. Such rapid regeneration helps him endure battles against formidable foes and recover from his vulnerabilities, such as exposure to Kryptonite.
Given the new film’s promise that Superman will bleed, it would be compelling to watch him heal swiftly and rise again, underscoring his enduring heroic spirit and determination.
The Hypnotic Power Behind Clark Kent’s Disguise
One of Superman’s clever tactics in the comics involves super hypnotism, explaining why his secret identity remains hidden even with such simple disguises as glasses. Through this power, he subtly manipulates perception, causing people to believe that Clark Kent and Superman are entirely different individuals.
This skill could provide interesting narrative possibilities, especially if David Corenswet’s Superman employs it to confuse or redirect enemies. It might also serve as an inventive plot device in a world where villainous characters like Lex Luthor are always watching.
The Ancient Art of Shapeshifting
An ability that predates many modern comic storylines is Superman’s power to change his appearance, allowing him to adopt the appearance of anyone he chooses. This shapeshifting talent has helped Clark Kent evade danger and gather information in the past.
Although not commonly portrayed in recent adaptations, this power could be a strategic tool against foes such as Lex Luthor, imagined as Clark Kent infiltrating enemy strongholds disguised as an ally before revealing his true identity.
The Devastating Super Flare Attack
Among Superman’s most powerful offensive maneuvers is the Super Flare, a blast of intense energy radiated from his body that can incinerate or seriously injure nearby enemies. Introduced in Superman #38 (2015), this ultimate move epitomizes moments of desperation and uncontrollable rage.
This spectacular ability, if incorporated by James Gunn, could become a highlight of the film, showcasing the raw power and emotional depth of David Corenswet’s Superman in combat situations.
The Ability to Travel Through Time
While The Flash is known as the primary time traveler in the DC Universe, Superman himself has occasionally manipulated time through his extraordinary speed or mental focus. This power lets him revisit the past to alter events and potentially change the future.
This time-traveling skill opens up narrative avenues for James Gunn to explore broader stories, including potential multiverse conflicts or character crossovers, adding complexity and grandeur to the cinematic universe.
As fans prepare to experience James Gunn’s fresh vision of Superman in theaters on July 11, 2025, anticipation grows around which of these David Corenswet Superman abilities will be featured. The mix of classic and obscure powers promises to bring new dimensions to the character and enrich the DCU storyline.
