David Corenswet, the new actor portraying Superman, recently shared his thoughts on how James Gunn’s upcoming film represents a significant departure from previous comic book adaptations. Unlike traditional movies that translate comic stories to the big screen, Corenswet describes this film as embodying the feeling of a comic book in motion, creating an immersive visual and emotional experience for audiences. This innovative approach aims to usher in a new era for superhero cinema by capturing the essence of comic books more authentically than ever before.
James Gunn’s Unique Vision for a Comic Book Movie
Corenswet explained that instead of following the trend of grounding comic book characters in a realistic world, as seen in films like Iron Man and Batman Begins, Gunn’s Superman is designed as a comic book come alive on screen. This means vibrant colors, stylized storytelling, and emotional depth that mirrors what readers feel when flipping through the pages of a comic. The film aims to deliver a “new experience” by blending the visual style and narrative structure of comics with the communal energy of a large-scale cinematic event.
“My impression, which is only my impression, but rather than being a comic book adaptation to film, which has been the renaissance of comic book movies that started with great films like Iron Man and Batman Begins, where it sort of felt like we were bringing these comic characters to the real world, James’s Superman movie is more a comic book up on the big screen. I’ve heard it described that the experience of watching it is sort of like the experience of reading a comic, but obviously in motion on a giant screen, shared with the people around you. I think that should be a new experience for people, and is a great way to start a new era of comic book movies.”
Reflecting on his own viewing experience, Corenswet expressed enthusiasm for the film’s distinct style, which diverges sharply from current superhero movies. He highlighted Gunn’s ability to incorporate unconventional elements and emotional authenticity without sacrificing the escapist excitement that defines the genre.
Building Superman’s Character from Iconic Comic Roots
Taking on the role of a character as legendary as Superman carries a weighty responsibility, and Corenswet emphasized his focus on returning to the original comic book source material rather than past cinematic portrayals. Specifically, he drew inspiration from All-Star Superman, a modern classic by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, which director James Gunn used as a key creative guide during production.
“There’s something cool about, in the same way when you play a great character in theater who’s been played by great actors before you, you don’t really get the chance to go back and see their performances and be inspired by their performances. But when you read the play, and you get your inspiration from the same words that they got their inspiration from, there’s a nice little spiritual connection through time there.”
Instead of emulating previous actors, Corenswet felt that drawing directly from the comic book allowed him to develop a unique interpretation while still honoring the character’s heritage. He recognized some qualities that other actors brought to the role but believed that going back to the source material provided a fresh foundation for his performance.
“For me, it was focusing on drawing inspiration from All-Star Superman, the comic that James sort of pointed us to. And in looking at that – not that all the Supermans before me have read that comic – but I saw some things that I recognized in other actors’ portrayal of the character. But in drawing it from the comics rather than from the other performances, I felt confident that it would become my own interpretation, and I would find things that would be overlapping, but ultimately distinct from previous actors.”
The Significance of This New Superman Film for the Genre
With its blend of reverence for key comic book material and a cinematic style that replicates the comic book experience on a grand scale, this Superman film promises to be a standout in a genre hungry for innovation. Corenswet’s reflections reveal a thoughtful and confident approach to his role, suggesting that audiences can expect both a fresh narrative and an emotional depth not often seen in superhero movies today. James Gunn’s vision may well pave the way for future comic book films to explore new creative possibilities.
