Artist Constantine Sekeris recently shared on Instagram the first official concept art for David Corenswet’s Man of Steel in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film. The costume closely resembles what Corenswet will wear in the DC Universe reboot, blending classic design elements with modern updates.
The suit draws clear inspiration from Christopher Reeve’s iconic Superman outfit while incorporating subtle contemporary enhancements. Director James Gunn revealed that he debated extensively whether to include Superman’s traditional red trunks, ultimately choosing to retain them to uphold the classic look fans recognize.
The Decision Behind the Classic Red Trunks
Gunn discussed his design process with Zack Snyder, who previously experimented with versions both with and without the trunks but never found satisfaction. Gunn tested options with Corenswet as well, initially leaning toward omitting the trunks but shifting direction due to the character’s portrayal.
One of the biggest questions was, were we going to have trunks, or were we going to not have trunks? I talked to Zack Snyder, who was like, ‘You know, I tried a billion different versions with the trunks, and I couldn’t get there.’ And I was feeling exactly the same way. I went in with David — he tried it not trunks, and he tried it trunks — and I was still going to go with not trunks.
—James Gunn, Director
Gunn explained that his version of Superman emphasizes the character’s alien origins and formidable powers, describing Kal-El as a creature capable of eye beams and destructive breath who is also deeply compassionate towards humanity, especially children. This compassion influenced the final choice to keep the trunks.
In this version of the DCU, everyone knows he’s an alien,
he said.
He shoots beams out of his eyes. He can blow things down with his breath. He’s sort of this terrifying creature. But he really liked kids and human beings and people. He wants kids not to be afraid of him. And that was the thing that made me decide to keep the trunks.
—James Gunn, Director
Behind the Scenes: The Team That Crafted the Superman Look
Constantine Sekeris expressed gratitude for collaborating on the Superman costume alongside renowned costume designer Judi Ann Makovsky and her team. He noted the extensive creative effort put into modernizing the classic costume and refining every detail.
I’m posting today the work I humbly did on James Gunn Superman working with great Costume Designer @judiannmakovsky and her team that she put together with her costume Assitant @michelemoon …it took a big team to work on characters like Superman …other concept artists that were a part of this team is @warrenmanser @gloriashih @robertmckinnon @christiancordella and @maybellepineda to name a few…I was very lucky to be a part of this team to help bring @jamesgunn vision of Superman keeping the overall look to the classic, and we started with inspiration from the Christopher Reeves costume he wore in the original film bring it in today’s times from the new 52. We are all huge Superman fans and worked very hard to explore as many options as we could before one was chosen. Every line, texture, shape was explored in great detail by this team.
—Constantine Sekeris, Artist
Cast and Characters of the New Superman Film
The movie stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Man of Steel, alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult playing Lex Luthor. The cast also includes Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, and Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho.
Supporting roles feature Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell as Ma and Pa Kent, respectively. Milly Alcock is confirmed to debut as Supergirl, setting the stage for her own film, Woman of Tomorrow, within the DC Universe.
James Gunn Reflects on the Film’s Production Journey
When filming concluded, Gunn expressed heartfelt thanks to the cast and crew. He described the project as his attempt to portray a fundamentally good man in a complex world, emphasizing the inspiration he found in the kindness and dedication on set.
He wrote,
“And that’s a wrap… God bless our cast and crew whose commitment, creativity, and hard work have brought this project to life. I set out to make a movie about a good man in a world that isn’t always so much. And the goodness and kindness and love I’ve encountered on a daily basis on the set has inspired me and thrust me forward when I felt too spent to move on my own.”
Gunn continued,
“Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. It has been an honor. The destination has been Superman, but the journey has been the toil and the laughter and the emotions and ideas and magic we’ve shared together on set – and for that I am forever grateful.”
Film Synopsis Highlights James Gunn’s Vision of Superman
In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind.
—Film Synopsis
This reinterpretation of Superman aims to honor the hero’s classic qualities, emphasizing both his extraordinary powers and his deep humanity. With David Corenswet taking on the lead role, this film promises to offer audiences a fresh yet familiar take on the iconic Man of Steel, grounded in a thoughtful portrayal of what makes Superman enduringly inspiring.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much did David Corenswet make for Superman?
A. David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan each earned $750,000. Nicholas Hoult, portraying Lex Luthor, received a $2 million payment.
