David Corenswet’s recent auditions for the role of Superman displayed a distinct energy compared to his portrayal in the blockbuster film. Recorded against a green screen, the audition highlights a more polished, composed Clark Kent who avoids the surliness and irritability seen in crucial scenes, such as his interview with Lois Lane, played in the film by Rachel Brosnahan. This calmer approach presents a version of Superman that may divide audiences but recalls a classic interpretation of the character.
In the audition, Corenswet’s Clark Kent stays cool and collected even under pointed questioning about his intervention in Boravia, steering clear of mood swings and frustration. This style evokes memories of Christopher Reeve’s iconic performance in the 1978 Richard Donner Superman film, appreciated by many fans and critics alike. The audition footage has gained attention online, with positive reactions from viewers and even praise from James Gunn, the film’s director, according to Corenswet himself.
The Humorous Style That Surprised Director James Gunn
Corenswet shared insights during an interview with GQ, explaining how James Gunn responded to his audition. He said,
“James has told me that the one thing that surprised him, that meant something to him initially, was the humor that I brought to that first scene. I immediately read it in the terms of the movies that I grew up on, which are Singin’ in the Rain and His Girl Friday, and the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies. Just the timing and the patter and the style of humor – and it turned out that that was what he was imagining.”
—David Corenswet, Actor
This comment reveals that Corenswet approached the character with a sophisticated comedic timing reminiscent of classic Hollywood films, which aligned with Gunn’s initial vision for Superman. Despite this alignment, the final film adaptation took a different direction, emphasizing a more temperamental Clark Kent, in contrast to Corenswet’s smoother portrayal.
Behind-the-Scenes Tensions and Creative Differences
Though Corenswet’s audition impressed many, the final on-screen performance did not fully reflect his interpretation. Behind-the-scenes footage released earlier showed Corenswet questioning James Gunn about certain creative choices, specifically regarding a key speech about humanity directed at Lex Luthor in the film’s finale. This discussion reportedly received negative feedback and was subsequently removed by Warner Bros., though it remains accessible online.
The decision by Gunn to favor a more volatile and emotional Superman over Corenswet’s cool and classic portrayal has sparked debate among fans and critics. Some argue that the film’s version strayed from the character’s legacy, feeling more like a personal imprint by the director rather than an authentic representation of the hero. Others believe that had Corenswet been allowed greater freedom to express his interpretation, the character might have received more universal acclaim.
Implications for Future Superman Portrayals
David Corenswet’s audition reveals how alternative choices in acting approach could have influenced the tone of Superman’s character in the current cinematic universe. His subdued, humorous, and classic Clark Kent contrasts sharply with the moodier figure presented in the final film. This highlights the impact directors and creative teams have on shaping iconic characters and how different artistic visions can generate varied audience reactions.
As James Gunn and Warner Bros. continue developing the DC Universe, these creative decisions will likely shape the direction of future portrayals of Superman. Corenswet’s audition remains a striking example of a more traditional take, suggesting that fans craving a less conflicted and more straightforward Clark Kent might yet see similar interpretations in upcoming projects.
