In the recently released director’s commentary for the Superman film, James Gunn shared a clever method used to accentuate David Corenswet’s towering physical presence. To make Corenswet, who stands at 6’4”, appear even taller, Gunn arranged for all the extras in the scene where Clark Kent enters the Daily Planet office to be around 5’6” or shorter.
Gunn explained,
“One of the reasons we can see how big he is, is because I got all extras who were, I think, 5’6”
or under,” highlighting how this classic filmmaking approach visually boosted Superman’s size.
Visual Strategies Behind the Clark Kent Entrance Scene
This particular scene employs a traditional cinematic technique, where the height disparity among actors enhances the lead character’s imposing stature. By surrounding Corenswet with notably shorter background actors, the filmmakers emphasized Superman’s size without relying on digital effects. This choice not only reinforced Clark Kent’s physical dominance but also preserved a natural look within the film’s world.
Upcoming Projects and Continuity Within the DC Universe
While fans continue to explore the current Superman movie, James Gunn and the DC Studios team are already preparing for the sequel titled Man of Tomorrow, set to premiere on July 9, 2027. The upcoming film will see the return of David Corenswet alongside co-stars Nicholas Hoult and Rachel Brosnahan, suggesting a continued storyline within the DC Universe.
The title Man of Tomorrow, famously one of Superman’s nicknames, also references previous DC comic series and a 2020 animated film called Superman: Man of Tomorrow. However, it remains unclear if the new movie will draw inspiration from these earlier works or follow a fresh narrative path.
Availability and Reception of the Original Film
Superman is currently available for digital rent or purchase on platforms like Apple TV and Fandango at Home, allowing audiences to revisit the film. Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Studios marketed the movie as their first major release within the reimagined DC universe, blending action, humor, and emotional depth.
The official synopsis states,
“Superman, DC Studios’ first feature film to hit the big screen, is set to soar into theaters worldwide this summer from Warner Bros. Pictures. 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.”
Significance of Gunn’s Height Illusion and Future Prospects for the Franchise
By employing the James Gunn Superman height trick, the filmmakers created a subtle yet effective illusion that enhances the character’s iconic physical presence in a practical way. This choice not only grounds the film’s realism but also deepens the audience’s immersion into Superman’s world. As the DC Universe evolves, this attention to detail suggests that future installments will continue to blend innovative filmmaking and storytelling, potentially shaping the trajectory of superhero cinema in the years to come.
james talking about how huge david looks entering the daily planet and how he hired all the extras to be about 5'6" or under 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/ALYNQkutU4
— juan (@JuanEditzs) September 24, 2025
