In James Gunn’s recent Superman film, David Corenswet adopts a physique that deliberately avoids the exaggerated muscularity often seen in superhero movies, marking a significant shift in how these characters are portrayed. This change, set in motion during filming earlier this year, aims to present a more believable and relatable Superman that moves away from the unattainable body standards frequently displayed onscreen.
Unlike the typical superhero build, Corenswet’s physical preparation prioritized realism over extreme muscle definition. His trainer Paolo Mascitti described their goal as aiming for a look
more like a farm boy than a complete bodybuilder.
Paolo Mascitti
Corenswet echoed this intention in an interview with Geek Culture, saying he and Gunn
were looking more for the approachable, farm boy, big guy, big presence.
David Corenswet
The end result is a version of Superman whose build reflects the grounded, practical origins of the character as someone raised on a farm. This portrayal seeks to correct the long-standing superhero film trend that features unrealistic physiques, moving instead toward a depiction that better aligns with the character’s backstory and everyday physical demands.
Addressing Unrealistic Physical Standards in Superhero Films
Over the past twenty years, superhero movies have heavily emphasized hyper-muscular physiques, often showcasing stars in near-naked scenes to emphasize their defined chests and abs. Examples include early Marvel Cinematic Universe entries and Chris Pratt’s dramatic transformation for Guardians of the Galaxy, which generated widespread fascination. However, these physiques are frequently attained through extreme dieting, intense workouts, and tricks like dehydration just before filming to accentuate muscle definition.
While such physical appearances add to the fantasy element of superhero films, they often lack logical consistency within character narratives. For instance, Chris Evans’s shirtless transformation in Captain America: The First Avenger serves a clear storytelling purpose, illustrating Steve Rogers’ transition. By contrast, the muscular six-pack of Star-Lord, a character not defined by physical transformations, felt less justified.
With Superman, the filmmakers made a pointed effort to ensure that Corenswet’s physique logically fits the character. Given that Clark Kent grew up on a farm, performing physical labor, a strong but natural build makes more sense than an overly sculpted body. This approach enhances the character’s believability, even considering his superhuman strength as a Kryptonian.
The Significance of Superman’s More Realistic Build
Hollywood’s portrayal of physical appearances has long sparked criticism for promoting unattainable beauty ideals, an issue exacerbated in recent years by the rise in plastic surgery. Meanwhile, audiences have increasingly sought authentic representation, preferring characters that reflect real human bodies rather than fantasy ideals.
Interestingly, earlier superhero media featured more modest body types. Actors like Tom Welling in Smallville and Hugh Jackman during his initial Wolverine roles displayed physiques that appeared strong without being unrealistically exaggerated. This allowed viewers to focus on character depth without distraction from improbable muscularity, proving that powerful heroes don’t have to conform to extreme physical expectations.
The shift represented by the David Corenswet Superman physique stands as an important break from Hollywood’s traditional approach. Moving away from unnecessary, overly shredded appearances in favor of credible, story-supported builds may influence future superhero portrayals, encouraging a broader representation of body types and making these characters more relatable.
As the DC Universe continues with the upcoming sequel Man of Tomorrow, the hope remains that this commitment to authenticity in Superman’s depiction will be maintained. Upholding the grounded portrayal introduced by Gunn and Corenswet is crucial for respecting the character’s origins and avoiding what would feel like a betrayal of the established vision.
Superman Cast Overview
David Corenswet leads as Superman, bringing this fresh physical approach to the iconic role, supported by Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. Their portrayals anchor the film’s focus on more realistic and thoughtful character presentation, challenging industry norms about appearance in superhero narratives.
