David Corenswet, who recently made his highly anticipated Superman debut in James Gunn‘s new film, visited Juilliard to engage with drama students about his career and experiences since graduation. The actor, known for his role in “Pearl,” discussed his journey from Juilliard to donning the cape of Clark Kent, emphasizing the significance of his training as he steps into one of cinema’s most legendary roles.
Connecting Past and Present: Returning to Juilliard as a Rising Star
Having studied at Juilliard—an institution revered as one of America’s leading performing arts schools—Corenswet’s return was seen as a milestone both for the actor and the school community. Notably, Juilliard also counts Christopher Reeve, another acclaimed Superman, among its alumni. Corenswet’s visit was more than a homecoming; it was an opportunity for current drama students to draw inspiration from an alumnus who has rapidly gained recognition in Hollywood.
“A full-circle moment at Juilliard! Alum David Corenswet (Group 45) visited campus to connect with current drama students and reflect on his Juilliard journey and life after graduation.”
– The Juilliard School
During the visit, Corenswet interacted with students on campus, offering personal anecdotes and discussing how his career has evolved. His journey from student to star is especially significant given his recent leap into blockbuster cinema, now with the mantle of Superman as part of his legacy.
The Impact of Juilliard on Corenswet’s Superman Transformation
Corenswet has consistently expressed gratitude for his time at Juilliard, crediting the rigorous training for much of his professional readiness. In a Collider interview, he highlighted just how influential Juilliard’s methods were during his audition and subsequent filming for Superman. He candidly shared how aspects of acting school—sometimes doubted as impractical—proved vital when put to the test in high-stakes auditions and film environments.
“I was astonished. I did not expect it at the screen test to feel, multiple times, that my training at Juilliard had perfectly prepared me for the screen test specifically, and then the role in general. I think there’s a lot at acting school that’s really cool and fun, but you sort of think once you’re out in the world, you’re not going to use a lot. It’s sort of like high school trigonometry. You’re like, ‘Am I really going to use this?’ But then […] You do!”
– David Corenswet, Actor
The Unique Audition Process and Preparing for Superman
Reflecting on the audition under James Gunn’s direction, Corenswet compared the experience to theatrical rehearsal rather than a movie screen test, which he found comforting given his classical training. He credits Gunn’s approach with enabling him to approach the character organically, echoing his school days spent rehearsing stage plays at Juilliard.
“James [Gunn] immediately made working on the screen test scene feel like we were going to work, not like we were auditioning. And the work felt much more like rehearsing a play than it did like shooting a movie. So, I immediately thought, ‘Well, that’s what I trained for, rehearsing a play.’ I did a lot of that in school.”
– David Corenswet, Actor
In addition, Corenswet detailed how his screen test involved physically demanding stunts, such as wire work, that tested his body control and stagecraft. He attributed his ability to meet these challenges to the movement classes taught by Moni Yakim at Juilliard, where attention to body posture and control was essential training for such physically intense roles.
“Then, when we got up on wires for the stunt evaluation, it’s something I had never done before, but the challenge there was all about having isometric control over your body and your limbs, while keeping a relaxed and hopefully somewhat charming facial expression, although not always. […] So, again, I thought back to Moni Yakim’s movement classes at Juilliard, where you’d be lying on the floor and he would say, ‘And the right leg up, and down, and up and down!'”
– David Corenswet, Actor
What Lies Ahead for Corenswet’s Superman and His Legacy
With his performance being lauded as one of the stand-out elements of James Gunn’s Superman, David Corenswet has positioned himself among notable portrayals of Clark Kent and the Man of Steel. His ability to convey strength, humility, and approachability has drawn comparisons to iconic predecessors such as the Big Blue Boy Scout and Man of Steel as played by Christopher Reeve.
Corenswet is set to reprise his role as Superman in “Man of Tomorrow,” scheduled for theatrical release on July 9, 2027. Meanwhile, fans and those interested in his journey can watch Superman streaming on HBO Max. As Corenswet continues to mentor aspiring actors and reflect on the intersection of classical training and blockbuster filmmaking, his impact on modern portrayals of Superman is only set to grow.
