David Corenswet Knows Superman: Why He Kept The Iconic Red Trunks (2025)

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David Corenswet Knows Superman: Why He Kept The Iconic Red Trunks (1)

David Corenswet convinced James Gunn to keep Superman's iconic red trunks for the upcoming DCU film, proving his deep understanding of the character's history and symbolism.

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David Corenswet convinced James Gunn to keep Superman ’s infamous red trunks, proving he knows that character far better than many others. The Superman costume is a defining element of the character’s mythology, and every new iteration of DC's Man of Steel brings with it debates over how to update the iconic look.

David Corenswet, the actor set to don the red cape in James Gunn’s Superman (2025), played a pivotal role in retaining the traditional trunks for DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, revealing a deep understanding of what makes Superman an enduring symbol of hope. Superman’s costume has been a key part of that legacy since his debut in 1938. Designed by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman’s outfit was inspired by the circus strongmen and wrestlers of the era, featuring a cape, boots, and the now-famous red trunks over his blue tights. Over the decades, the costume evolved to reflect changing trends in comics, films, and television. Many modern versions omitted the trunks entirely to create a sleeker, more contemporary aesthetic. This often proved divisive, but the DCU's Superman (2025) has kept the trunks, thanks to Corenswet. Superman's Trunks Have Been Part Of The Superhero's Costume Since The Beginning The red trunks have been a staple of Superman’s costume since his first appearance in Action Comics #1. The design choice was practical, echoing the look of circus performers whose outfits emphasized strength and athleticism. This aesthetic helped establish Superman as a figure of inspiration and physical prowess. As comics matured, the trunks remained a constant, symbolizing tradition and stability amidst evolving storylines. In live-action adaptations, from the George Reeves TV series to the Richard Donner films, the trunks were always present, reinforcing their importance to the character’s visual identity. However, starting in the early 2000s, comic book publishers and filmmakers began to question whether the trunks were outdated. The New 52 reboot in DC Comics in 2011 marked the first major attempt to remove the trunks, opting for a modernized look that influenced Snyder’s design in the DCEU’s Man of Steel. Despite these changes, the debate around the trunks persists because they represent more than just a costume choice – they embody Superman’s classic, almost mythological origins. The decision to reintroduce them in Superman (2025) pays homage to this legacy while also updating the character for a modern audience. Why There's Such A Debate About Whether Superman Wears Trunks The argument against Superman’s trunks largely centers on modern sensibilities. Critics argue that the trunks look dated and even silly by contemporary superhero standards, where sleek, armored designs dominate. For filmmakers like Zack Snyder, whose vision for Superman leaned heavily into realism and gravitas, the trunks felt incompatible with the darker, more grounded tone of the DCEU. Another common critique is that the trunks disrupt the costume’s streamlined aesthetic, making the design less appealing to modern audiences. Costume designers often grapple with the challenge of balancing faithfulness to comic book origins with the expectations of contemporary moviegoers. For some, the trunks’ association with early 20th-century strongmen creates an unnecessary link to an outdated era, detracting from Superman’s modern-day relevance. There is also the persistent issue of making superhero costumes “realistic” for movie adaptations. This phenomenon arguably began with X-Men (2000), which swapped colorful spandex outfits for black leather. Ever since, overtly colorful superhero costumes have been toned down considerably, including Superman’s trunks, in order to make the larger-than-life superheroics feel relatively grounded and realistic. Since nobody in their right mind would wear Superman-style trunks in the “real” world, they were frequently omitted. On the flip side, defenders of Superman’s red trunks argue that they are a quintessential part of Superman’s identity. Removing them risks stripping the character of his visual charm and historical significance. The debate, therefore, is not merely about aesthetics but about how to preserve the essence of Superman while adapting him for new generations. However, perhaps the most compelling argument came from the DCU’s new Man of Steel himself, David Corenswe

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