From Long Shot to Leading Man: David Corenswet Reflects on Becoming Superman

Posted on May 01, 2025 by Neil Cole

With a humility worthy of the Man of Steel himself, actor David Corenswet is clearing the air about how his now-viral 2019 comment about playing Superman came to be.

In an interview with film writer Lindsey Bahr from The Associated Press, Corenswet, 31, clarified the oft-misquoted remark from his early career. Then a rising talent fresh off breakout roles in Netflix's The Politician and Hollywood, Corenswet told Entertainment Weekly that it was his "pie in the sky ambition" to play Superman. The phrase, intended to express the sheer improbability of such a dream coming true, has since been misunderstood as a direct manifestation of his destiny.

"I said it was my pie in the sky ambition, which I meant to mean that there was no (expletive) way it was ever going to happen," said Corenswet. "I sort of was thinking of it as, 'Oh, who wouldn't love to get to play an iconic role like that? Wouldn't it be amazing and impossible if we lived in a universe where that could even be considered?'"

Now, impossibility has become reality. Corenswet is stepping into the iconic cape as the lead in James Gunn's "Superman" - the film set to relaunch the DC Universe when it hits theaters July 11, 2025.

Gunn first took note of Corenswet in Ti West's "Pearl", where the actor's charisma piqued his curiosity. A rigorous audition process followed - one Corenswet calls "one of the most satisfying" of his career - not simply because he won the role, but because he felt truly seen as an artist.

"Superman is a square and David is a square," Gunn said. "He listens to American Songbook. Like Dean Martin and Cole Porter. That's what he listens to on his iPad. That's weird. But oh, so Superman."

When the casting call finally came, the first person Corenswet told was his wife. The second? His sister, who missed the call on the golf course but texted back: "Is it possible that was a phone call with super good news?" Corenswet's answer: "Yes. Super good news."

In preparing for the duality of Superman and Clark Kent, Corenswet drew from comic legends (All-Star Superman), cinematic icons (Christopher Reeve), and personal heroes - like his 6'8" brother-in-law whose quiet strength inspired Clark's gentler side.

"That's where I sort of took the spirit of Clark," explained Corenswet. "He's this big presence, but he's desperately trying to be as small as possible and as quiet as possible."

Gunn's Superman promises a new vision for the beloved character: flawed, heartfelt, and undeniably human. The film features Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane in a reimagined dynamic, where Superman wears his heart on his sleeve - and Lois isn't easily won.

"He's in love with her," Gunn said. "She's the one that needs the convincing in the relationship. It's not him. You really see where he needs her in his life."

With his custom suit lovingly built around him and a cast and crew that feels more like family than co-workers, Corenswet sees the project as more than a film - it's a mission, one he approaches with reverence and joy.

"I expect some things will change when the film comes out," he said. "But you know, one still has to wake up and eat breakfast."

For this Philadelphia native and Juilliard graduate, the cape may be real now - but so is his grounded, genuine approach. And if there's any truth to the mythos of Superman, perhaps it's this: greatness isn't just about power. It's about character.

Read the full article at ABC News.