The New Man Of Steel: 7 Shocking Facts About David Corenswet, The DCU’s Superman

The torch has been passed, and a new era for the iconic Man of Steel is dawning. As of late 2024, the actor stepping into the legendary blue suit and red cape for the rebooted DC Universe (DCU) is David Corenswet, an American actor whose star has been rapidly ascending, fueled by breakout roles in prestige television and film. His casting as Clark Kent/Superman in director James Gunn's highly anticipated film, Superman (2025), marks a definitive shift from the previous Snyderverse era, promising a fresh, hopeful, and deeply human take on the Kryptonian hero. This article dives into the most current, fresh, and unique details about the new Superman, his grueling preparation, and the surprising behind-the-scenes stories from the set of the new DC cornerstone.

The choice of David Corenswet was not just about finding a physical match for the classic Superman look—which he undoubtedly possesses with his 6'4" frame and striking features—but about capturing the innate goodness and earnestness of Clark Kent. The film, which is currently in production for a July 2025 release, is set to redefine the character for a new generation. The following facts reveal the intense dedication, surprising director notes, and deep emotional connection Corenswet is bringing to the role that will anchor the entire new DCU.

The Complete Biography of David Corenswet: The New Clark Kent

David Corenswet is the actor tasked with following in the footsteps of legends like Christopher Reeve and Henry Cavill. His journey from a Philadelphia native to the cornerstone of a major cinematic universe is a story of focused ambition and a deep grounding in the arts. Here is a complete profile of the new Man of Steel.

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• Full Name: David Packard Corenswet
• Date of Birth: July 8, 1993
• Age (as of 2024): 31
• Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Height: 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
• Parents: John Corenswet (lawyer and former stage actor) and Caroline Corenswet (lawyer)
• Education: Graduated from the Juilliard School in New York City (Drama Division, Group 47) in 2016. He also studied at the University of Pennsylvania.
• Early Career Highlights: He began acting in local theater productions as a child. His breakout roles came in Ryan Murphy's Netflix series *The Politician* (2019) and *Hollywood* (2020), where he gained critical attention for his classic Hollywood look and strong performances. He also starred in the horror film *Pearl* (2022) and the disaster film *Twisters* (2024).
• DCU Role: Clark Kent / Superman in *Superman* (2025), directed by James Gunn.

7 Shocking and Fresh Facts About Corenswet’s Superman Transformation

The casting of David Corenswet was announced in 2023, and since then, the focus has been on his preparation for the physically and emotionally demanding role. The following facts reveal the intense work and surprising details that have emerged from the production of the DCU's first major film.

1. He Bulk-Up to an Astounding 230 Pounds for the Role

One of the most talked-about aspects of Corenswet’s preparation was his massive physical transformation. To fill the shoes—and the suit—of the Man of Steel, the actor revealed he bulked up to 230 pounds. This was achieved through an intense, high-calorie regimen and rigorous strength training. His dedicated program included consuming a staggering 4,500 calories per day to support the muscle gain required to convincingly portray the Kryptonian powerhouse.

2. His Training Included Intense "Movement Classes"

Beyond the standard weightlifting and diet, Corenswet's preparation for the role of Superman involved specialized "movement classes." These sessions were not just about building mass but about developing a distinct physical presence and grace for the character. The goal was to ensure that his Superman moved differently from other heroes—a blend of immense power and effortless, almost balletic motion, reflecting his alien nature and the iconic flying sequences.

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3. James Gunn Offered Him the Role on One Condition: Kindness

Director and DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has spoken extensively about his vision for the DCU, which emphasizes hope, compassion, and a return to the moral center of the characters. A surprising anecdote revealed that Gunn offered Corenswet the coveted role on one specific condition: he had to treat everyone on set—from the biggest stars to the newest crew members—with kindness and respect. This highlights the director’s focus on the actor’s inherent character aligning with Superman’s core values.

4. He Refused James Gunn's Only Performance Note

Despite the high stakes, Corenswet demonstrated a strong artistic vision for his take on Clark Kent. James Gunn revealed that he gave Corenswet only one note about his performance that the actor refused to take on board. The note involved the character’s iconic "spit curl" or the single strand of hair that often falls onto Superman's forehead. Corenswet insisted on keeping the curl, a small but significant detail that shows his commitment to honoring the classic comic book look while bringing his own interpretation.

5. The Screen Test with Lois Lane Was a 10-Page Dialogue Scene

The chemistry between Clark Kent and Lois Lane is crucial to any Superman story. Corenswet's screen test with his co-star, Rachel Brosnahan (who plays Lois Lane), was not a typical action sequence but a demanding, ten-page dialogue scene. This highly unconventional test for a superhero film emphasizes James Gunn's focus on the "story" and the deeply human relationship dynamics, rather than just the spectacle. The scene reportedly made it into the final film, suggesting their on-screen dynamic was immediately compelling.

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6. His Emotional Preparation Focused on the "Feeling of Being Alone"

While the physical transformation was evident, Corenswet also delved into the emotional core of the character. He stated that his emotional preparation centered on exploring the "feeling of being alone." This suggests his Clark Kent will grapple with the profound isolation of being an alien from Krypton living among humans, a theme that grounds the powerful hero in relatable human vulnerability and struggle.

7. He is the First Superman in a Film Named Simply "Superman" Since 1978

The film, originally titled *Superman: Legacy*, was officially shortened to simply *Superman*. This is a significant move, signaling a definitive fresh start and a return to the character's most fundamental, hopeful essence. The last time a major live-action film was titled simply *Superman* was the 1978 classic starring Christopher Reeve, highlighting the weight of expectation and the back-to-basics approach of the DCU reboot.

The DCU's New Direction: Why Corenswet’s Superman is Different

David Corenswet’s casting is intrinsically linked to the new creative direction of the DC Universe under co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran. The previous iteration, which starred Henry Cavill, was often criticized for its darker, more brooding tone, particularly in *Man of Steel* and *Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice*. The new *Superman* film is a deliberate pivot away from this style.

Gunn has stated that the film is about Superman reconciling his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent in Smallville. The tone is described as "fun," "fast," and "reveling in the goofy charms" of the character and the comic book world. This promises a Superman who is a true "embodiment of truth, justice, and the American way," a beacon of hope rather than a troubled god.

The film will also introduce a host of other DC entities, establishing the wider universe. Nicholas Hoult, for example, is cast as the villainous billionaire Lex Luthor, who orchestrates an international conflict that forces Superman to intervene. Other confirmed characters include members of The Authority and Mister Terrific, further cementing Corenswet's Superman as the central figure of a complex, interconnected world. This is a crucial element of the DCU’s Chapter One, titled "Gods and Monsters."

In conclusion, David Corenswet is not just the new actor playing Superman; he is the foundation of the entire new DCU. His intense physical and emotional preparation, coupled with director James Gunn’s vision for a hopeful, classic, and earnest Clark Kent, suggests a cinematic experience that will honor the character's legacy while forging an exciting new path. Fans eagerly await the 2025 release to see if this new Man of Steel can truly soar.