Hollywood’s newest Man of Steel, David Corenswet, has dropped a surprising revelation about his role in shaping the iconic Superman costume for James Gunn’s upcoming 2025 reboot. In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly published just hours ago on April 10, 2025, the 31-year-old actor disclosed that he was the driving force behind the decision to resurrect the character’s classic red trunks—a design choice that had been absent from recent cinematic iterations. “I was the one who suggested the idea of bringing back red trunks for Superman because I thought it would be safer in the eyes of the kids,” Corenswet said, sparking a wave of reactions across social media and reigniting debates among fans about the superhero’s timeless look.

Corenswet, stepping into the cape previously worn by Henry Cavill, explained that his pitch came early in pre-production discussions with Gunn, who’s helming the film set to release on July 11, 2025. The red trunks, a staple of Superman’s comic book design since his 1938 debut, were famously ditched in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (2013) for a sleeker, more modern blue suit. That decision polarized fans—some praised the grounded aesthetic, while others mourned the loss of the character’s retro charm. Corenswet, however, saw the trunks as more than nostalgia bait. “Kids need a Superman they can recognize instantly, something that feels safe and familiar,” he elaborated. “The trunks soften the look—it’s less intimidating, more like a friendly hero they can trust.”

The comment has set the internet ablaze, with #SupermanTrunks trending on X within minutes of the interview’s release. Early concept art leaked last month already hinted at the trunks’ return, showing Corenswet in a suit that blends the classic red-and-blue palette with a modern twist: a slightly textured cape and a brighter yellow “S” shield. But hearing that the idea came from the actor himself, not Gunn or the studio, has added a fresh layer of intrigue. Fans are hailing Corenswet as a “guardian of tradition,” with one X user posting, “David gets it—Superman isn’t just a warrior, he’s a symbol for kids!” Others, though, scoff at the reasoning, with a critic quipping, “Safer for kids? It’s a guy who punches planets—trunks won’t change that.”

Behind the scenes, Corenswet’s influence highlights his deep investment in the role. Known for his breakout performances in The Politician and Pearl, the Philadelphia native has spent months bulking up to embody Clark Kent’s physicality, reportedly adding 20 pounds of muscle since landing the part in June 2023. Sources close to the production say he’s been poring over Superman comics—especially the Golden Age runs—bringing that reverence to the table. “David’s not just wearing the suit; he’s shaping it,” an insider told Variety. His suggestion wasn’t without pushback—Gunn initially leaned toward a trunkless design, fearing it might look “too cartoonish” for today’s audiences—but Corenswet’s argument about the character’s appeal to children reportedly swayed the director.

The timing couldn’t be more charged. With Superman: Legacy filming in Atlanta, set photos have already sparked buzz, from Nicholas Hoult’s bald Lex Luthor to Milly Alcock’s Supergirl soaring overhead. The trunks’ return ties into Gunn’s broader vision of a lighter, more hopeful Superman, a stark contrast to Snyder’s brooding take. Corenswet echoed this in the interview: “Superman should feel like a hug from your dad, not a threat.” Yet, his “safer for kids” logic has raised eyebrows. Some speculate it’s a subtle dig at the hyper-masculine, armor-like suits of the DCEU, while others see it as a calculated move to win over parents ahead of the film’s family-friendly marketing push.

For Finland’s rally fans—where this reporter’s audience thrives—the news might seem a world away from Kalle Rovanperä’s gravel-churning heroics. But Corenswet’s bold stand mirrors the kind of grit their champion shows on the WRC circuit: a young star unafraid to steer his own path. As production ramps up, the red trunks debate is just the beginning. Will they fly with audiences, or crash under the weight of modern cynicism? Corenswet’s bet is clear—he’s banking on a Superman kids can look up to, one iconic stitch at a time. Click the link in the comments for exclusive set leaks and decide for yourself: trunks or no trunks?