The world of superhero cinema is buzzing with excitement as Warner Bros. unveiled details about their upcoming slate of films at CinemaCon on April 3, 2025. Among the highlights was the much-anticipated Superman, set to star David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. While the panel offered no new public footage, it did provide a fascinating glimpse into the minds of the cast—and a surprising revelation from Corenswet himself: if he weren’t donning Superman’s iconic cape, he’d be slipping into the cowl of the Dark Knight, Batman.
CinemaCon, an annual gathering of theater owners and industry insiders, has long been a platform for studios to generate hype for their biggest projects. Warner Bros. didn’t disappoint, showcasing a lineup that included The Bride!, a musical reimagining of The Bride of Frankenstein with Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, and Penelope Cruz, as well as Final Destination: Bloodlines, Mortal Kombat II, The Conjuring: Last Rites, and F1, a high-octane drama starring Brad Pitt. There was also mention of Dynamic Duo, an animated feature centered on Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, the first and second Robins. But all eyes were on Superman, the cornerstone of the rebooted DC Universe under the stewardship of James Gunn.
Though the public didn’t get fresh footage, attendees were treated to an extended look at a scene previously teased in the Superman trailer. It begins with Clark Kent crashing into the Arctic, battered and bruised, summoning his loyal dog Krypto with a whistle. The massive pup bounds in, kicking up snow, and playfully pounces on his injured owner. With a pained grunt, Superman instructs Krypto to “take me home,” gripping his cape as the dog drags him across the icy tundra. In the distance, a crystalline structure—the Fortress of Solitude—rises, its glowing doors emblazoned with the iconic “S” shield. Automatons emerge to carry Superman into a solar-powered healing chamber, brushing off his thanks with a mechanical reminder of their lack of sentience. The clip then flows into familiar trailer territory before closing with Superman preparing to depart, nearly leaving Krypto behind until the dog’s whimper convinces him to bring his furry companion along.
Amid the excitement of the footage, it was Corenswet’s offhand comment that stole the show. Turning to director James Gunn, he quipped that if he could play any other DC character, it’d be Batman, adding, “That would be fun to get to do at some point, James, if you’re willing.” The room erupted in laughter, but the remark sparked immediate speculation. Could Corenswet, with his chiseled jaw and brooding intensity, actually suit the role of Bruce Wayne? Rachel Brosnahan chimed in with a playful twist, saying she’d love to take a crack at Superman, while Nicholas Hoult revealed he’d auditioned for both Batman and Superman before landing Lex Luthor. “Shit, that’s who I was supposed to be playing all along,” Hoult joked, reflecting on his own near-misses with the iconic heroes.
The idea of Corenswet as Batman isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem. At 31, he brings a youthful energy to Superman, but his physicality and gravitas could easily translate to the haunted billionaire of Gotham. Superman demands a certain earnestness and optimism—qualities Corenswet has in spades—but Batman requires a darker, more introspective edge. Fans have already begun debating whether his towering frame and quiet charisma might better fit the Caped Crusader than the Last Son of Krypton. And with the DCU poised to explore multiverse storytelling once it finds its footing, a role-swap narrative could offer a fresh twist, pitting Corenswet’s Batman against Hoult’s Superman in a clash of titans.
For now, though, Corenswet’s comment remains a lighthearted aside, a nod to the endless possibilities of comic book adaptations. The focus remains on Superman, slated for release in July 2025, and its promise to redefine the character for a new generation. Still, the CinemaCon panel left fans with plenty to ponder. Would a Corenswet-led Batman film captivate audiences, or is he destined to shine brightest as Clark Kent? Could Brosnahan’s Lois Lane secretly harbor the strength to wield the “S” shield herself? And what of Hoult, who’s already danced with both roles in auditions—might he get a second shot at heroism down the line?
As the DCU unfolds, these questions linger, fueling discussions online and beyond. For now, we’ll have to wait for Superman to soar into theaters—and perhaps catch a glimpse of it alongside A Minecraft Movie this weekend. What do you think? Should Corenswet’s Batman dream stay a joke, or could it spark an intriguing story? Let us know your thoughts!
