David Corenswet, the 31-year-old actor set to soar as Superman in James Gunn’s Superman, slated for release on July 11, 2025, sent ripples through the DC fandom with a surprising revelation at CinemaCon on April 1, 2025. When asked which other DC character he’d love to portray, Corenswet didn’t hesitate: Batman. The statement, delivered with a nod to a classic animated episode where Superman and Batman switch roles, has sparked fervent discussion among fans and industry insiders alike. As Corenswet prepares to don the iconic red cape, his expressed desire to trade it for the Dark Knight’s cowl offers a glimpse into his passion for DC’s storied universe and his nuanced understanding of its heroes.

Corenswet’s comment came during a lively panel at CinemaCon, where he joined Superman co-stars Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult, alongside director James Gunn, to discuss the highly anticipated DC Universe reboot. Referencing the Superman: The Animated Series episode “Knight Time,” where Superman dons Batman’s suit to protect Gotham in Bruce Wayne’s absence, Corenswet said, “I love the animated series when Batman and Superman switch spots. That would be fun to get to do at some point, James.” The crowd erupted, thrilled by the idea of the Man of Steel stepping into the Caped Crusader’s world. The remark, reported widely on X and outlets like GamesRadar, underscores Corenswet’s admiration for Batman’s complex psyche, a stark contrast to Superman’s more optimistic heroism.

The Philadelphia-born actor, a Juilliard graduate with a breakout role in Ryan Murphy’s The Politician, has long been vocal about his dream to play Superman. In a 2019 Entertainment Weekly interview, he called it his “pie-in-the-sky ambition,” a goal he once thought impossible. Now, as he embodies Clark Kent in a film that explores the hero’s struggle to balance his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing, Corenswet’s performance is already drawing praise. Early screenings, including a secret premiere on June 15, 2025, have lauded his portrayal as a worthy successor to Christopher Reeve, blending earnest optimism with modern depth. Yet, his CinemaCon comment reveals a fascination with Batman’s darker, more conflicted nature, hinting at his versatility as an actor.

Batman, with his brooding intensity and human vulnerabilities, stands in sharp contrast to Superman’s near-invincibility. In a TIME interview, Corenswet reflected on this, citing Grant Morrison’s All-Star Superman to highlight Superman’s unique burden: “Compared to Batman and Spider-Man, he isn’t depicted as having great inner turmoil. If he’s invincible, what’s at stake? All the important stuff. You can be the most well-adjusted, well-intentioned person, but people will still die.” This insight into Superman’s emotional complexity suggests Corenswet could bring a similar depth to Batman, whose struggles stem from trauma and a relentless drive for justice. Fans on X have embraced the idea, with posts envisioning Corenswet as a younger Bruce Wayne, potentially in Andy Muschietti’s upcoming The Brave and the Bold.

While Superman marks Corenswet’s first major studio lead, his career—from Hollywood to Pearl and Twisters—showcases his ability to tackle diverse roles. James Gunn, who cast Corenswet after being impressed by his work in Pearl, praised his humility and analytical approach, noting, “He is Superman, even in his nerdiness.” Yet, Gunn also highlighted Corenswet’s relentless questioning on set, a trait that could suit Batman’s detective-like mindset. The DC Universe, under Gunn and Peter Safran’s leadership, is poised for a lighter, more hopeful tone, but The Brave and the Bold will introduce an older Batman with a son, Damian Wayne, suggesting a gritty, family-driven narrative that Corenswet’s intensity could complement.

Though Corenswet’s Batman dreams are speculative, the DC Universe’s interconnected framework leaves room for creative possibilities. His cameo as Superman in a flashback for Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (set for June 2026) indicates his role will extend beyond his solo film. Meanwhile, fan art on X featuring Corenswet alongside Jensen Ackles as Batman and Alexandra Daddario as Wonder Woman has fueled excitement for a potential DC Trinity. For now, Corenswet remains focused on delivering a Superman that embodies “truth, justice, and the human way,” but his nod to Batman has fans dreaming of a future where he trades the skies of Metropolis for Gotham’s shadows.