David Corenswet Shares the Meaning Behind the Poster of the New Superman Movie Directed by James Gunn
The anticipation for James Gunn’s *Superman*, set to soar into theaters on July 11, 2025, has reached fever pitch, and at the heart of it all is David Corenswet, the actor tasked with bringing the Man of Steel into a new era of the DC Universe (DCU). Recently, Corenswet offered fans a rare glimpse into the creative vision behind the film’s first official poster, unveiled in December 2024. The striking image of him in the iconic red, blue, and yellow suit, streaking upward against a vibrant backdrop, has already become a symbol of hope and excitement. Speaking at a press event in early 2025, Corenswet delved into the deeper meaning of the poster, revealing how it reflects both his interpretation of Superman and Gunn’s bold direction for the franchise.
The poster, accompanied by the simple yet evocative tagline “Look Up,” captures Corenswet’s Superman in mid-flight, his cape billowing as he ascends toward the sky. Fans immediately noticed the nod to classic Superman imagery, reminiscent of Christopher Reeve’s era, with a slowed-down, haunting rendition of John Williams’ legendary theme humming in the background of the motion version. Corenswet explained that this design choice was intentional, a bridge between the character’s storied past and its future. “It’s about looking up—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually,” he said. “Superman has always been this beacon, this idea that there’s something better out there, something worth striving for. The poster is James’ way of saying that’s still true, even in a world that’s gotten more complicated.”
Gunn, who wrote and directed the film, has described his Superman as a “deeply human” take on the character, and Corenswet echoed that sentiment when unpacking the poster’s significance. Unlike the stoic, near-invincible figure of some past portrayals, this Superman is meant to feel accessible. “The colors, the motion, the way he’s reaching upward—it’s all about connection,” Corenswet noted. “He’s not just some god floating above us. He’s someone who’s part of the world, who feels its weight and still chooses to rise.” This aligns with Gunn’s promise that the movie will explore Clark Kent’s early days at the Daily Planet, balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing in Smallville—a narrative hinted at in the trailer, where a battered Superman calls for Krypto the Superdog amid chaos.
Corenswet’s personal influence on the film’s aesthetic also shines through in the poster. He famously convinced Gunn to keep the bright red trunks, a debated element of Superman’s classic costume. “I told James that Superman needs to feel approachable, especially to kids,” he recounted. “He’s this alien with unimaginable power—lasers from his eyes, strength to lift mountains—but he doesn’t want to scare anyone. The trunks, the vivid colors, they make him less intimidating, almost like a friendly wrestler or a circus performer.” The poster’s bold palette reflects that philosophy, embracing a Silver Age comic book vibrancy that stands in contrast to the muted tones of the DC Extended Universe’s earlier Superman outings under Henry Cavill.
The upward trajectory depicted in the poster also carries a narrative weight, according to Corenswet. “It’s not just about flying—it’s about what he’s flying toward,” he said. “James wanted to capture that moment of decision, where Superman chooses to keep going, no matter what’s happened below.” This ties into the trailer’s opening scene, where Corenswet’s Kal-El crashes to the ground, bloodied and beaten, only to rise again. Gunn has since explained that this vulnerability is key to the film’s ethos, rejecting the notion of Superman as a “fascistic power fantasy” in favor of a hero who bleeds, struggles, and perseveres. The poster, then, becomes a visual promise of resilience, a counterpoint to the despair that kicks off the story.
Fans have latched onto the poster’s optimistic tone, with social media buzzing about its retro-modern fusion. Posts on X have praised how it evokes the spirit of *Action Comics #1* while feeling fresh, a sentiment Corenswet shares. “There’s a timelessness to it,” he observed. “James and I talked a lot about how Superman’s been around for nearly a century because he adapts. The poster’s this mix of nostalgia and forward momentum—it’s saying, ‘Yeah, this is your Superman, but he’s also mine.’” That duality is a cornerstone of the film, which introduces a stacked ensemble—Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and others like Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl—while keeping Superman as the emotional core.
Corenswet’s preparation for the role further informs the poster’s meaning. He drew heavily from Grant Morrison’s *All-Star Superman*, a comic Gunn recommended for its focus on Clark Kent’s humanity. “There’s a quiet strength in those pages that I wanted to bring to life,” he said. “The poster’s not about flexing power—it’s about reaching out, lifting up.” His physical transformation, bulking up for the part despite admitting he didn’t enjoy it, mirrors that dedication, a commitment mirrored in the image of a Superman who’s both mighty and relatable.
As the July release nears, the poster stands as a testament to Gunn and Corenswet’s shared vision: a Superman who inspires by being both extraordinary and ordinary. “It’s hope in motion,” Corenswet concluded. “That’s what James saw, and that’s what I’m trying to embody.” With early screenings earning rave reviews and the trailer amassing 50 million views in under two weeks, the poster’s message is resonating. For fans old and new, it’s a call to look up—not just at the sky, but at the possibility of a hero who still believes in us, even when we falter.
