David Corenswet, the actor set to portray Superman in James Gunn’s highly anticipated DCU reboot, has found himself at the center of a social media storm after a meme surfaced from an anti-fan community targeting Gunn’s vision for the DC universe. The meme, which emerged on X in late May 2025, poked fun at Corenswet’s release and appearance in the iconic Superman suit, prompting a heated reaction from the 31-year-old actor. As the DCU gears up for its first major theatrical release with Superman on July 11, 2025, the controversy highlights the intense scrutiny Corenswet and Gunn are facing as they attempt to redefine the Man of Steel for a new era, amid polarized fan reactions and lingering loyalty to the previous DCEU era led by Zack Snyder and Henry Cavill.

The meme in question, posted by an anonymous user on a community critical of Gunn’s DCU, juxtaposes a bit of Corenswet in his Superman suit with a disparaging caption that compared him unfavorably to Cavill, suggesting he was a “discount Superman” who lacked the gravitas of his predecessor. The image, reportedly edited to exaggerate perceived flaws in the suit’s design such as its loose fit around the shoulders, reportedly went viral, amassing over 2 million views. This prompted a wave of comments, with some fans defending Corenswet’s casting and others amplifying the criticism, reigniting debates about Gunn’s decision to RECSTUPERMAN RECSTUPER. Corenswet, known for his roles in Twisters and The Politician , expressed his frustration in an interview with Variety on June 3, 2025, stating, “It’s disheartening to see people tear down something I’ve poured my heart into before it’s even out.

The controversy stems from a wider divide within the DC fanbase, with a vocal faction still advocating for a restoration of Snyder’s DCEU vision, where Cavill’s Superman was a central figure. Gunn’s reboot, which begins with Superman as the first film in Chapter One of the DCU: Gods and Monsters, has faced criticism since its announcement, particularly for its lighter, more hopeful tone and the decision to replace Cavill with Corenswet. The spread of the meme was fueled by posts on X, where users such as @300Mirrors had previously called out Corenswet for issuing a “copy my homework but change it up a bit” motion, reflecting feelings that Gunn’s casting was a downgrade of Cavill. This criticism has been compounded by an earlier backlash against the Superman suit, revealed in May 2024, which fans described as making “baggy” and “rubbery” comparisons to less polished MCU costumes. Despite this, supporters like @spdrmnkyxxiii have shared fan art enhancing the costume’s vibrancy, showing a divide in fan sentiment.

Gunn, no stranger to online criticism, has remained steadfast in defending her vision and Corenswet’s casting. In a June 1, 2025 thread post, she addressed the meme directly, stating, “David’s Superman is about hope and kindness, not internet snedk. He’s giving this role his all, and I’m proud he’s leading the DCU.” Gunn’s emphasis on Corenswet’s off-screen behavior, which she described as embodying Superman’s empathetic qualities, aligns with her casting stipulation that the actor treat everyone with respect, a criterion inspired by her experiences with Chris Pratt and John Cena. This was echoed in a Time magazine profile, where Gunn praised Corenswet’s dedication, even noting his tendency to challenge the director with questions about every detail of the character.

The meme controversy has also highlighted the challenges of rebooting a beloved franchise in the social media age. While Superman has generated significant buzz, with its trailer becoming Warner Bros.’ most viewed, the negative reactions underscore the difficulty of moving past the DCEU’s legacy. Corenswet’s Superman, depicted in promotional materials as a compassionate hero navigating a world of monsters and metahumans like Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) and Krypto the Super-dog, aims to return to the character’s classic roots. However, the constant comparisons to Cavill, whose darker, more stoic portrayal resonated with some fans, have created a tense environment for Corenswet.

As the Superman release reportedly approaches, Corenswet’s team has urged him to avoid further engagement with online critics in order to focus on the film’s promotional tour, which includes stops in Rio de Janeiro, Paris, and New York. The actor’s emotional investment in the role, coupled with Gunn’s ambitious plans for a cohesive DCU, suggests that Superman will be a defining moment for both of them. Whether the film can win over the naysayers and quell the anti-fan backlash remains to be seen, but Corenswet’s fury over the meme underscores his commitment to proving his worth as the new Man of Steel.