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 following the emergence of a meme from an anti-fan community targeting Gunn’s vision for the DC Universe. The meme, which surfaced on X in late May 2025, mocked Corenswet’s casting and appearance in the iconic Superman suit, sparking a heated reaction from the 31-year-old actor. As the DCU prepares for its first major cinematic release with Superman on July 11, 2025, the controversy highlights the intense scrutiny faced by Corenswet and Gunn as they attempt to redefine the Man of Steel for a new era, amidst 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 in a community critical of Gunn’s DCU, juxtaposed a still of Corenswet in his Superman suit with a derogatory caption comparing 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 baggy fit around the shoulders, went viral, amassing over 2 million views on X. This sparked a wave of comments, with some fans defending Corenswet’s casting and others amplifying the criticism, reigniting debates about Gunn’s decision to recast Superman. 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 suit, the role—it’s all part of a vision I believe in, and I’m here to tell a story, not to be a punching bag.”

The controversy stems from a broader divide within the DC fanbase, with a vocal faction still advocating for the restoration of Snyder’s DCEU vision, where Cavill’s Superman was a central figure. Gunn’s reboot, which kicks off with Superman as the first film in the DCU’s Chapter One: 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 meme’s spread was fueled by posts on X, where users like @300mirrors had previously called Corenswet’s casting a “copy my homework but change it a little” move, reflecting sentiments that Gunn’s choice was a downgrade from Cavill. These criticisms have been compounded by earlier backlash against the Superman suit, revealed in May 2024, which fans described as “baggy” and “rubbery,” drawing comparisons to less polished MCU costumes. Despite this, supporters like @Spdrmnkyxxiii have shared fan art improving the suit’s vibrancy, showing a split in fan sentiment.

Gunn, no stranger to online criticism, has remained steadfast in defending his vision and Corenswet’s casting. In a Threads post on June 1, 2025, he addressed the meme directly, stating, “David’s Superman is about hope and kindness, not internet snark. He’s giving everything to this role, and I’m proud to have him lead the DCU.” Gunn’s emphasis on Corenswet’s off-screen demeanor, which he described as embodying Superman’s empathetic qualities, aligns with his casting condition that the actor treat everyone with respect, a criterion inspired by his 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 ever, 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. Yet, the constant comparisons to Cavill, whose darker, more stoic portrayal resonated with some fans, have created a fraught environment for Corenswet.

As the Superman release approaches, Corenswet’s team has reportedly urged him to avoid engaging further with online critics 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. Whether the film can win over detractors 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.