The debate over Superman’s cinematic legacy has reached a fever pitch as fans compare Henry Cavill’s iconic portrayal with David Corenswet’s upcoming take in James Gunn’s Superman, set to release on July 11, 2025. A side-by-side image circulating online, showing Corenswet in his new suit with red trunks and Cavill in his classic costume without them, has reignited discussions about aesthetics, nostalgia, and the essence of the Man of Steel. While Corenswet’s suit—revealed in the record-breaking trailer that amassed 250 million views in 24 hours—has its defenders, a vocal contingent of fans argues that even if Cavill had worn the traditional red trunks, his overall look would still outshine Corenswet’s, highlighting the enduring appeal of Cavill’s Superman in both design and presence.
Cavill’s tenure as Superman, spanning Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Justice League (2017), introduced a modernized costume under Zack Snyder’s direction. The suit ditched the red trunks, a staple of Superman’s design since 1938, in favor of a sleek, textured blue bodysuit with a more alien, Kryptonian-inspired aesthetic. The choice was divisive—some praised the contemporary update, while others felt it stripped away the character’s timeless charm. In the viral image, Cavill’s suit, with its deep blue tones and intricate detailing, exudes a rugged intensity that defined his portrayal: a Superman grappling with his dual identity as both a god among men and a protector of humanity. Fans argue that adding red trunks to Cavill’s design would have struck the perfect balance, blending classic iconography with the modern grit that made his performance so compelling.
By contrast, Corenswet’s suit in Gunn’s Superman leans heavily into tradition, reintroducing the red trunks—a nod to the comics and Christopher Reeve’s 1978 portrayal. The costume, with its brighter blue, more pronounced yellow belt, and slightly bulkier build, aims for a lighter, more hopeful tone reflective of Gunn’s vision for the DCU. The trailer, which became the most viewed in DC history, showcases Corenswet soaring alongside Krypto the Superdog, set against a vibrant Metropolis filled with heroes like Hawkgirl and Mister Terrific. Yet, despite the nostalgic appeal, many fans find the suit lacking. The red trunks, while a welcome return for purists, appear slightly oversized on Corenswet, and the overall design feels less cohesive than Cavill’s. The brighter palette, while optimistic, lacks the gravitas that Cavill’s darker tones conveyed, leading some to argue that it feels more like a cosplay than a definitive Superman look.
The comparison goes beyond mere aesthetics—it’s about what each actor brings to the role. Cavill’s Superman was a product of its time, reflecting a post-9/11 world where heroes were burdened with moral complexity. His suit, even without the trunks, mirrored that weight: the muted colors and intricate textures suggested a warrior forged in conflict, a Kryptonian outsider finding his place on Earth. Fans on X have noted that adding red trunks to Cavill’s design would have softened the look just enough to evoke Superman’s Golden Age optimism while retaining the modern edge Snyder envisioned. One user wrote, “Cavill with trunks would’ve been perfection—classic but grounded. Corenswet’s suit looks like it’s trying too hard to be retro.”
Corenswet, meanwhile, is tasked with redefining Superman for a new era. Gunn’s direction, as seen in the trailer, emphasizes a return to the character’s roots as a beacon of hope, a stark contrast to Snyder’s darker narrative. The red trunks are a deliberate choice, signaling a lighter tone that aligns with Gunn’s successes in Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad. But the execution has drawn criticism. The suit’s proportions—particularly the bulky chest and slightly awkward fit of the trunks—don’t complement Corenswet’s frame as seamlessly as Cavill’s did. Where Cavill’s costume felt like an extension of his physicality, Corenswet’s appears more costume-like, lacking the lived-in quality that made Cavill’s Superman so imposing.
As Superman approaches its release, the debate underscores a broader tension in superhero cinema: balancing tradition with innovation. Cavill’s era, for all its flaws, left an indelible mark, and his hypothetical red-trunked look remains a fan fantasy that many believe would have been the ultimate Superman design. Corenswet’s version, while promising, hasn’t yet won over skeptics, despite the trailer’s record-breaking buzz. Whether Gunn’s vision can ultimately overshadow Cavill’s legacy will depend on more than just a costume—but for now, the scales of fan sentiment tip heavily toward the past.
