As the DC Universe prepares to launch its bold new era with James Gunn’s Superman, set for release on July 11, 2025, David Corenswet has emerged as a compelling choice to don the iconic cape. His casting, announced in June 2023, has been met with widespread approval from fans and critics who see him as the perfect blend of charm, gravitas, and physicality to embody Clark Kent and his Kryptonian alter ego. Yet, as excitement builds for Corenswet’s portrayal, one aspect of the film has sparked a peculiar debate: the return of Superman’s red trunks, often likened to underwear worn over tights. For many, including myself, the decision to reinstate this classic costume element raises questions about its appropriateness for children, the very audience Superman has inspired for decades. While Corenswet’s Superman promises to be a beacon of hope, the red trunks—rooted in tradition but divisive in modern context—require a closer look to understand their place in a 2025 blockbuster.

Corenswet, known for roles in The Politician and Hollywood, brings a fresh yet familiar energy to Superman. At 31, he’s younger than predecessors like Henry Cavill and Christopher Reeve were at the start of their tenures, aligning with Gunn’s vision of a “workplace origin story” focusing on a young Clark Kent navigating his dual life at the Daily Planet. Set photos from June 2024, showing Corenswet in a vibrant suit with a Kingdom Come-inspired S-shield, yellow belt, and those unmistakable red trunks, have fueled anticipation. Fans on Reddit have praised his “boyish charm and heroic presence,” while early test screenings in November 2024 reportedly lauded his ability to balance Clark’s awkwardness with Superman’s confidence. Gunn himself has called Corenswet “the best actor I’ve ever worked with,” citing his emotional depth in scenes with Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor. With a natural physique—Gunn confirmed no CGI muscles or padding—Corenswet embodies a Superman who feels authentic, a hero whose strength is as much internal as it is physical.

Yet, the red trunks, absent from live-action Superman since Brandon Routh’s Superman Returns in 2006, have become a lightning rod for discussion. Introduced in 1938 by creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the trunks were inspired by the circus strongmen and wrestlers of the time, whose colorful costumes signaled superhuman prowess. For decades, they were synonymous with Superman’s image, evoking a sense of nostalgia tied to Reeve’s iconic portrayal and the Golden Age comics. When Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel opted for a sleek, trunkless suit in 2013, it reflected a trend toward modern, tactical superhero designs, a choice echoed in DC’s New 52 comics. The trunks’ return in 2018 comics and now in Gunn’s film, however, suggests a deliberate embrace of tradition. Gunn and Corenswet have argued that the trunks make Superman approachable, a conscious choice by an alien hero to appear friendly and human, especially to children. “He’s a guy with laser eyes who wants kids to feel safe,” Corenswet said at a 2024 Comic-Con panel, emphasizing the trunks’ role in softening Superman’s godlike aura.

Despite this rationale, the trunks’ resemblance to underwear worn externally raises concerns about their suitability for young audiences. In an era where superhero films are scrutinized for age-appropriate content, the image of Superman “running around in red underwear” can feel jarring. Parents on forums like NeoGAF have questioned whether the design might confuse or amuse children in ways that distract from Superman’s heroic message. “My kid asked why Superman wears his underwear outside,” one X user posted, echoing a sentiment that the trunks, while iconic, may not translate seamlessly to 2025’s cultural landscape. Modern superhero costumes, from Spider-Man’s tech-enhanced suit to Batman’s armored gear, prioritize functionality or realism, making Superman’s trunks appear anachronistic. The debate isn’t new—Snyder himself noted in 2013 that the trunks felt “too comical” for his grounded vision—but their revival prompts fresh questions about balancing nostalgia with contemporary sensibilities.

Gunn’s defense of the trunks is rooted in Superman’s essence as the original superhero, a character whose bright, whimsical costume sets him apart from the gritty antiheroes of today. In a December 2024 interview with Empire, he argued, “Trying to make Superman’s suit overly serious misses the point. He’s colorful, hopeful, and that’s what makes him timeless.” The first trailer, released that same month, showcased Corenswet’s Superman rising from a battle-scarred Metropolis, the red trunks standing out as a bold declaration of optimism. Comic historian Mark Waid has supported this view, noting that the trunks “connect Superman to his 1930s roots, a time when heroes were larger-than-life entertainers.” For children, this vibrant aesthetic could indeed be appealing, framing Superman as a friendly protector rather than a distant deity. The film’s PG rating, confirmed in January 2025, suggests a family-friendly tone, with the trunks likely presented as a quirky, non-sexualized element of the costume.

Still, the question of appropriateness lingers. While the trunks may not be inherently inappropriate, their underwear-like appearance risks undermining Superman’s gravitas in a media landscape where visual clarity matters. Gunn’s team has modernized the design—textured fabric, a mock neck, and a brighter palette—but the trunks remain a focal point. A 2023 fan poll by Gunn, though non-binding, showed 60% of 150,000 voters favored their return, yet the vocal minority on X argues they could alienate younger viewers raised on MCU’s polished heroes. Corenswet’s natural physique, free of CGI enhancements, helps ground the character, but the trunks’ playful nature might overshadow this authenticity for some.

Ultimately, Corenswet’s Superman is poised to win hearts, with or without the trunks. His performance, coupled with Gunn’s storytelling prowess, promises a hero who resonates across generations. The trunks, while divisive, are a testament to Superman’s enduring optimism, a choice that may charm children more than it confuses them. As the DCU’s flagship film, introducing Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and more, Superman aims to redefine the genre. Whether the red trunks prove appropriate or not, Corenswet’s Man of Steel is ready to fly, carrying the weight of legacy and the hope of a new era.