On March 25, 2025, James Gunn, the director of the upcoming Superman film set to release on July 11, 2025, stirred the pot with a bold statement that has reignited one of the most debated topics in superhero cinema: Superman’s iconic red trunks. Speaking at a press event in Los Angeles, Gunn declared that having Superman wear his traditional underwear-like trunks makes the character more impressive than omitting them, a design choice that has divided fans for years. This comment comes as the DC Universe (DCU) prepares to introduce David Corenswet as the new Man of Steel, replacing Henry Cavill, whose tenure as Superman in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) notably ditched the trunks for a more modernized suit. Gunn’s statement has sparked a fresh wave of discussion, pitting Corenswet’s upcoming portrayal against Cavill’s established legacy.

The debate over Superman’s trunks dates back to the character’s earliest appearances in 1938, when the red briefs were a core part of his costume, inspired by the aesthetic of circus strongmen and wrestlers. For decades, the trunks became a symbol of Superman’s larger-than-life persona, a beacon of hope and optimism. However, when Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel premiered in 2013 with Henry Cavill in the lead role, the trunks were conspicuously absent, replaced by a sleek, textured blue suit that aimed to modernize the character for a grittier, more grounded take on the Kryptonian hero. Snyder’s decision was met with mixed reactions—some fans appreciated the fresh look, while others felt it stripped away a key piece of Superman’s identity. Cavill’s Superman, which spanned several films including Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League, leaned into a darker, more conflicted version of the character, and the absence of the trunks became emblematic of that tonal shift.

Enter James Gunn, who, alongside DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran, is spearheading a reboot of the DCU with a focus on returning to the character’s roots. Gunn’s Superman, starring David Corenswet, marks a deliberate return to tradition, with the red trunks prominently featured in the costume design. The decision wasn’t made without debate—Gunn has previously shared that the costume went through multiple iterations, with and without the trunks, before settling on the final look. What ultimately tipped the scales was Corenswet himself, who argued that the trunks serve a deeper purpose. According to Gunn, Corenswet pointed out that Superman, as a symbol of hope, would want to appear approachable to children, and the trunks—reminiscent of a friendly wrestling hero—help achieve that. Gunn elaborated on this at the press event, stating that the trunks add an element of “frivolity” that makes Superman more human and relatable, rather than an untouchable god. “Wearing a pair of underwear makes Superman more impressive than not wearing any,” Gunn said, emphasizing that the costume’s playful element underscores the character’s inherent optimism, a trait he believes was underplayed in Cavill’s portrayal.

This statement has reignited comparisons between Corenswet and Cavill, two actors who represent different eras of Superman’s cinematic journey. Cavill’s Superman was defined by his physicality and intensity, with a suit that reflected the DCEU’s darker tone. His “First Flight” scene in Man of Steel, where he soars into the sky with a sonic boom, remains a high point for many fans, showcasing a Superman who was both powerful and burdened by his role. However, critics of the DCEU often pointed to the collateral damage in Metropolis during his battle with General Zod as a sign that Cavill’s Superman lacked the warmth and moral clarity of earlier iterations, like Christopher Reeve’s. The absence of the trunks, for some, symbolized this departure from Superman’s traditional optimism.

Corenswet’s Superman, as seen in trailers and promotional images, appears to lean into a brighter, more hopeful vision. The first teaser, released in December 2024, has already garnered over 51 million views on YouTube, surpassing the 11-year view count of Man of Steel’s trailer in just a month. While the footage shows a bloodied and beaten Superman at one point, it also highlights moments of vulnerability and connection, particularly with Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane. The return of the trunks has been a focal point for fans, with many praising the nod to Superman’s comic book roots. Gunn’s comments at the press event further cement his vision: a Superman who isn’t afraid to embrace the lighter, more whimsical aspects of his identity, even as he faces monumental challenges.

As the release of Superman approaches, the debate over the trunks—and what they represent—continues to rage. For Gunn and Corenswet, the underwear is more than a costume piece; it’s a statement about who Superman should be in 2025: a hero who inspires hope, not fear. Whether this vision will resonate with audiences remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Man of Steel’s underwear has never been more controversial—or more symbolic.