The release of Superman, directed by James Gunn, has not only reinvigorated the DC Universe but also sparked a media firestorm surrounding its stars, Rachel Brosnahan and David Corenswet. On August 15, 2025, a viral behind-the-scenes clip from the film, which premiered in theaters on July 11, captured Brosnahan, 35, as Lois Lane, kissing Corenswet, 32, as Clark Kent, moments after Gunn called “cut.”
This unscripted moment fueled rampant speculation about their chemistry, culminating in a shocking response from Brosnahan’s husband, Jason Ralph. The actor, known for The Magicians, reportedly liked an Instagram comment labeling him a “cuckold” and echoed its sentiment, stating, “It’s sad to see my career labeled as a ‘cuckold’ just because my wife couldn’t control herself with her co-actor. I mean, new Superman dude, have some self-respect and stick up for yourself. Let her be with him if that’s what she really wants at the end of the day.” This prompted a rare public comment from Gunn, who addressed the controversy in an interview with Variety, saying, “It’s true that she was very close to David, but you shouldn’t put everything on social media like that.”
The viral clip, showcasing a playful yet intimate moment between Brosnahan and Corenswet, was part of a pivotal scene in Superman where Lois interviews Clark in her apartment, a sequence that took two days to film. The chemistry between the two actors, lauded by critics as “electric” and “off the charts,” was a key factor in their casting, as Gunn revealed during the film’s press tour. However, the unscripted kiss sparked online chatter, with some fans, like X user @TheCinePlus, suggesting it hinted at more than professional commitment. Ralph’s engagement with the inflammatory Instagram comment, posted under a cryptic photo of a smashed banana, amplified the narrative, implying infidelity and questioning Brosnahan’s professionalism. His reported statement, cited by outlets like Yahoo and LADbible, stunned fans and critics, given the couple’s historically private stance on their marriage, which began in 2016 after meeting on the set of I’m Obsessed With You in 2013.

Gunn’s response aimed to quell the speculation while acknowledging the actors’ closeness. “Rachel and David poured their hearts into these roles,” he told Variety. “Their chemistry is undeniable, but that’s what makes the film work. It’s a shame to see personal lives dragged into the spotlight over a professional moment.” His comment subtly criticized Ralph’s decision to air grievances publicly, reflecting a broader tension in Hollywood about navigating personal and professional boundaries in the social media age. Ralph’s actions, including disabling Instagram comments after the backlash, as reported by BuzzFeed, have divided fans. Some, like X user @princessoautism, argue the clip was edited to exaggerate the moment, while others, like @The_Green_Blur, question Ralph’s motives, suggesting he either endorsed the accusation or was trolling for attention.
The controversy has overshadowed Brosnahan’s acclaimed performance as Lois Lane, with critics like David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter praising her as “possibly the sharpest and most captivating” iteration since Margot Kidder. Corenswet, too, has been hailed as a “spellbinding” Superman, yet the offscreen drama threatens to eclipse their achievements. Brosnahan and Ralph have not publicly addressed the accusation, and Corenswet, married to Julia Best Warner with a daughter born in 2024, has remained silent. The lack of response has fueled further speculation, with some fans on X, like @Showbiz_IT, defending the actors’ professionalism and others, like @AyoVeezy, questioning Ralph’s judgment in amplifying a “troll” comment.
This saga highlights the perils of celebrity in the digital era, where a single social media interaction can ignite global controversy. For Brosnahan and Corenswet, the incident underscores the challenge of separating onscreen chemistry from real-life assumptions. For Ralph, it raises questions about navigating public perception while supporting a spouse in the spotlight. As Superman continues to dominate box offices, grossing over $90 million in its opening weekend, the focus remains on whether this controversy will fade or further entangle the personal and professional lives of its stars. For now, fans await clarity, hoping the narrative shifts back to the film’s triumph rather than offscreen drama.