As the release of James Gunn’s Superman approaches on July 11, 2025, anticipation for the DC Universe’s (DCU) reboot is at fever pitch, but so is the debate surrounding David Corenswet’s appearance and costume design as the new Man of Steel. Replacing Henry Cavill, whose portrayal in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) left a lasting impression, Corenswet faces intense scrutiny, with fans and critics divided over how his Superman stacks up. The costume, in particular, has sparked heated discussions, with some praising its comic-accurate vibrancy and others lamenting its departure from Cavill’s more grounded, alien-inspired aesthetic. Social media platforms like X and Reddit are abuzz with opinions, reflecting both excitement and skepticism about Gunn’s vision for the iconic superhero.

Corenswet’s costume, revealed in set photos and promotional images, draws heavily from the New 52 comic design, featuring a high collar, a textured blue suit, and the return of the classic red trunks—a bold choice after their absence in Cavill’s suit. The vibrant reds, blues, and yellows evoke the Silver Age comics and Christopher Reeve’s films, a deliberate move by Gunn to craft a Superman who feels accessible and hopeful. In an interview, Gunn explained that the bright colors and trunks reflect Superman’s desire to be approachable, especially to children, emphasizing his role as a symbol of hope rather than a fearsome alien. Corenswet echoed this, noting the emotional impact of seeing crew members and children react to him in the suit on set, describing it as a moment that captured Superman’s essence.

However, not all reactions have been positive. Critics of the costume argue it looks too “cosplay-like,” with some on Reddit calling it a “$200 Halloween outfit” that lacks the gravitas of Cavill’s Kryptonian armor. Cavill’s suit, introduced in Man of Steel, was a sleek, textured design that leaned into Superman’s alien heritage, with intricate patterns and a muted color palette. Fans of Zack Snyder’s vision appreciated its serious tone, viewing it as a modernized take that grounded Superman in a realistic world. The absence of trunks and the scaly, otherworldly aesthetic made Cavill’s Superman feel like a cultural artifact from Krypton, a concept Snyder himself explored. In contrast, Corenswet’s suit, with its looser fit and bold colors, has been criticized for appearing less muscular and more theatrical, with some fans on X lamenting that it doesn’t match Cavill’s chiseled, heroic silhouette.

The debate extends beyond aesthetics to the philosophical differences between the two portrayals. Gunn’s Superman is set in a world where superheroes are established, and his costume is a uniform, symbolizing a proactive choice to embrace heroism. This contrasts with Cavill’s Superman, whose suit was a preordained symbol of his Kryptonian destiny. Some fans, particularly Snyder supporters, argue that Gunn’s approach risks diluting Superman’s mythic weight, with one Reddit user claiming the new suit makes him look like “a guy dressing up for a costume party.” Others, however, praise Gunn for returning to a more traditional, optimistic Superman, with the trunks and bright colors signaling a departure from the DCEU’s darker tone. A post on X from @DCUSuperNews quoted Gunn defending the design, stating he avoided “fake muscles” and a “wet t-shirt look” to keep it authentic to Superman’s character.

Adding fuel to the controversy is the anecdote about Cavill’s original suit being destroyed during auditions for Gunn’s film. Actors Tom Brittney and Corenswet reportedly damaged the already worn suit, with Gunn confirming on Threads that it “wasn’t in the best shape to begin with.” This incident, while lighthearted, has become a lightning rod for Snyder fans, who see it as symbolic of the DCEU’s erasure. Despite this, Gunn has expressed respect for Cavill, clarifying that the decision to recast was about crafting a new story, not a rejection of Cavill’s talent.

As Superman’s release nears, the mixed reactions highlight the challenge of reimagining an icon. Corenswet’s performance, still unseen, will ultimately determine whether fans embrace this new vision. The trailer, praised by actor Frank Grillo for giving him “goosebumps,” promises a blend of classic Superman lore with Gunn’s signature humor and heart. Whether the costume’s vibrant design and Corenswet’s portrayal can win over skeptics remains to be seen, but the debate underscores Superman’s enduring cultural significance. For now, fans eagerly await the film to see if Gunn’s Man of Steel can soar as high as his predecessors.