As the July 11, 2025, release of James Gunn’s Superman draws closer, David Corenswet, the new face of the Man of Steel, has ignited a firestorm among fans with comments comparing his Superman costume—complete with the iconic red cape and red trunks—to previous iterations, particularly Henry Cavill’s sleek, trunkless suit from the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Corenswet’s remarks, including a now-infamous claim that his costume makes Superman more approachable and “better” for younger audiences, have divided fans, with some praising his embrace of the character’s classic look and others accusing him of disrespecting Cavill’s widely admired portrayal. The debate, fueled by posts on X and entertainment outlets, has amplified tensions between supporters of Zack Snyder’s darker vision and those anticipating Gunn’s brighter, comic-inspired DC Universe (DCU).

Corenswet’s costume, revealed in a May 2024 set photo, marked the return of Superman’s red trunks, absent from Cavill’s Man of Steel (2013) and subsequent DCEU films. During a set visit reported by ComicBook.com, Corenswet explained his advocacy for the trunks, arguing they make Superman less intimidating to children. “He’s an alien with incredible powers… He wants people to like him, to see him as a symbol of hope,” Corenswet said, likening the costume to a professional wrestler’s attire, designed to convey positivity and approachability. This reasoning convinced director James Gunn, who initially opposed the trunks, to include them, citing their historical significance from Superman’s 1938 debut in Action Comics #1. The costume, blending elements of the Kingdom Come and New 52 designs, also features a vibrant red cape, which Corenswet called his favorite detail, noting its dynamic flow in outdoor shoots, though he admitted it occasionally snagged during filming.

The controversy erupted when Corenswet’s comments were interpreted by some as dismissive of Cavill’s suit, which Snyder designed to emphasize Superman’s alien origins with a textured, armor-like aesthetic. Fans on X, such as @KalEl7612, expressed frustration, arguing Corenswet’s claim that his costume is “better” undermines Cavill’s nuanced performance, which resonated for its emotional depth and realism. Others, like @JesabelRaay, called the new suit a “massive downgrade,” criticizing its bright colors and looser fit compared to Cavill’s form-fitting design. The backlash reflects broader discontent among Snyder fans, who have long campaigned for the #RestoreTheSnyderVerse movement, especially after Cavill’s brief return in Black Adam (2022) raised hopes for his continued role.

Conversely, supporters of Corenswet’s vision argue his costume aligns with Superman’s comic book roots. @Brainiac_13 on X praised the “classic redesign and bright colors,” suggesting they evoke Christopher Reeve’s iconic look from the 1978 Superman film. Gunn, addressing the debate in a Variety interview, emphasized that trying to make Superman’s costume overly serious is “silly,” given the character’s inherently fantastical nature. He noted consulting Snyder, who also tested trunked designs but ultimately opted for a modernized look. Corenswet’s perspective, rooted in Superman’s desire to inspire rather than intimidate, has resonated with fans like @SupermanEnjoyer, who appreciated the trunks’ return and the suit’s worn, battle-tested appearance in trailers, suggesting a seasoned Clark Kent.

The debate over Corenswet’s comments highlights the challenge of reintroducing Superman in a post-DCEU landscape. Gunn’s Superman aims to balance tradition with innovation, introducing characters like Mister Terrific and The Engineer alongside a new villain, The Hammer of Boravia. Yet, the costume controversy underscores the emotional investment fans have in Superman’s legacy. While some see Corenswet’s remarks as a bold defense of the character’s optimistic essence, others perceive them as a slight against Cavill’s era, which grossed over $1.5 billion across three films. Posts on X, like @RichardOcelot’s, dismiss claims that the trunks look “immature,” arguing they reflect Superman’s willingness to embrace a lighter, more human persona.

As anticipation builds, Corenswet’s comparisons have only intensified scrutiny on his performance. The first trailer, released in December 2024, showcased a hopeful yet grounded Superman, with Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane challenging his idealism. Whether Corenswet’s “better” costume will win over skeptics remains to be seen, but the controversy has ensured that his debut will be closely watched. For now, fans on both sides continue to clash online, with rewatches of Cavill’s trilogy surging as a counterpoint to the new DCU’s vision, proving Superman’s enduring power to spark passionate debate.