Superman Director James Gunn Defends David Corenswet Scene After Fan Backlash: ‘There Was Absolutely No CG in His Face, Unlike Henry Cavill’
James Gunn, the director of the highly anticipated Superman reboot, has come to the defense of lead actor David Corenswet after a wave of fan criticism regarding a particular scene in the film. Responding to claims that Corenswet’s face had been digitally altered, Gunn took to social media to set the record straight, firmly stating that no CGI was used to modify the actor’s appearance, drawing a contrast with past portrayals of the iconic character, including Henry Cavill’s Superman.
The controversy erupted after a recently released teaser from the Superman film showcased Corenswet in a sequence that some fans claimed appeared digitally enhanced. Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly known as Twitter), were flooded with comments speculating that Warner Bros. had used visual effects to manipulate Corenswet’s facial structure, leading to a debate about the authenticity of the footage. Many pointed to the infamous CGI upper lip of Henry Cavill in Justice League (2017), a widely criticized post-production decision that resulted from Cavill’s contractual obligations with Mission: Impossible – Fallout, which prevented him from shaving his mustache for reshoots.
Gunn, never one to shy away from engaging with fans, quickly refuted these allegations. “There was absolutely no CG in his face, unlike Henry Cavill,” he wrote in response to a fan’s comment. His direct comparison to Cavill’s Superman further fueled discussions, with some fans seeing it as an unnecessary dig at the former Man of Steel actor, while others applauded his transparency regarding Corenswet’s portrayal.
The new Superman film, which marks the beginning of Gunn and Peter Safran’s rebooted DC Universe, has been under intense scrutiny ever since it was announced. With the recasting of Superman—a role Henry Cavill had played since Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (2013)—some fans have remained skeptical of the decision to move forward without Cavill. Gunn, however, has consistently defended his vision, emphasizing that this iteration of Superman will bring a fresh perspective, focusing on a younger version of the character navigating his dual identity as both Clark Kent and the Last Son of Krypton.
David Corenswet, best known for his roles in Pearl and The Politician, was announced as the new Superman in mid-2023, alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. Since then, he has faced immense pressure to live up to the legacy left by Cavill, Christopher Reeve, and other actors who have donned the red cape. Many fans have praised his striking resemblance to the classic comic book version of Superman, but others have expressed skepticism about whether he can carry the weight of the franchise on his shoulders. The latest CGI controversy has only intensified these discussions, with some seeing it as an attempt to undermine Corenswet before his debut performance is even released.
Despite the backlash, Gunn remains confident in his leading man. He has frequently praised Corenswet’s dedication to the role, highlighting his rigorous physical training and commitment to embodying the essence of Superman. “David is giving everything he has to this role. He’s not just wearing the suit; he is Superman,” Gunn previously stated in an interview. The director’s passionate defense of Corenswet suggests that he is determined to shield his cast from unnecessary criticism and ensure that fans give the new Superman a fair chance.
As production on Superman continues, Warner Bros. has remained tight-lipped about specific plot details. However, the film is expected to reintroduce audiences to Clark Kent in a way that distances itself from Snyder’s darker, more brooding take on the character. Instead, Gunn has promised a story that embraces the hopeful and optimistic spirit of Superman, something he believes is essential for the character’s enduring appeal.
Gunn’s latest response to the CGI allegations is just one of many instances where he has directly interacted with fans, reinforcing his reputation as an accessible and vocal filmmaker. However, his blunt remark comparing Corenswet’s scene to Cavill’s CGI-altered face in Justice League has sparked mixed reactions. Some longtime DC fans feel that Gunn’s approach to handling criticism can sometimes come off as dismissive or overly confrontational. Others appreciate his willingness to address concerns head-on, arguing that his transparency helps build trust with audiences.
With Superman set to release in 2025, all eyes will be on Corenswet’s performance and whether he can win over skeptical fans. While the CGI controversy may have created a temporary distraction, it is ultimately Corenswet’s portrayal of the Man of Steel that will determine whether he can step into the role with the same gravitas as his predecessors. Until then, Gunn remains steadfast in his belief that his Superman will soar, both literally and figuratively, without the need for digital enhancements.
