The release of the first official images of David Corenswet suited up as Superman for James Gunn’s upcoming 2025 film has ignited a firestorm of discussion among fans, with many drawing inevitable comparisons to Henry Cavill’s iconic portrayal in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Set to hit theaters on July 11, 2025, the new Superman film marks the beginning of Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe (DCU), and the costume reveal has become a focal point for both excitement and contention. As images from the Cleveland set circulate online, the brighter, more comic-accurate design featuring red trunks has polarized audiences, prompting a nostalgic look back at Cavill’s darker, trunk-less suit and the legacy he left behind.

Corenswet’s costume, unveiled in early 2024, embraces a vibrant palette with a high collar, a flowing cape, and the return of the classic red trunks, a departure from the muted, alien-inspired look Cavill wore in films like Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Fans have noted the suit’s nod to the New 52 comic design, with its structured lines and yellow belt, suggesting a blend of modernity and tradition. However, this shift has not been universally welcomed. Some argue the brighter colors and trunks make Superman feel more approachable, aligning with the character’s hopeful roots, while others feel the design lacks the grounded realism that defined Cavill’s tenure. The baggy fit observed in set photos has also drawn criticism, with some suggesting it might be intentional to reflect a working-class hero vibe, as hinted by Gunn’s early teasers.

Cavill’s Superman, introduced in 2013, brought a brooding intensity to the role, with a suit that emphasized Kryptonian heritage through its textured, armor-like appearance. The absence of trunks was a deliberate choice by director Zack Snyder, who sought to modernize the character for a new audience, drawing inspiration from medieval garbs rather than the circus-strongman aesthetic of earlier iterations. This design choice sparked its own debate at the time, with some praising its uniqueness and others lamenting the loss of a classic element. Cavill’s physical presence and nuanced performance earned him a dedicated following, and his abrupt exit from the role in 2022, following a brief return in Black Adam’s post-credits scene, left fans divided. Gunn’s decision to cast a younger actor and reboot the franchise has only intensified the comparison.

Social media platforms are buzzing with opinions, with some fans celebrating the return to a more traditional Superman look, while others mourn the end of Cavill’s era. Posts found on X reflect this split, with some praising Corenswet’s suit for its comic-book authenticity and others insisting Cavill’s darker take remains unmatched. The destruction of one of Cavill’s original suits during Corenswet’s audition process, as revealed by Gunn, has added a layer of irony to the debate, symbolizing the literal tearing apart of the old guard to make way for the new. This incident, where the suit was reportedly torn due to Corenswet’s height, has fueled both humor and frustration among fans loyal to Cavill.

The debate extends beyond aesthetics to the broader direction of the DCU. Gunn’s vision portrays Superman as an established hero in his 20s, navigating life as a journalist and superhero, a contrast to Cavill’s older, more conflicted portrayal. This narrative shift, combined with the costume change, suggests a deliberate move to recapture the optimism of Superman’s comic origins, a stark pivot from the DCEU’s darker tone. Yet, this has left some wondering if the new suit’s vibrancy might undermine the character’s complexity, a quality Cavill brought to the forefront.

As filming wraps and anticipation builds, the conversation continues to evolve. Set photos revealing additional DCU characters like Mister Terrific alongside Corenswet hint at a larger universe, potentially softening the focus on the costume debate. For now, fans remain split, with Cavill’s legacy serving as both a benchmark and a bittersweet memory. Whether Corenswet’s Superman will win over skeptics or carve his own path remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Man of Steel’s wardrobe is more than just fabric—it’s a battleground for the soul of the character in a new era.