The DC Universe is no stranger to drama, but the latest stir surrounding James Gunn’s Superman film has taken an unexpected turn. Rachel Brosnahan, cast as the iconic Lois Lane opposite David Corenswet’s Superman, recently sparked a frenzy with a now-deleted social media post about Corenswet’s portrayal of the Man of Steel. The post, which expressed her candid thoughts on his appearance in the role, reportedly prompted an urgent response from director James Gunn, who contacted Brosnahan to have it removed. The incident has ignited speculation among fans and added another layer of intrigue to the highly anticipated reboot, set for release on July 11, 2025.

Brosnahan, known for her Emmy-winning role in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, has been vocal about her excitement for playing Lois Lane, a character she described in a February 2024 Variety interview as “smart, ambitious, and funny.” Her chemistry with Corenswet, whose casting as Superman was announced alongside hers in June 2023, has been a focal point of the film’s marketing. The pair’s screen tests, conducted in full costume at Warner Bros.’ Burbank lot, were described by Gunn as “magic,” with their dynamic set to anchor the film’s exploration of Clark Kent’s dual life as a journalist and superhero. However, Brosnahan’s recent post, which reportedly commented on Corenswet’s physical appearance in the Superman suit—possibly referencing his bulked-up physique—crossed a line that caught the attention of the film’s director.

While the exact content of the post remains unclear, sources suggest it was lighthearted but potentially misinterpreted, leading to a wave of online reactions. Fans on platforms like Reddit and X speculated about whether Brosnahan’s remarks touched on Corenswet’s transformation for the role, which saw him reach a peak weight of 238 pounds during preparation, as he revealed in a Business Insider interview. The actor, previously seen in Pearl and The Politician, has spoken about the physical demands of playing Superman, noting the challenge of embodying both the heroic icon and the bumbling Clark Kent. Brosnahan’s post, though quickly removed, reportedly drew attention to his “larger-than-life” presence, which some fans interpreted as a playful jab while others saw it as a breach of the film’s carefully curated image.

Gunn, who is both writing and directing Superman, is known for his hands-on approach to managing the DC Universe’s narrative. His decision to contact Brosnahan directly underscores the high stakes surrounding the film, which marks the official start of the DCU’s “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.” With recent DC films like The Flash and Shazam! Fury of the Gods underperforming at the box office, as noted in a June 2023 Hollywood Reporter article, the pressure is on for Superman to deliver. Gunn’s vision, inspired by works like All-Star Superman, emphasizes Clark’s humanity and kindness, alongside his romance with Lois Lane. Brosnahan’s post, even if intended as a joke, risked disrupting the film’s meticulously crafted promotional strategy, which has so far relied on carefully timed reveals, such as the first trailer released in December 2024.

The incident also highlights the intense scrutiny faced by actors in high-profile superhero roles. Corenswet, a relative newcomer compared to predecessors like Christopher Reeve and Henry Cavill, has been praised for his charisma and physicality, with Gunn calling him “the best physical action star” he’s worked with in an October 2024 CBR interview. Brosnahan, meanwhile, has been lauded for embodying Lois’s sharp wit and tenacity, with fans on Reddit noting her casting as “perfect” for a character who needs to be “a bit of a pain in the ass.” Yet, the deleted post suggests the challenges of navigating public perception in the social media age, where a single comment can spark widespread debate.

As the dust settles, the focus remains on Superman’s upcoming release. The film, which wrapped filming in July 2024 at Trilith Studios in Atlanta, promises a fresh take on Clark Kent’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. With a cast that includes Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor and Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, the movie is poised to redefine the DCU. Brosnahan’s post, though a minor blip, serves as a reminder of the tightrope actors walk in the spotlight. As the July 2025 premiere approaches, fans eagerly await more glimpses of Corenswet and Brosnahan’s chemistry, hoping the film lives up to the hype—without any more social media missteps.