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The long debated topic about Superman's traditional red trunks is finally settled after years of debate among fans and movie studios with Zack Snyder's Man of Steel notably leaving behind this costume staple . James Gunn 's upcoming Superman movie will reinstate the trunks with influence from the main actor David Corenswet playing pivotal role during the decision-making process. James Gunn previously remained on the ‘no trunks’ team and then the process shifted due to input provided by lead actor David Corenswet .
James Gunn revealed during Collider set visit that early designs explored both trunk and no trunk costume designs in production after a long standing “no trunks” stance. Gunn mentioned his previous discussions with Zack Snyder from Man of Steel showing prior versions explored many possibilities when considering all costuming variations for Superman's suit. Gunn admitted his opinions about the trunks was quite strong at first showing he personally was initially convinced to omit trunks from this version of Superman’s character. Collider's Ross Bonaime collected all of these insightful production details when he visited the set earlier this year showcasing how this film production is carefully considering its story and characters before the upcoming launch.
The discussion completely shifted when David Corenswet during costume testing communicated specific understanding about Superman that had an impact on James Gunn's perspective about trunks in design. Corenswet pointed out that his Superman needs to appear less threatening particularly to children highlighting the character’s inherent kindness. David Corenswet told Gunn his character needs to be silly non-threatening and have a childlike wonder. Superman’s powers make him someone people would fear unless he is purposely presenting himself as being approachable this viewpoint which James Gunn has now implemented in his direction of this upcoming movie.
Corenswet argued in a recent interview that Superman wants to be liked so he should portray this quality and be a "symbol of hope and positivity" even while wearing bright colorful clothing, like a “professional wrestler” this perspective greatly impacted Gunn’s opinions about superhero outfits as whole. David Corenswet feels the superhero persona of Superman needs to be someone that feels unafraid which is important as the character who “shoots beams from eyes can blow up a truck” therefore must carefully manage their persona using visual presentation of costume. James Gunn had previously expressed concerns about the frivolity of the costumes until the unique opinion given by lead actor during production time that caused him to reevaluate previous decisions about no trunks.
Gunn has finally accepted the colorful presentation of a superhero because as Gunn described ‘he’s the first brightly colored hero and that's who he is’. James Gunn stated trying to strip Superman of any visual fun is foolish after finally understanding his costume is still a disguise showing that bright colors can also show heroism through character presentation. Gunn acknowledges all the theatrical charm and optimism that Clark Kent demonstrates in the costume which makes him separate from dark tone heroes with more cynical presentations. Gunn also pointed out there was eventually a team consensus towards keeping Superman's trunks within costume making a full turnaround on what the studio previously thought was essential.
David Corenswet will appear as Superman in James Gunn's upcoming film scheduled to arrive on July 11 2025 with the newly redesigned suit showcasing restored trunks providing a new take on a familiar classic character. Many Superman fans have been waiting a long time for a version that stays true to many source materials for character portrayal. The movie is an anticipated release by all major movie studios and fans worldwide. The upcoming release of this movie is considered by many fans a needed representation of hope and optimism within the superhero scene as July 11 approaches.
The movie featuring Corenswet will explore Clark Kent’s attempts to understand both his human side and his Kriptonian origins as he personifies the concept of "truth justice and the American way." The ideals and principles of Superman is often challenged by a world view that considers kindness ‘old fashioned’ or too simplistic causing the main character to challenge these ideas for himself within this interpretation.