‘Superman’ Stands Out as “One of the Most Distinctive Superhero Films” in Years According to Recent Brief Review

David Corenswet is officially stepping into the cape as the new Superman, and according to GQ, this might be one of the most distinctive superhero films we’ve seen in a while. In a recent interview with the magazine, Corenswet opened up about what it was like to play the iconic hero and work with director James Gunn.

The film hits theaters this week, and GQ didn’t hold back their thoughts after getting a first look. They said the movie feels completely different from the usual superhero stuff. It’s bright, full of hope, and actually leans into the classic spirit of Superman without trying to be dark or moody like so many others.

“The result is one of the most distinct superhero films in a long time,” the magazine wrote. Gunn’s version has flying orbs, robots, portals, and even Krypto the Superdog. It doesn’t shy away from the fantastical side of things. Toward the end of the movie, Superman delivers a strong monologue that basically tells you what the movie is all about.

There’s no grim version of Superman here. Corenswet explained what sets this take apart. “The things we’re aiming for are the things that are truest and therefore most interesting about Superman,” he said. “The fact that he is essentially free from angst and turmoil internally. He’s a good guy who had a great upbringing, loving parents… He doesn’t have the Batman thing.” He also said that Metropolis isn’t some broken city, it’s actually a nice place, aside from the occasional giant monster or kaiju showing up.

James Gunn agrees that this Superman isn’t trying to be cool in the usual way. “People try to make Superman cool,” he said. “So if it’s the ’90s, they give him a mullet. But the thing is that he’s not cool. He’s kind. He loves little kids. He wants little kids to like him. It’s about owning that and being okay with that.”

When it came time to cast the role, Gunn didn’t go with a big action scene. Instead, he chose a long, snappy scene between Clark and Lois. Corenswet said it reminded him of old Hollywood movies like Singin’ in the Rain and His Girl Friday. “I immediately read it in the terms of the movies that I grew up on,” he said, “and it turned out that that was what he was imagining.”

Gunn was looking for chemistry between his leads, and he found it with Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, who plays Lois Lane. “David read with another actress who was very, very, very good,” Gunn said. “But his chemistry with Rachel was better.”

You’ll feel that chemistry in the movie too. One of the first scenes shows Lois and Clark already in a relationship, and it’s fast, funny, and full of energy. GQ even said that five-minute scene had more spark and heart than all the recent Superman movies put together. Brosnahan said, “You really learn a lot about who the characters are and how their relationship has unfolded up until this point.”

Corenswet also talked about how different Gunn is as a director. He said Gunn gives live feedback during scenes by talking through a mic instead of waiting for a break. “The second that happened, I went, okay, this is going to be great,” he said. “Because I have no idea what I’m doing. I desperately need a director.”

Even though Corenswet admits he asks too many questions on set, Gunn said it helps sometimes. “Sometimes his questions are great,” he said, “but every once in a while, it’s just one question too many.” Still, he made it clear that they understand each other. “When I say, ‘David, shut the f**k up,’ David totally gets it and does not take that personally.”

Corenswet laughed about that too. “James and I are made for each other,” he said.

So far, it sounds like the film is doing something bold by sticking close to who Superman really is. If the early reactions from GQ are anything to go by, this version might actually bring something fresh to a character who’s been through a lot of dark and gritty reboots.

And the best part? It doesn’t sound like it’s trying to be anything other than what Superman is supposed to be.

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