‘Superman’ Star David Corenswet Took a Bow on the VMAs Carpet, and His Next Big Role Is the Reason He Was There

Music’s most unpredictable night always pulls in a few surprise faces from the movie world, and this year David Corenswet at the VMAs quickly became one of the more talked-about arrivals. The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards took over the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night, with Snoop Dogg hosting the ceremony. Its presenter lineup was an eclectic mix, featuring nominees and past winners alongside a survivor, a superhero, a scream queen and a ‘Saturday Night Live’ alum.

That superhero, of course, was Corenswet, who has become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable leading men after starring in James Gunn’s ‘Superman’. He joined a presenter roster that included Alex Warren, Charli xcx, Teyana Taylor, Troye Sivan, Tyla, Jeff Probst, Rachel Dratch and Isabel May, making him one of the few pure movie stars in a lineup dominated by musicians.

The actor’s arrival quickly made the rounds online. The Hollywood Reporter shared a clip on X captioned “David Corenswet hits the VMAs carpet,” and the video quickly spread. In the footage, he stands on the carpet’s circular platform in a light gray double-breasted suit, hands clasped in front of him as he leans forward into a bow for the cameras.

It was a notably understated look on a night when the carpet leaned into spectacle. Forbes pointed out that, for the first time since 2009, the VMAs appeared to have no pre-show performances, turning the arrivals line into the main event before the telecast began. Against that backdrop of feathers, crystals and cutouts, Corenswet’s classic tailoring stood out for its simplicity.

David Corenswet hits the #VMAs carpet https://t.co/XfVt6uVQwB

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 27, 2026

Corenswet didn’t come alone, and his appearance carried a clear promotional purpose. He walked the carpet alongside Isabel May, his co-star in ‘Mr. Irrelevant’, and the pair were set to take the stage together as presenters. With the film not arriving until Christmas, the duo used the VMAs to get an early start on promotion.

The film tells the true story of John Tuggle, who was drafted by the New York Giants as the final selection of the 1983 NFL draft. That last pick is traditionally given the nickname “Mr. Irrelevant,” yet Tuggle made the Giants roster and played 16 games as a rookie.

Jonathan Levine, known for ’50/50′ and ‘Warm Bodies’, directs from a screenplay by Nick Santora. May plays Tuggle’s love interest, while Michael Shannon portrays legendary coach Bill Parcells during his first year leading the team.

David Corenswet & Isabel May presenting 'best collaboration' to Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter! #VMAs pic.twitter.com/iycwf6sq4j

— Daily David Corenswet (@DailyCorenswets) September 28, 2026

The project represents a major shift for the actor. Coverage of the film’s first trailer described Corenswet trading his cape for a helmet in a role proving that not all superheroes wear spandex. Beyond football, the story also digs into the challenges Tuggle faced off the field.

There’s also a fun bit of superhero trivia baked into the cast. The film unites Corenswet and Shannon after both actors appeared in different eras of Superman storytelling, with Shannon having played General Zod opposite Henry Cavill in ‘Man of Steel’. The supporting ensemble also includes David Krumholtz, Tuwaine Barrett, Thaddeus LaGrone, Alexander England, Spencer House and Tandi Wright.

“Superman” star David Corenswet and Isabel May have arrived to the 2026 MTV VMAs on LA. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/XHFFgexFex

— Page Six (@PageSix) September 27, 2026

The timing makes plenty of sense from a studio perspective. ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ is a Paramount Pictures release, and the VMAs aired on CBS with a simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+. Putting the film’s two leads in front of a massive live audience months ahead of release is exactly the kind of early buzz-building a holiday prestige drama needs.

First trailer for ‘MR. IRRELEVANT’, starring David Corenswet.

The film follows John Tuggle, who was given the title of ‘Mr Irrelevant’ after being the last pick of the last round of the 1983 NFL draft.

In theaters on December 25. pic.twitter.com/uqe2ZFWcrI

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 13, 2026

The movie opens exclusively in theaters on December 25. If the reaction to one short clip of Corenswet taking a bow is any indication, audiences are more than ready to see what he does after hanging up the cape.

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