Superman has been adapted for live-action for nearly eight decades, with his costume largely consistent – a blue bodysuit, red cape, red boots, the iconic S-emblem, and lastly, his red trunks. The one element that has fluctuated in his costume over the years is the latter, and thanks to James Gunn and his team, they are now back.
When Zack Snyder and Henry Cavill launched the Snyderverse with Man of Steel, they ditched the trunks. Now, as the DC franchise got a reboot, Gunn and David Corenswet had to decide whether to stick with the trunkless look or bring them back. Ultimately, it was the Pearl actor’s input that convinced Gunn to restore the trunks in the new costume.
James Gunn on how David Corenswet’s thoughts about the trunks affected his decision
Superman is one of the beloved and popular DC superheroes. His costume is also very distinct in its own right, thanks to the huge S-emblem right on his chest and the red trunks he wears over his blue costume. Both Christopher Reeve and Brandon Routh’s costumes as the superhero included the trunks. However, that changed when the DC Extended Universe started as they opted for a sleeker, trunkless design for the costume.
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From 2013’s Man of Steel to 2021’s Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Henry Cavill portrayed Superman in a trunkless costume. Now, David Corenswet‘s iteration brings the trunks back – but not without significant debate and deliberation. In an interview with io9 on the film’s set, James Gunn stated that he was also on the “no trunks” team for a long time. He said:
I was on the ‘no trunks’ team for a long time. For a longgggg time.
However, Corenswet managed to change Gunn’s mind by putting forth his argument about why the trunks should be included.
And one of the things David said is that Superman wants kids to not be afraid of him. [..] He’s this incredibly powerful, could be considered scary, individual and he wants people to like him. He wants to be a symbol of hope and positivity. So he dresses like a professional wrestler. He dresses in a way that makes people unafraid of him, that shows that hope that shows that positivity. And that really clicked in for me.
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The trunks are a classic part of Superman’s costume. So, they fit naturally into Corenswet’s look in the new teaser trailer for the upcoming Superman movie, which aims to kickstart the DC Universe and restore goodwill among fans.
Clark Kent’s relationship with Lois Lane in Superman is going to be different from what fans have seen before
Clark Kent meets Lois Lane when he begins working as a journalist for the Metropolis newspaper the Daily Planet. She is an award-winning journalist who is the primary love interest of Kent. Their relationship is one of the most important plotlines in the movies.
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While talking to io9, Gunn talked about their relationship in the new movie despite his initial hesitation to do so.
It’s a complicated relationship and we really get into it. There’s long scenes that are about their relationship and the way they relate and what it would be like for a person who’s this incredibly intelligent, strong-headed, stubborn, skeptical journalist, to have a relationship with someone who can lift a skyscraper.
He insisted that this dynamic is not something that has been explored in any other superhero movie ever. Having directed the critically acclaimed and highly successful Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, there’s no doubt he will deliver the best content he can.
Superman will land in the theaters on July 11, 2025.
Frequently asked questions
Why did James Gunn originally not want trunks on the new Superman costume?
In an io9 set interview, James Gunn said he was on the “no trunks” team “for a longgggg time,” having favored the sleeker, trunkless look like the one Henry Cavill wore in the DC Extended Universe (from Man of Steel to Zack Snyder’s Justice League). He only changed his mind after a conversation with star David Corenswet.
How did David Corenswet convince James Gunn to bring back the red trunks?
According to Gunn, Corenswet argued that Superman wants people, especially children, not to be afraid of him. As Gunn recounted, Corenswet said Superman “dresses like a professional wrestler” in a way that makes people unafraid of him and signals hope and positivity. That reasoning clicked for Gunn, so the trunks were restored.
How does the film handle Clark Kent and Lois Lane’s relationship?
Gunn told io9 the relationship is “complicated” and that the film includes long scenes exploring it, including what it is like for a sharp, skeptical journalist to be involved with someone who has superhuman abilities. The film stars David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, with Superman released in theaters on July 11, 2025.
