Fans React to New Look at David Corenswet in James Gunn’s “Superman”

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Billie Melissa | Last updated May 7, 2024 7:52 AM ET

DC dropped the first look at David Corenswet as Clark Kent in the upcoming Superman from James Gunn, and fans are having mixed reactions.

In the first image of Corenswet in full Clark Kent attire, he is seen donning his boots while Metropolis faces siege in the background from a mysterious pink light source.

Get ready.#Superman
7.11.25 pic.twitter.com/zHn5ts2qeg
— DC (@DCOfficial) May 6, 2024

DC's original image has been seen by over 7.2 million people and counting while doing the rounds on social media, resulting in an abundant mixture of reactions.

Many fans had questions about the curious set-up of Corenswet sat minding his business as chaos unfolds behind him.

Why is he slowing putting on his boots when Metropolis is under attack?
— M (@MarkRedbeliever) May 6, 2024

Ready to fight crime the house down boots https://t.co/OllkiaNlv8 pic.twitter.com/DHQkQgXQqu
— Tom Zohar (@TomZohar) May 6, 2024

he's really just....shopping for new boots like a Finance Minister on budget day? my dude there's an apocalypse behind you. https://t.co/Gj3aFlbdyO
— Raffy Boudjikanian (@CBCRaffy) May 6, 2024

Just a man going to work. Putting on his boots one foot at a time like everyone else. https://t.co/lcPjdVYrk3
— Richard Newby - Newish Account (@NewbyRichard3) May 6, 2024

What message is this picture trying to tell us? That he’s taking his time to save a city from being attacked and destroyed? There’s a lack of urgency because he’s Superman and confident? Surely many people have died already in this picture while he’s putting his boots on? https://t.co/23D8hiGGN5
— Leonidas (@Signs2323) May 6, 2024

Others had things to say about the suit, harshly critiquing the fit and the style.

why does the suit look baggy? i swear if y’all ruin superman for me again
— ola (@O14dimeji) May 6, 2024

literally looks like it doesn’t even fit
— JAKE STEVENSON (@The_J_Stevenson) May 6, 2024

i thought this was a cosplay.
— NOVA (@novaartist_) May 6, 2024

There were also questions about the style of the image, with some fans saying it looked like the product of AI.

James Gunn quickly dispelled that attack with a comment on his Instagram saying, "The above photo was taken by @jessmigliophoto, our intrepid still photographer, and is entirely in-camera".

the worst Superman suit ever. The entire photo looks like an AI photo. Look at the details of this Superman costume; it's not fitted at all, and the texture is terrible. Where did the $200 million go? #HenryCavillSuperman #SellSnyderVerseToNetflix #RestoreTheSnyderVerse https://t.co/ZKGwySy0sv
— Sergio_42 (@shtinsn1) May 7, 2024

Is this supposed to look like bad AI?
— Damin Toell (@damintoell) May 6, 2024

It wasn't just the image itself people took issue with. Many took the opportunity to show their love for Henry Cavill, saying they miss him as the iconic superhero.

We apppreciate everything Henry Cavill did. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FuaAxFRH8B
— Every Movie Plug (@everymovieplug) May 6, 2024

Looking forward to it. David Corenswet has big shoes to fill as Henry Cavill was born to play Superman. pic.twitter.com/EMlINxnf6J
— Vivek Naskar (@vivek_naskar) May 6, 2024

None can beat #HenryCavill
— Suresh samy (@sureshsamy28) May 6, 2024

It wasn't all nitpicks and critiques, though. Many fans did also take the opportunity to express their excitement for Gunn's adaptation.

I think Gunn is going to do great things. https://t.co/ipAUuyczqE
— Paul Klein (@paulkleinyoo) May 6, 2024

Yeah I’m waiting to see him in motion. Sometimes the costumes just need to be on screen in the movie to click visually.
— Steevee (@TheOnePlaceYCG) May 6, 2024

The only thing that matters to me is if I walk out of the theater feeling inspired. https://t.co/56InSMlJdY
— Scott Johnson (@ScottJohnsonArt) May 7, 2024

Superman: Legacy is heading for theaters on July 11, 2025.

As per IMDb, Superman "follows the titular superhero as he reconciles his heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way in a world that views this as old-fashioned."

David Corenswet stars alongside Isabela Merced, Nathan Fillion, Nicholas Hoult, Milly Alcock, Rachel Brosnahan, Skyler Gisondo and Wendell Pierce.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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