Before David Corenswet was officially cast as Superman in James Gunn’s DC Universe, the actor had to agree to one specific condition from the DC Studios co-CEO. After having been gone from the big screen for several years, Gunn’s Superman movie is getting closer to finally hitting theaters. With Corenswet set as the next live-action iteration of Superman, he has now become part of a huge legacy as only a handful of actors have portrayed the DC icon.

In a new interview with Time Magazine, which was a feature piece on Corenswet and his upcoming run as Superman, Gunn shared a story surrounding the actor’s casting, revealing one non-negotiable condition that the new Man of Steel had to agree to before getting signed on. Describing his experiences working with John Cena and Chris Pratt, Gunn reportedly offered Corenswet the role on the condition that he also treat those around him with dignity, stating:

They treated everyone with kindness and respect. I’ve seen sets that cater to an actor or director’s ego and that’s just not something that would happen with David. He is Superman, even in his nerdiness. He listens to old jazz standards. Like that’s what he listens to, just as normal procedure. Like Superman, he’s a simple man in complicated times.

What James Gunn’s Superman Casting Story Means For The DCU

While Corenswet obviously also got the Superman role through his audition process, Gunn’s story is still crucial as they are setting up the DCU timeline. As Gunn’s franchise is replacing the DCEU movie timeline, with the intent to become for DC Studios what the Marvel Cinematic Universe is for Marvel Studios, Superman is the biggest player that they have to get right, including who will carry that тιтle for years to come. If DC Studios was stuck with an actor who would prove to be problematic, it would not only affect the image of the DCU but also the many people who would have to work around said star.

Hearing Gunn’s story serves as a good reminder that landing one of the biggest roles in Hollywood is never going to justify anyone elevating themselves above others on a film set. Based on everything Gunn has described about landing Corenswet for the Superman movie, it sounds like DC Studios will have a terrific leading man in him for as long as the DCU is running. This is also a great standard to set up for other roles that the DCU will eventually be casting, whether it be anyone from the DCU Justice League or some of the smaller heroes that the general audience may not be as familiar with.

Our Take On James Gunn’s Superman Casting Story

Knowing that Gunn wants a franchise that consists of actors who will bring a good environment to the many DCU movies and TV shows that are on their way, it’s encouraging to hear that this is something they are taking into account early on. Given the many ups and downs that came from the DCEU, the DCU needs as little chaos as possible. With Superman only being three months away from its big release, the world will soon get to see what Corenswet is bringing to the Man of Steel’s cinematic return.

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  Superman

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  July 11, 2025
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  June 26, 2026
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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  The Batman Part II

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  October 1, 2027
  

  
  
  
  

  
  

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Source: Time Magazine