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David Corenswet’s audition for Superman was hiding in plain sight, and most people missed it

Years before James Gunn cast him as Superman in 2023, David Corenswet embodied Clark Kent’s spirit in Hollywood—a performance full of hope, idealism, and quiet strength.
posted by Sumit Yadav
Monday 7/14/2025 at 11:00AM EDT
  • David Corenswet attends the premiere for the Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, a tribute story to the actor Christopher Reeve, who previously portrayed the superhero.
    David Corenswet attends the premiere for the Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, a tribute story to the actor Christopher Reeve, who previously portrayed the superhero.

    In June 2023, James Gunn officially announced David Corenswet as the next actor to take up the role of the Kryptonian superhero in the DC superhero film Superman. Comparatively new to the other actors who auditioned for the role of Clark Kent, a.k.a. Superman, many fans were surprised by the choice. But others who were familiar with Corenswet's past work might have seen it coming. 

    A few years prior to probably landing the biggest role of his career, Corenswet had already delivered a performance that embodied the spirit of Superman. In Netflix's 2020 miniseries Hollywood, David Corenswet starred as Jack Castello, a young World War II veteran chasing stardom in postwar Los Angeles. In this period drama, viewers get to see an early glimpse into the kind of sincerity, courage, and moral clarity that defines the last son of Krypton.

    Additionally, Corenswet built a resume that revealed his growing versatility and screen presence. He appeared in 2018’s political thriller Affairs of State, Netflix’s romantic dramedy Look Both Ways in 2022, and made waves with his role in Ryan Murphy’s series The Politician. But it was Hollywood that gave him the space to shine as a man of ideals trying to change a flawed system—an archetype that resonated deeply with what Superman represents.

    A Blueprint for Clark Kent

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Superman (@superman)

    As Jack Castello in Hollywood, Corenswet’s character showcased a deep sense of conviction and optimism, even while going through unjust and tough moments. His quiet strength and unwavering moral compass, displayed traits strikingly similar to Superman's alter ego, Clark Kent.

    Watching Corenswet in the role now, it feels less like fiction and more like a rehearsal for something larger. His character Jack stood for kindness, decency, and fairness in a world built on compromise. He captured that particular kind of earnestness and hope that has always made Clark Kent feel relatable despite his alien origins. In an interview with The Times, James Gunn also reiterated that he wants his Superman to display kindness, as his story is one that represents the situation in America.

    “I mean, Superman is the story of America. An immigrant that came from other places and populated the country, but for me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost,” said James.

    David had also shared that James Gunn had offered the role to him on a very important condition that had to be met by the actor. He wanted him to display kindness, humility, and respect both on and off the screen, even when on set.

    One particular scene from Hollywood now stands out like a flare in hindsight. Jack delivers a heartfelt monologue about rising above the industry’s limitations and wanting to tell meaningful stories—ones that give people something to believe in. The scene hits hard not just for its emotional impact, but because it carries the same hopeful clarity that defines Superman.

    Corenswet’s delivery is impassioned but never overplayed. His words echo the same kind of moral clarity that Clark Kent might offer in a newsroom or in quiet conversation with Lois Lane. That monologue, in retrospect, feels like more than a character beat. It feels like an unscripted audition for a future no one yet knew was coming.

    The Hidden Influence of Pearl and Gunn’s Vision

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by IMDb (@imdb)

    While Hollywood gives viewers surety that David will not disappoint as the Man of Steel, it was another role that truly put him on the director’s radar. During a guest appearance on the JM Video Club podcast, Gunn cited the 2022 horror film Pearl, where Corenswet played the Projectionist, as the moment he saw Superman potential in the actor.

    James was the one to approach Corenswet and call him in for an audition, even though there were other frontrunners for the role in the director’s mind. Corenswet’s impressive and humorous audition tape was enough to convince James that he had found the right man to execute his vision for Superman. His understated charisma in Pearl combined with the heartfelt conviction shown in Hollywood created a complete portrait of someone who could redefine the iconic role for a new generation.

    Superman Energy Before the Cape

    The actor David Corenswet has been praised for his interpretation of Superman ever since he was cast. Matt Morrison of SuperHeroHype even went so far as to say that Corenswet's portrayal of Superman could be "the best cinematic" one to date. Given how long the actor has been subtly preparing for this moment, the praise feels well-deserved. He developed into the job rather than simply assuming it.

    Corenswet gave each frame emotional integrity, direction, and a subdued resistance, whether he was playing the Projectionist, Jack Castello, or Superman. James Gunn envisioned a Superman who was more about soul than just show and all along, David Corenswet quietly went about displaying those characteristics, as a superhero would.

    Stay tuned with us for further updates.

    TOPICS: Superman


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