In a stunning physical transformation worthy of the Man of Steel himself, actor David Corenswet has packed on an impressive 40 pounds of muscle for his role as Superman in James Gunn’s upcoming “Superman” movie. The 30-year-old Philadelphia native embarked on an intensive training program that gym enthusiasts will be very interested in taking a look at.
Under the guidance of renowned Los Angeles-based trainer Paolo Mascitti—who previously transformed German actor Flula Borg for “The Suicide Squad”—Corenswet’s journey from 200 pounds to a muscular 240 pounds began five months before production. The six-foot-four actor, described by Mascitti as “naturally a very lean guy,” committed to rigorous training sessions that continued throughout filming.
“This is a James Gunn film, and he has a specific vision of the entire project,” Mascitti explained. “David had been working out intensively before I met him, but we wanted to put more bulk on him.”
Despite a demanding shooting schedule, Corenswet maintained his discipline with three to four weekly sessions, each lasting approximately two hours. Mascitti implemented a classic bodybuilding split routine—push day, pull day, legs day—focusing on fundamental exercises and progressive overload to stimulate muscle growth.
“We focus on movements like presses, pull-ups, pull-downs, rows—all the big ones,” Mascitti said. “It’s not about showy moves, it’s about mastering the exercise and focusing on things like full range of motion, mastering the negative, stretching, and trying to progress in weight and reps.”
The physical transformation required not just intensive exercise but massive caloric intake. Corenswet consumed approximately 6,000 calories daily, though Mascitti admits the diet wasn’t as strict as he would have preferred. During remote training sessions via FaceTime, the trainer would occasionally catch his star client indulging in cereal—a minor kryptonite in an otherwise disciplined regimen.
“That’s why he’s the perfect Superman,” Mascitti laughed. “He has a realistic expectation of himself and the role.”
A spirit of friendly competition emerged on set, particularly between Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult, who plays Superman’s arch-nemesis Lex Luthor. Hoult, 34, approached his training with equal dedication, often joining Mascitti’s sessions.
“Nick is so easy going apart from when it comes to working out,” Mascitti revealed. “He pushes himself and pushes himself. When I first met him I said ‘Oh my God, this guy can do absolutely everything.’ I will throw weights at him, cardio, he smashes it all, he loves it all.”
For those looking to achieve their own superheroic physique, Mascitti recommends focusing on compound movements like incline dumbbell presses, bench presses paired with cable flys, seated overhead shoulder presses combined with lateral raises, and triceps extensions supersetted with bicep curls.
As production continues, Mascitti predicts Corenswet will shed some weight while continuing to tone up. But one thing is certain: the new Superman has earned his cape through dedication and hard work that would make even Kal-El proud.
“He is Superman,” Mascitti said. “James Gunn is amazing at casting people, and this guy was born to be Superman. Ask any cast or crew member, David is the nicest guy, and I think, the perfect Superman.”
Check out David’s complete workout routine at the GQ.com website.
