Collider‘s report on their set visit to James Gunn’s “Superman” film has provided us with an in-depth look at what promises to be a refreshing take on the iconic superhero. These interviews were conducted while filming was nearly two-thirds complete in Cleveland, Ohio.
A Brighter, More Hopeful Superman
One of the most striking revelations from the interviews is the film’s deliberate shift toward optimism. Production designer Beth Mickle emphasized that the team wanted to “really brighten everything up and really lighten it up and make it hopeful.” This approach represents a clear departure from recent darker interpretations of the character.
Executive producer Chantal Nong described David Corenswet’s Superman as “a guy who’s never fit in” but noted that his difference stems from his values rather than brooding isolation. “He’s a really good, kind man, and if you think about goodness and kindness in the world right now, it’s more anomalous than you’d like for it to be,” Nong explained.
David Corenswet: Finding His Own Superman
The lead actor revealed that his approach draws heavily from Grant Morrison’s “All-Star Superman” comic series, which Gunn recommended as essential reading. Corenswet was particularly drawn to what he calls “the gentle nerdiness of Superman” and the character’s excitement about sharing his world with others, particularly Lois Lane.
“Playing Clark is more fun than playing Superman, as far as acting,” Corenswet admitted. “You just get to do so much more and there’s more… you always have a secret, which is always a fun thing to have as an actor.”
Interestingly, the film opens with Superman already in the midst of what Corenswet describes as “the fight of his life at that point,” showing audiences a hero whose abilities are being tested from the very beginning.
Rachel Brosnahan’s Complex Lois Lane
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” star Rachel Brosnahan brings depth to Lois Lane, portraying her as someone who “appreciates Superman’s existence, and then sometimes has questions about his methodology.” This Lois is described as confident and relentless, someone who “sees around every corner and questions everything and everyone.”
Brosnahan praised her co-star’s performance, saying Corenswet “rides that impossible line between making something his own but also somehow being exactly what you always dreamed this person was, and could be.”
Nicholas Hoult’s Calculated Lex Luthor
Perhaps one of the most intriguing casting choices, Nicholas Hoult reveals he originally auditioned for Superman before being offered the role of Lex Luthor. His version of the villain is described as a “tech billionaire” who values his public image while hiding his more nefarious activities.
Hoult’s Luthor is motivated by what he sees as humanity’s need to control its own destiny rather than rely on an alien savior. “It’s his beliefs and almost his love of humanity and protection, and this idea that they should be masters of their own faith and destiny is important to him,” Hoult explained.
Easter Eggs and Comic Book Homages
Production designer Beth Mickle revealed that the film contains nearly 100 Easter eggs referencing Superman’s comic book history. Every detail, from store signs to building names, has meaning for longtime fans. The Fortress of Solitude, inspired by both Richard Donner’s films and surprisingly “Avatar: The Way of Water”, will serve as Superman’s “man cave” filled with laboratories, research equipment, and collected artifacts.
Supporting Cast Brings Depth to Daily Planet
The supporting cast brings fresh energy to familiar characters:
– Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen initially thought he was auditioning for Superman himself, bringing an everyman quality to the photographer
– Wendell Pierce plays Perry White as someone “always late to the game” and oblivious to Clark’s secret identity
– Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific describes his character as Superman’s reluctant ally—”Superman thinks that Mr. Terrific is his BFF. It’s not true”
A New Foundation for the DCU
What emerges from these interviews is a Superman film that respects the character’s history while establishing a new foundation for Gunn’s DC Universe. The emphasis on hope, the careful attention to comic book details, and the grounded approach to fantastical elements suggest a film that could satisfy both longtime fans and newcomers.
As Rachel Brosnahan noted, “It feels hopeful, rather than explicitly comedic to me. I think one of the things I love about so many of James’s movies is that they’re a real shot in the arm of hope.”
“Superman” will be in theaters and IMAX nationwide on July 11, 2025, and internationally beginning 9 July 2025, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
