David Corenswet Reveals the Big Risk of Playing Superman – “It’s Not Everyone’s Dream Role”

Taking on the role of Superman might seem like a dream come true for any actor. But for David Corenswet, the 31-year-old stepping into the legendary red cape, it was a decision filled with serious thought — and real risk.

In a new interview for GQ Hype, Corenswet opened up about the pressure, the expectations, and why the Superman role isn’t the no-brainer most people think it is.

Not Everyone Wants to Be Superman

You might assume every actor would jump at the chance to play Superman. But according to David, that’s not true.

“A role like Superman seems like something that everybody would want, and that’s not true,” he said. “There are some people who wouldn’t want that role and who would, if given the opportunity, say no. I am obviously not one of those people. But I certainly tried to think of reasons not to.”

In other words, the role comes with serious baggage. Fans expect perfection, studios expect longevity, and critics expect originality. You’re not just playing a superhero — you’re becoming a cultural icon.

Typecasting: The Cape That Never Comes Off

One of the biggest fears for any actor taking on an iconic character is being typecast. For Corenswet, that was a major consideration.

He asked himself a question: If Superman was the only role I ever got to play — would it still be worth it?

“Ultimately, what I landed on for myself was, if this is the only role I get to play for the rest of my life… would I still say yes? And the answer was yes.”

That kind of commitment says a lot about how seriously he takes the role — and what he’s willing to risk for it.

Superhero Fatigue Is Real — But It’s Not About the Capes

Another issue David addressed is superhero fatigue. But he doesn’t blame the genre — he blames the stories.

“I think there is such a thing as superhero fatigue. I think it doesn’t have anything to do with superheroes. It has to do with the kind of stories that get to be told,” he explained.

For him, it all comes back to character. A Superman movie can still work — if it focuses on who Clark Kent is, not just what he can do.

The Superman No One Talks About: Happy, Grounded, and Loved

What makes David’s take on Superman interesting is how he sees the character.

Unlike darker heroes like Batman, Superman doesn’t come from trauma.

“He’s a good guy who had a great upbringing, loving parents, has wonderful relationships with his friends, and a romantic relationship, and loves what he does.”

He added that Metropolis isn’t a gloomy place like Gotham — it’s a “wonderful, cosmopolitan almost utopia… it just happens to get invaded by Kaijus and other monsters.”

This focus on joy, optimism, and grounded emotional health could make Corenswet’s Superman truly different — and more relatable than ever.

James Gunn & David Corenswet: A Creative Match

A big part of David’s confidence comes from working with director James Gunn, who’s spearheading the new DC Universe.

David praised Gunn’s clear vision and blunt honesty.

“I desperately need a director… who knows what they want and is willing to say it out loud without too much politeness… If I’m no good, tell me I’m no good, and then let’s work together to make me good.”

Gunn, in turn, had nothing but praise for Corenswet.

“The easy part is, he looks like Superman. But the fact that David is a theater kid that’s so athletic is even weirder,” Gunn said. “I couldn’t go for someone that had the look but didn’t have the chops.”

A Superman for a New Era

David Corenswet isn’t just taking on a character — he’s taking on legacy. He knows the risks: being boxed in, being overly scrutinized, being compared to every Superman before him. But he’s doing it anyway, with heart, humility, and a real understanding of what the role demands.

His version of Clark Kent might not be brooding or broken — but it just might be the Superman we all need in 2025.