He is one of pop culture's most iconic and enduring heroes. Superman first appeared in a comic book in 1938, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

Superman became an American symbol during World War II and a political lightning rod, making adapting him a heavier lift than Batman.

It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that Gunn, whose previous work includes 2021’s The Suicide Squad and the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, and now serves as the co-head of DC Studios, is a major comic book nerd.

Speaking with GQ, Corenswet says he was very committed to trying to make James Gunn’s vision for Superman come true. To that end, it seems the actor was constantly asking questions in order to better understand what Gunn was doing. However, it would sometimes drive the director crazy. Corenswet said…

No one in Hollywood can agree on a projection for the well-reviewed DC film, with estimates ranging from $100 million to $150 million

Director James Gunn launches his DC Extended Universe with a high-energy Superman played by David Corenswet, joined by co-stars Nicholas Hoult and Rachel Brosnahan.

Luthor is played by Nicholas Hoult, who Gunn says was among the “really famous actors” who tested for the lead role of Superman (he won’t reveal other names). But during the screen test, Gunn saw something else in Hoult.

The film, directed by DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn, kicks off the new DC Universe with the superhero. Superman sees David Corenswet ( Twisters, Pearl) as the title character and as Clark Kent, a reporter for the Daily Planet. The role has previously been played by Christopher Reeve, Henry Cavill, Brandon Routh and Tyler Hoechlin, among others.

Superman might do more than just save Metropolis. Filmmaker James Gunn hopes the beloved superhero will bring hope to a cynical world.