David Corenswet, the actor from Superman: Legacy, has discussed his thoughts on Henry Cavill's portrayal of Superman and expressed his desire to see a successor in the DC Extended Universe, specifically himself. Cavill has been absent from the Superman role since Justice League in 2017, only making a brief appearance in Black Adam in 2022 before it was announced that a new actor would take on the character in James Gunn's upcoming DC Universe reboot. Corenswet, now cast as Clark Kent in Superman: Legacy, made previous comments about his ambition to play Superman, which have resurfaced after his casting. In a 2019 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Corenswet revealed his ultimate goal of portraying Superman and has now fulfilled that dream with his role in Gunn's film. Fans have also noticed the striking resemblance between Corenswet and Cavill, a fact that Corenswet acknowledged, stating, "I became aware of it before it became an internet sensation." Regarding Cavill's interpretation of Superman, Corenswet appreciated the "dark and gritty" approach taken by the DCEU but expressed his desire for a future Superman who is "very bright and optimistic." The complete quote can be found below.
How David Corenswet's Superman Will Differ To Henry Cavill's
"Before the internet caught my attention, I had already harbored a lofty aspiration - to portray the iconic superhero, Superman. What I envision is a refreshing and nostalgic rendition of the character, one that exudes a sunny disposition and a sense of hopefulness. While I appreciate the dark and gritty approach taken by Henry Cavill, I yearn for the next portrayal to radiate brightness and optimism."
Gunn's decision to choose a fresh face for the role of Superman in the new DC Universe, rather than continuing with Cavill's portrayal, stems from the emphasis on a younger Clark Kent in Superman: Legacy. With Cavill being 40 years old, he simply does not fit the age criteria that Gunn envisions for the character. On the other hand, Corenswet, who is 29 years old, falls within the suitable age range to become the iconic figurehead of the new DC Universe.
Throughout his tenure in the DCEU, Cavill's portrayal of Superman deviated greatly from the traditional wholesome and virtuous demeanor of Clark Kent as depicted in the comics. Zack Snyder's DC films took a darker approach compared to the source material, presenting a tortured version of Superman in a gritty adaptation of the typically vibrant character. This iteration of Superman, along with the overall DCEU, received mixed reactions from audiences. As a result, Gunn was appointed as the new creative chief of DC in an effort to bring the franchise closer to its comic book roots and win back the viewers.
In order to achieve this, the upcoming film "Superman: Legacy" will serve as a reintroduction of Clark Kent, taking him back to his fundamental roots. Gunn has confirmed various details about "Superman: Legacy," stating that Corenswet's portrayal of Superman will differ from Cavill's. Corenswet's younger iteration of Superman will undergo a journey of self-discovery, grappling with the complexities of his Kryptonian heritage and his upbringing as a human. This new version of Superman will embody his iconic optimism, as Gunn aims to emphasize the character's humanity, a characteristic that was lacking in Cavill's depiction, where Superman was somewhat deified among mortals. In light of this, Corenswet will fulfill his desire in "Superman: Legacy."
Source: Entertainment Weekly