With the release of Superman just a few weeks away, actor David Corenswet spoke about the difficulty of portraying a character like the Man of Steel. James Gunn also took the opportunity to reveal some additional information about his DC blockbuster.
Superman: Only a few more weeks to wait
Expected on July 9, Superman will be the first film in the new DC universe launched by James Gunn: the DC Universe (DCU). Following the failure of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), which spanned from Man of Steel to Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Warner Bros. decided to reboot its connected DC universe in theaters. The studio gave the keys to this new universe to James Gunn and Peter Safran. While the DCU was officially launched with the series Creature Commandos, it is mainly Superman that will really serve as a launch for the general public.
In the role of the Kryptonian, it is the actor David Corenswet who succeeds Henry Cavill. Superman will allow direct and full entry into this new DC universe since many characters from the DC stable are expected in the blockbuster. In general, Superman will present Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), a Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan) or even Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult). A beautiful poster for the first film in the DCU.
David Corenswet and James Gunn talk about Superman
A few weeks before the film's release, David Corenswet discussed the pressure of playing a role like Superman with TIME. While in the past, playing a superhero role was synonymous with success, that's not really the case anymore. The proof is in some resounding failures of the genre like Madame Web, Kraven the Hunter, The Marvels or even the latest Hellboy which went completely unnoticed.
David Corenswet is well aware that a character like Superman is double or nothing for his career:
Is it worth doing it? Even if it's the last role of my career? The answer is yes! There's always a kind of pressure. But I really want to be good in this film. But I'm not the one directing the film. I'm just giving puzzle pieces to James, but he's the one who holds the recipe in his hands. I can't take responsibility for the film in James's place. But James is the best possible person to make this film.
He also discussed the identity of a character like Superman, much more Manichean than some other superheroes:
Compared to Batman or Spider-Man, he doesn't have a lot of inner turmoil. He's invincible. So what's at stake? You can be the most balanced and well-intentioned person, and your loved ones are dying around you. You can't save everyone forever.
The site also spoke with James Gunn. He shared a few words about the star of his film. Kind words, of course, but he also pointed out his actor's high standards.
He's Superman, even in his nerdy side. He listens to old jazz records. Like Superman, he's a simple man in complicated moments. Sometimes, David is a pain in the ass because he asks a ton of questions about every little detail. Sometimes, I was completely irritated by his endless questions. But he managed to transform these questions into something magical through his performance.
Quite unexpected remarks, which seem to potentially point to a bad atmosphere between the director and the actor? It's hard to say, but it's quite rare to see a filmmaker speak unfiltered in this way about his lead actor. Similarly, David Corenswet seems to place the responsibility for the film's quality on his director. A surprising lack of support that worries us a little.
James Gunn ended his talk by revealing some keys to the character of Superman:
Superman is starting to succeed. He leads a double life in the big city. He is madly in love with a woman. He's made some superhuman friends who sometimes consider him a naive boy. All these new elements in his life have thrown him off balance a little. And, as he staggers, we'll see if he lands on his feet again, based on his values and choices.
Superman arrives in French theaters on July 9 and will be in direct competition with two other highly anticipated blockbusters: Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 23) and Jurassic World: Renaissance (July 4).
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