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David Corenswet’s Clark Kent: A New Take on an Iconic Character
The buzz surrounding the Superman trailer has reached unprecedented heights, amassing an astounding 250 million views across various platforms within a single day. This achievement marks the trailer as the most-viewed in the history of DC and Warner Bros. Since its release, fans have scrutinized every nuance, particularly the portrayal of Clark Kent, Superman’s alter ego. Actor David Corenswet steps into this role, presenting a version of Clark that is notably shy and somewhat awkward. Director James Gunn has chosen to give him curly hair, setting him apart visually from Superman’s sleek hairstyle.
A glimpse into Corenswet’s interpretation of Clark Kent came from content creator Reece Feldman, who shared a behind-the-scenes video during the film’s production. In this footage, Feldman queries whether viewers would like to see Superman, transitioning to a reveal of Corenswet in his Clark Kent outfit. The actor appears puzzled, checking, “Watching who?” and following up with, “Who are you supposed to be watching?” This moment captures the essence of Corenswet’s Clark—a character embodying nervousness yet with a distinct deep voice that reveals his underlying uncertainty.
Corenswet’s portrayal diverges from previous incarnations of Clark Kent. While Christopher Reeve emphasized a more exaggerated clumsiness, and Brandon Routh built upon that for Superman Returns, Henry Cavill’s version blurred the lines between the two identities, with minimal changes from Clark to Superman. The portrayal of this new Clark Kent invites an intriguing question: will Corenswet maintain the character’s secret identity?
Will Clark Kent Keep His Identity Secret?
The secret identity of Clark Kent has sparked considerable debate in recent years, raising moral questions about whether he should conceal his true self from his friends and family. The Man of Steel narrative took a unique approach by having Lois Lane aware of Clark’s identity from the outset, which some felt undermined the character’s narrative richness. Conversely, My Adventures with Superman highlighted the struggles that arise from Clark keeping his identity a secret, affecting his relationship with Lois. Similarly, Superman & Lois explored the implications of Clark revealing his identity, navigating the complexities of truth in relationships.
Director James Gunn seeks to explore different facets of Superman’s lore, including the significance of secret identities that have evolved since Superman’s debut in 1938. The recent Superman trailer indicates moments of intimacy between Lois Lane and both Clark Kent and Superman, hinting that Lois may uncover the truth, or that Superman may choose to share his secret with her.
Release Date: July 11, 2025
Cast: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, María Gabriela De Faría, Edi Gathegi, Nicholas Hoult, Frank Grillo, Nathan Fillion, Milly Alcock, Sara Sampaio, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Skyler Gisondo, Anthony Carrigan, Wendell Pierce, Beck Bennett, Sean Gunn
Source
movieweb.com