David Corenswet, set to star in James Gunn’s Superman reboot, described his first time wearing the Superman costume as significantly challenging and revealed a mix of excitement and discomfort during the experience. Discussing his David Corenswet Superman suit experience, he detailed what it was truly like behind the scenes as he adjusted to the superhero’s suit during production.
A Suit Tailored to Changing Proportions
When Corenswet first tried on the iconic blue and red Superman costume, he did not expect how his own physical transformation would affect the fit. As he explained, his initial screen test was at a different weight compared to when he arrived for his first official costume fitting. The suit, meticulously crafted to his earlier body measurements, had become much tighter due to his increased muscle mass from training for the role.
“It was quite snug because they had made it to my proportions when I screen-tested where I weighed about 195 pounds, and when I walked in for my first costume fitting, I weighed about a 235, 240 pounds.”
—David Corenswet, Actor
Claustrophobia Inside the Cape
The physical strain of the suit extended beyond just tightness. Corenswet shared that, like many actors who portray superheroes, he struggled with feelings of confinement while fully suited up. The constriction around his body took an emotional toll during those initial moments as Superman.
“You hear actors who play superheroes talking about squeezing into the suits. I got kind of claustrophobic in the suit the first time just being constricted in all those places at the same time.”
—David Corenswet, Actor
Managing the Practical Challenges of the Costume
Aside from physical discomfort, Corenswet addressed the less glamorous aspects of superheroing—such as the logistics involved in wearing the suit for long filming days. The outfit includes numerous zippers, designed for functionality and visual appeal, but none are dedicated for quick bathroom access. Nevertheless, Corenswet remarked that this particular concern did not disrupt his work.
“I never had an issue with that.”
—David Corenswet, Actor
Support Behind the Scenes from the Costume Team
Corenswet credited Scott R. Hankins, the film’s dresser, for providing crucial support throughout the demanding days in costume. Hankins not only helped Corenswet squeeze into the suit but also ensured the actor took breaks when necessary, helping him adjust during lengthy shoots. He described Hankins as a resourceful aide reminiscent of a “mob fixer,” always ready to intervene when needed.
“The most amazing dresser you could ask for,”
—David Corenswet, Actor
“He was always in my ear going, ‘Do you need a break? Do you need a break? Tell ’em you need a break and we can step you out. I’ll tell him it’s me. He would make excuses for me if I needed. And we got very good together at getting in and out of the suit, so he would do it quite quickly, and I could take breaks if I needed to over the course of a day.”
—David Corenswet, Actor
Adapting to Life as Superman
As the release of Gunn’s Superman reboot approaches, audiences will soon see Corenswet donning the cape and bringing the famous superhero to life. Yet behind the scenes, his experience has involved overcoming a variety of unexpected and uncomfortable challenges, relying heavily on teamwork and quick adaptation. His journey offers new insight into what it takes to embody an iconic character, both physically and mentally, hinting at the intense dedication required by actors in modern superhero films.
