James Gunn’s Superman costume decision has generated fresh debate after the director and designer Judianna Makovsky explained why David Corenswet’s Man of Steel sports the classic red trunks in the upcoming DCU film, but other heroes are unlikely to follow suit. The update comes as fans continue to dissect every detail of the superhero’s theatrical return, with speculation about stylistic choices and the reasoning behind them growing as the film’s July release approaches.
Behind the Red Trunks: A Last-Minute Choice
During a recent interview, Judianna Makovsky, who designed the Superman suit, revealed the addition of the red briefs was finalized at the last moment. The costume’s final look was not without controversy, sparking an internal tug-of-war about whether to embrace the red trunks or move away from tradition.
“There were a lot of people who didn’t want the briefs, and a lot of people who did. And James was very divided. And I have to say, I refused to give up,”
—Judianna Makovsky, Costume Designer
While the team eventually settled on keeping the trunks, the decision has prompted further discussion among fans and creatives about precedent. Some wonder if this classic element signals a wider return of the style for other iconic DC characters, like Batman or Green Arrow.
Director’s Reasoning: Why Superman Stands Alone
James Gunn has addressed the broader implications of this costume choice in a conversation with Comicbook. When asked if Batman or others in the new DC Universe will also don their own trunks, Gunn emphasized that each character’s history and visual identity differ.
“We haven’t decided. And the trunks are good. We’ll see what happens,”
—James Gunn, Director
“I think it’s less likely that some of the other characters would have trunks. It’s more a part of Superman’s costume than it is Batman’s, even though he’s had trunks a lot in the comics.”
—James Gunn, Director
For Superman, the trunks are more than just a costume detail; they are tied to the character’s longstanding style and legacy both in comics and on screen. Gunn hinted there will be a story-driven reason behind the outerwear for Corenswet’s Superman, but that topic was set aside before revealing any spoilers.
Fan Response and Cultural Impact
The first image of David Corenswet’s Superman suit, which was released in May 2024, ignited spirited debate across social media and fan circles. Early reactions were divided, especially in regard to the prominent red briefs. Over time, however, broader opinion among the audience has shifted, with many coming to appreciate the choice, particularly after seeing the suit in motion—the fabric, fit, and bold design impressing on the big screen and in trailers.
As the director noted, Batman is not expected to revisit his classic trunks, given the modern evolution of his look. Still, other DC heroes like Martian Manhunter have a history of wearing similar costumes, and for certain characters, the trunks remain a symbol of nostalgia and visual continuity within comic book culture.
The Road Ahead for the DC Universe
Superman is scheduled to premiere in theaters on July 11, marking the official launch of James Gunn’s reimagined DC Universe. Ahead of the public release, critics and select social media personalities attended a pre-screening on June 25 at the Warner Bros. lot. Audience opinions, though embargoed until July 7, are highly anticipated. Prime Video subscribers are set for exclusive early screenings on July 8.
This costume decision, and the deliberation behind it, underscores James Gunn’s careful balancing of respect for superhero tradition and fresh creative choices as he leads the DC Universe in a new direction. Whether the trunks will remain exclusive to Superman or inspire fresh looks for other heroes is yet to be decided, keeping fans closely watching for the DCU’s next bold move.
