David Corenswet, who was selected to play Superman in James Gunn’s DC Universe reboot, underwent significant physical changes to embody the Man of Steel, relying on intense natural training. Addressing widespread curiosity about his approach, Corenswet emphasized that his Superman fitness transformation did not involve performance enhancing drugs, but a commitment to sustainable fitness during the preparation and filming in Cleveland.
Focusing on Natural Methods to Achieve the Superhero Physique
After landing the iconic role, Corenswet committed himself to gaining enough muscle to convincingly fill the Superman suit. During a set visit in Cleveland, he spoke with a group of reporters, including those from TheWrap, to clarify rumors surrounding his physical transformation. The actor underscored his process, wanting it known that his weight gain was achieved through disciplined effort without artificial aids.
“I would appreciate anybody who wants to clarify in their writing that nobody is suggesting that I gained 40 pounds of muscle,”
—David Corenswet, Actor
Corenswet, age 31, clarified the difference between increasing muscle versus overall weight. The actor stressed that his approach remained strictly natural, explaining his focus was not just building mass but also staying healthy and within his own limits. According to Corenswet, he accomplished his Superman fitness transformation
“without performance enhancing drugs and without killing myself.”
His method centered on an intense, yet manageable, training schedule that consistently pushed his endurance. He described getting close to the “edge of my physical capabilities.”
Setting the Record Straight on Weight Gain Rumors
Discussions about quick physique changes, especially among Hollywood stars, often bring up skepticism from online commentators and experts over the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Corenswet responded directly to such speculation, explaining the reality of his body transformation. He reiterated,
“It was definitely not 40 pounds of muscle,”
—David Corenswet, Actor. Instead, his weight increased by 40 pounds over several months, comprising a healthy mix of muscle, additional body fat, and water weight, which are expected outcomes of a bulking program rather than just increased muscle size.
He detailed the fluctuating nature of his physical state during production:
“Over the course of shooting, I have been somewhere between about 25 and 30 pounds up from where I was initially,”
—David Corenswet, Actor. The rigorous demands of filming, especially during action-packed sequences, contributed to weight changes.
“When you shoot a week of fight sequences in the suit, you just lose weight,”
—David Corenswet, Actor.
A Rigorous Fitness Regimen During a Challenging Period
Corenswet’s training journey began as the 2023 actors’ strike kept productions on hold, allowing him to focus solely on building his Superman physique. He sought out expert guidance, leading him to work closely with a trainer to develop an intensive program.
“I hooked up with a trainer and basically said, ‘I want to get as big as possible within reason,’”
—David Corenswet, Actor. His daily efforts included long gym sessions:
“I was going to the gym for two and a half hours, getting home and passing out and sleeping for two hours, and then sleeping nine hours a night,”
—David Corenswet, Actor.
Historically thinner, Corenswet needed to increase his daily calorie intake significantly to meet demanding nutritional goals, which he managed
“mostly by drinking shakes to just get the extra calories in,”
—David Corenswet, Actor.
Preparation Beyond Just Lifting Weights
As filming resumed, Corenswet took on new physical challenges, including wire training to accurately portray Superman’s flying. He described learning this skill as
“a very cool art in itself,”
and emphasized that the techniques felt counterintuitive and were more about balance than raw strength.
“If you’re hooked onto wires, and you try to fly in the way that you think you won’t look right at all. It’s all very counterintuitive, and all about balance,”
—David Corenswet, Actor.
For fight choreography, the training was more straightforward.
“Because Superman is not a martial artist, we didn’t have to do anything like super fancy or technical. It’s really just throwing punches, throwing haymakers,”
—David Corenswet, Actor. The film’s trailer demonstrates the effectiveness of his intense preparation, with Superman landing a dramatic punch in one notable scene.
Anticipating Superman’s Big Screen Return
David Corenswet’s Superman fitness transformation was shaped by strict natural training, not shortcuts. Focusing on physical well-being, expert guidance, and adaptability on set, he has redefined his physique while remaining open about the realities and challenges of preparing for a superhero role. As the new era of Superman debuts on July 11, moviegoers and fans will be able to see the results of Corenswet’s dedication and James Gunn’s creative reboot come to life in theaters.
