In the remote Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, actor David Corenswet pushed physical boundaries to perform most of his own stunts while filming the latest DC epic directed by James Gunn. Playing both Superman and his sinister clone Ultraman, Corenswet took on the demanding action sequences himself, prompting stunt double Eddie Davenport to step in only for the most dangerous moments.
Davenport, who physically appeared as Ultraman opposite Corenswet’s Superman for stand-off and fight scenes, described how Corenswet’s dedication to mastering intricate action was exceptional. The lead actor rehearsed stunts briefly before confidently executing them, seamlessly integrating with the stunt team during the intense shooting schedule across challenging environments.
Performing Dual Roles: The Unique Challenge of Superman and Ultraman
David Corenswet’s dual portrayal of Superman and Ultraman created a complex filming dynamic that relied heavily on his stunt double’s close collaboration. Since Corenswet had to alternate costumes and characters, Davenport often embodied Ultraman in scenes where Superman was on screen, including critical arrest sequences and fight choreography. This setup required the pair to shoot mirror-image takes of intense combat interactions, switching roles day by day to ensure continuity.
“When Superman’s on screen, like when he’s getting arrested, David couldn’t be in the Ultraman costume, so that would be me arresting him and walking him away and throwing him into the portal on the beach and all of that stuff,”
Davenport explained, recounting how they covered each other’s roles. He called their interplay “the coolest thing,” especially as it gave him a chance to fight Superman on camera.
Mastering Fight Scenes: Precision and Sync Between Actor and Double
The intricacy of their fight sequences demanded exacting synchronization between Corenswet and Davenport, especially because each had to replicate the other’s movements almost perfectly for visual effects to blend performances seamlessly. The duo regularly reviewed footage to imitate timing, motions, and even subtle details such as spitting during fights.
“We’d shoot 10/12 hour days, and then we come in the next day and it’s like, ‘Hey, you guys, remember exactly what you did yesterday?!’”
Davenport recalled. The presence of director James Gunn’s large video monitor helped them perfect their timing, which was critical to achieving smooth transitions between frames for the effects team to craft the scenes where Superman and Ultraman clashed.
Risk and Reward: Corenswet’s Physical Dedication on Set
Davenport praised Corenswet’s willingness to engage in the most physically demanding stunts, from flying rig sequences to complicated sewer fight scenes, which involved flips, spins, and crashing against sewer grates. These stunts, normally the domain of doubles, were almost entirely performed by Corenswet himself, much to Davenport’s admiration.
“David did that entire stunt sequence—smashing into the grate, and then the fight on the grate, and then tackling me out of screen. David did it all, and he did both sides. It was super awesome to just be able to [perform with him],”
Davenport said, emphasizing how rare it is for an actor to fully embody such intense physical demands.
He added,
“It was just not unexpected that that David’s doing this. That was kind of the whole thing around it. It was more of a surprise when it was like, ‘Oh, this isn’t going to be David?!’ That didn’t happen often.”
Adapting Character Physique and Mentality for Authentic Portrayals
Preparation for the role extended beyond action sequences to embodying the physical presence and mindset of both characters uniquely. After gaining 40 pounds for the part, Corenswet and Davenport discussed the desired physique, settling on a bulkier, denser build akin to a linebacker rather than the traditionally ripped superhero look familiar from previous Superman portrayals.
“He grew up on the farm. I want him dense, more linebacker, less Hollywood superhero,”
Davenport shared about Corenswet’s vision. The aesthetic and behavior were inspired by the animated series, emphasizing the raw strength and grounded nature of the character rather than exaggerated Hollywood fantasy.
James Gunn and the stunt team aligned their choreography accordingly, focusing on a fight style that reflected this grounded characterization throughout the movie’s intense physical confrontations.
Behind the Iconic Moments: Arrest, Fight, and Fan Reactions
One standout scene featured Ultraman arresting Superman, a moment that sparked much intrigue and speculation upon the film’s release. Davenport explained that it was in fact him portraying Ultraman during the arrest, with David Corenswet playing Superman, sparking online debates and fan theories over the masked assailant’s identity.
“It was like, ‘Who is it? Who’s it going to be?’ [Some people] were like, ‘Oh, it’s Henry Cavill!’ There was so much speculation on who it was. And I’m like, ‘Yeah, that’s me,’”
Davenport laughed. The moment became a notable talking point on social media, underlining the depth of intrigue surrounding the casting and character portrayals.
This scene exemplified the care taken in balancing suspension of disbelief with actor involvement, as the stunt double’s work directly supported the storytelling, enhancing the thrill and surprise elements fans enjoy.
Set Atmosphere and the Cultural Impact of a Legendary Character
Davenport reflected on the mood on set as the cast and crew worked to deliver a fresh take on an iconic figure, sensing the high stakes involved while maintaining a confident atmosphere. The team’s commitment to authenticity and innovation was clear throughout the months of filming, generating excitement among those involved.
“It was definitely one of those things where we knew, like, a lot’s riding on this. But the whole vibe on set, I don’t think that there was much doubt in terms of what they were doing. Everything that they were doing just felt right,”
he said.
The rollout of the film was met with enthusiastic reactions from viewers, with praise focused on the novel approach to the Superman character that contrasted sharply with previous adaptations, including Henry Cavill’s portrayal.
Davenport described the post-screening conversations, noting,
“Normally, when you leave the theatre, everyone’s a critic and everybody starts talking about what they didn’t like, [whereas the reaction to Superman has been] ‘Oh man, how they did this, and how they did this.’ And I’m like, ‘Okay this is different.’”
Highlighting the cultural resonance of the film, he added,
“And seeing the little kids run around with all their Superman stuff on, and the dads are dressing up as Superman with their kids. This is why it’s special. This is why it’s important.”
—Eddie Davenport, Stunt Double
David Corenswet’s Full Immersion into the Man of Steel Legacy
The actor’s hands-on approach to performing nearly all his own stunts reflects a deep commitment to fully embodying the Man of Steel, delivering a more visceral and immediate connection to the action on screen. Filming in extreme environments such as Svalbard’s freezing snow and executing complex sequences made his portrayal stand out for authenticity and physicality.
Davenport’s behind-the-scenes insights reveal how the collaborative effort between actor and stunt double shaped the fluidity and intensity of the film’s action set pieces. Their ability to interchange roles and mirror each other’s movements through painstaking rehearsal and precise execution elevated the depiction of cinematic battles between Superman and Ultraman to a new level of realism.
As Superman currently plays in theaters worldwide, the dedication shown by David Corenswet in doing most of his own stunts contributes not only to the film’s gripping experience but also signals a new era for the legendary superhero on screen—one that blends intense physical performance with deep character nuance.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much did David Corenswet make for Superman?
A. David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan each earned $750,000. Nicholas Hoult, portraying Lex Luthor, received $2 million for his role.
