Superman Star's Wild Audition Story: He Thought It Was Top Gun 3
Landing the role of a lifetime was something David Corenswet thought was 'completely impossible.' The actor shares the unbelievable story of his audition, including the blockbuster film he mistakenly thought he was trying out for, and his conversation with the director about not being 'cool' enough for the part.
It’s hard to picture anyone else in the cape now, but David Corenswet was floored when he learned he would be the next Man of Steel. The part seemed so far-fetched that when his agent called about a tryout, his mind went to a completely different high-flying franchise.
A Call Out of the Blue
The actor was in the middle of a mundane task when the life-changing call came through. "When I got the audition, I was standing on a ladder changing a light fixture. My agent said, “We think you know what this is about." I said, "Is it Top Gun 3? What am I waiting for?" Corenswet recounted during a Variety 'Actors on Actors' discussion with Jonathan Bailey. The feeling was surreal for him. "I really was not expecting it, although I think other people thought that I should be expecting it. Just statistically speaking, it feels completely impossible."
From Underdog to Fan Favorite
Corenswet’s selection for James Gunn’s new vision was certainly a surprise for many industry watchers. At the time, his resume included roles in smaller-scale projects like Ti West's horror film Pearl and the Ryan Murphy series The Politician. Meanwhile, DC enthusiasts had their sights set on bigger names like Nicholas Hoult or Jacob Elordi to don the iconic suit. Adding to the pressure, a large portion of the fanbase was still hoping for Henry Cavill’s return after his departure from the role.
Despite the initial skepticism, Corenswet quickly silenced the doubters. The new Superman film soared at the box office, pulling in over $616 million across the globe and cementing his place in the hearts of most DC fans.
What's Next for the Man of Steel
With the first film’s massive success, a sequel titled Man of Tomorrow is already in the works. Early details suggest an exciting storyline where Corenswet's hero might have to join forces with his arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor, played by Hoult, to take on the formidable threat of Braniac. During his chat with Bailey, Corenswet also shared a humorous exchange he had with director James Gunn before accepting the part, admitting he didn't see himself as a typical cool-guy hero. "If you wanted somebody cool, you should have hired somebody else," Corenswet recalled telling Gunn, "And he was like, 'Oh, believe me. I know.'"
Fans can mark their calendars for the next installment, as The Man of Tomorrow is scheduled to fly into theaters on July 9, 2027.