David Corenswet’s Superman may be the bright, boy scout heart of James Gunn’s DCU, but that doesn’t mean he’s chained down to sunbeams and smiles.
In a recent interview with Nerdist, the actor behind the Man of Tomorrow opened up about the creative possibilities within Gunn’s expansive new universe, and he’s ready to stretch Superman beyond traditional boundaries. That includes stepping into grittier, R-rated terrain. Corenswet said:
“One thing that excites me so much about James’ vision for the DCU is the different genres and tones that the movies can take on. And I know people are skeptical that certain genres and characters can mix.
“I would love to see this Superman in an R-rated project. In a detective, you know, in a thing like Lanterns, where it’s a True Detective feel. I just think it can happen in spite of how bright and playful this version of the character is.”
It’s an unexpected but intriguing suggestion. So far, Superman has been described as a hopeful and classic interpretation of the hero, Gunn himself has called it a “heartfelt” and “sincere” story that leans into the mythic side of superhero fiction.
Corenswet’s own take has been teased as “bright and playful.” But now, the actor’s openness to putting that version of Superman into something more intense, like HBO’s upcoming Lanterns series, might hint at where things are headed.
It’s also interesting that Corenswet name-dropped Lanterns unprompted. DC Studios has confirmed that the show will follow Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) in a grounded, noir-style mystery inspired by True Detective. But, this is the first time I’ve heard it teased as an R-rated project.
And maybe that crossover comes sooner than expected.
Peacemaker Season 2, which is confirmed to be TV-MA, hits HBO Max just a month after Superman lands in theaters. Gunn has already teased a massive cameo toward the end of the season. Could Superman crash the party? Maybe!
The threads are already there with Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion) and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), both featured in Superman, are set to appear in Peacemaker. The show also includes Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo), who has a role in Superman as well.
Whether it’s a brief stop in Peacemaker or a future appearance in Lanterns, one thing is clear, the DCU most likely won’t box Superman into any one tone or genre.
Superman hits theaters July 11th. Peacemaker Season 2 premieres August 21st. Lanterns is set to debut sometime in 2026.
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