In a bold and unapologetic statement, James Gunn, the co-CEO of DC Studios and director of the upcoming Superman film set for release on July 11, 2025, has reignited one of the most enduring debates in comic book fandom: whether Superman’s iconic red trunks should be part of his costume. Speaking to fans and press during a set visit earlier this year, Gunn declared that Superman wearing his signature trunks—often likened to a pair of underwear worn over his tights—makes the Man of Steel more impressive than going without them. This assertion, backed by a compelling argument from the film’s star, David Corenswet, has sparked widespread discussion, blending nostalgia, character philosophy, and modern superhero aesthetics. The decision to reinstate the trunks, absent from recent live-action portrayals, signals a return to Superman’s traditional roots while offering a fresh perspective on why this quirky design choice remains relevant.
The red trunks, a staple of Superman’s costume since his debut in Action Comics #1 in 1938, were inspired by the circus strongmen and professional wrestlers of the era. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the trunks were not just a stylistic flourish but a symbol of strength and athleticism, designed to make Superman instantly recognizable as a larger-than-life hero. However, when Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel hit theaters in 2013, Henry Cavill’s Superman donned a sleek, armor-like suit without the trunks, a choice that divided fans. While some praised the modernized, grounded look, others felt it stripped away a core element of Superman’s identity. The trunks remained absent in subsequent DCEU films and even in DC’s New 52 comic reboot, reflecting a trend toward more “serious” superhero designs. Yet, their return in DC comics in 2018 and now in Gunn’s film suggests a renewed appreciation for their symbolic weight.
Gunn’s journey to embracing the trunks was not straightforward. During costume design for Superman, he admitted to being firmly on the “no trunks” team, a stance shared by Snyder, who had also explored numerous trunked designs for Man of Steel without finding a satisfying fit. “I kept going back to, ‘No trunks, no trunks,’” Gunn revealed in an interview with Gizmodo. The team tested multiple versions of the costume, both with and without the trunks, as they sought a balance between modernity and tradition. It was David Corenswet, cast as the new Superman, who shifted the tide with a perspective that resonated deeply with Gunn. Corenswet argued that Superman, as an alien with godlike powers, could be intimidating to humans, especially children. “He shoots beams out of his eyes, can blow a truck over,” Corenswet said. “He’s this incredibly powerful, potentially scary individual, and he wants people to like him. He wants to be a symbol of hope and positivity. So he dresses like a professional wrestler.”
This insight clicked for Gunn, who saw the trunks as a deliberate choice by Superman to appear approachable and human. By embracing the bright, colorful aesthetic of a wrestler or circus strongman, Superman signals that he is not a distant deity but a friendly protector. The trunks, with their playful, almost whimsical quality, humanize him, making him less like an armored warrior and more like the “Big Blue Boy Scout” fans cherish. Gunn elaborated, “Trying to pretend Superman’s costume doesn’t have some frivolity at its base, trying to make it look serious, is silly because he is a superhero. He’s the first one, brightly colored, and that’s who he is.” This philosophy aligns with Gunn’s vision for a Superman who embodies optimism and kindness, a stark contrast to the brooding, conflicted hero of the Snyderverse.
The decision has not been without controversy. When set photos leaked in June 2024, revealing Corenswet in a vibrant suit with red trunks, yellow belt, and a Kingdom Come-inspired S-shield, reactions were mixed. Some fans cheered the return to a comic-accurate look, with one Reddit user exclaiming, “Corenswet gets it! This is Superman as a symbol of hope.” Others, however, found the trunks dated or comical, with a NeoGAF commenter noting, “The underwear on top of pants look is impossible to take seriously.” The debate echoes earlier fan polls conducted by Gunn in 2023, where 60% of over 150,000 voters favored the trunks, though Gunn clarified the poll was for fun and not a binding decision. Critics of the trunks argue they clash with modern superhero aesthetics, which lean toward tactical or streamlined designs, as seen in Batman’s utilitarian suits or the MCU’s CGI-enhanced costumes.
Supporters, however, see the trunks as integral to Superman’s identity. Grant Morrison, in his book Supergods, described them as “signifiers of extra-masculine strength and endurance,” rooted in their 1930s origins. Corenswet’s argument adds a layer of storytelling depth, suggesting the trunks are a conscious choice by Clark Kent to bridge his alien heritage with his human upbringing. This aligns with the film’s narrative, described as a “workplace origin story” focusing on a young Clark Kent at the Daily Planet, navigating his dual identity. The costume, with its mock neck, textured lines, and vibrant colors, blends modern elements with classic touches, evoking both the New 52 and Christopher Reeve’s iconic portrayal.
Gunn’s declaration that the trunks make Superman “more impressive” is not just about aesthetics but about embracing the character’s essence. By choosing a costume that leans into Superman’s whimsical, hopeful nature, Gunn and Corenswet are betting on a vision that celebrates tradition while redefining it for a new era. The first trailer, released in December 2024, showcased a battered but resilient Superman, with the trunks standing out as a bold statement of his enduring optimism. As the DCU’s first major film, Superman sets the tone for a universe that includes characters like Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult. Whether fans embrace the trunks or not, Gunn’s unapologetic stance ensures that this Superman will fly into theaters as a vibrant, unmistakable symbol of hope.
