James Gunn, director of the 2025 Superman film, selected David Corenswet over Nicholas Hoult for the titular role due to Corenswet's more relaxed acting style and better chemistry with co-star Rachel Brosnahan, who is known for her controlled performance. Gunn initially anticipated a lengthy casting process, auditioning around 400 actors, but Corenswet stood out from the first day, partly influenced by Gunn having recently seen him in Ti West’s film "Pearl." Corenswet, a Juilliard-trained actor from Philadelphia, has expressed that he is still adjusting to the responsibility of playing Superman. The film has received positive early reviews, holding an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Gunn has praised Corenswet as the perfect choice and predicted that he will become a major movie star. Additionally, Gunn explained the decision to cast a younger actor for the role of Jor-El, Superman’s father, aiming for a more believable age portrayal. The film also features a cameo by Bradley Cooper, which Gunn arranged to avoid the typical portrayal of an older Jor-El.