In a newly published GQ cover story on actor David Corenswet, Superman director James Gunn revealed details about their on-set relationship. The most attention-grabbing moment comes when Gunn admits that during filming, he occasionally told Corenswet to “shut the f*** up” — and proudly states that the actor “does not take that personally.”
“I think you’re also like a kid sticking his finger in light sockets and sometimes I gotta slap you on the wrist and say stop f***ing doing that,” Gunn said, recalling his experience directing Corenswet throughout principal photography.
Superman in the trailer for James Gunn’s Superman – YouTube, DC
The director added, “Sometimes his questions are great, and I totally see where they make him better, and because they make him better, they make the movie better. But every once in a while, it’s just one question too many, and it’s like, ‘Oh, my God, just, David, stop, stop, for a minute.’ And the beautiful thing about me and David is that he knows that about himself and he knows where my limits are. And when I say, ‘David, shut the f*** up,’ David totally gets it and does not take that personally.
Corenswet, for his part, seems to welcome Gunn’s forceful approach. He described the director’s style as unconventional — and at times, jarring — but ultimately helpful to him as an actor.
James Gunn attends the European Premiere of Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3” in Disneyland Paris on April 22, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by StillMoving.Net for Disney)
“James has this habit of, as you’re working on the scene, he’ll sit back by the monitors on the God mic and he’ll yell directions at you, which is not how directors generally work,” Corenswet told GQ. “You usually do the scene, they say cut, and then they come and say very privately and quietly, ‘I loved that moment where you did this. What if we tried something else in the next one?’”
Rather than push back, Corenswet leaned into it. “The second that happened, I went, OK, this is going to be great because I have no idea what I’m doing. I desperately need a director,” he admitted. “I need a director who knows what they want and is willing to say it out loud without too much politeness and without beating around the bush.”
David Corenswet as Superman flying in James Gunn’s “Superman” – YouTube, DC
The actor and director appear to have formed a close bond, with Gunn calling their collaboration “a beautiful relationship.” He went on to contrast Corenswet with other performers who might have bristled at such blunt treatment.
“I’m used to being very sensitive with actors, and you have to be by default, because many actors are incredibly sensitive because they’re putting their emotions on the line onscreen,” Gunn said. “But with David, he’s not that way. He’s not sensitive like that.”
Superman saves a little girl in the Superman teaser trailer – YouTube, DC
While Gunn and Corenswet clearly believe their working relationship is strong and mutually beneficial, the comments have sparked discussion online due to the bluntness of the language and the way Gunn describes his lead actor. In an era where on-set conduct has come under increased scrutiny, especially from directors in positions of power, Gunn’s remarks — though likely meant as praise — read as unusually forceful for a franchise as high-profile as Superman.
But at the end of the day, if Corenswet has no issue with such treatment and, as the article makes it seem, even welcomes it, there’s not much room to judge their on-set rapport.
Superman grimacing by a Stagg Industries sign in the trailer for James Gunn’s Superman – YouTube, DC
Corenswet is stepping into one of the most iconic roles in cinematic history, and the film is intended to relaunch the entire DC Universe under Gunn’s leadership. That pressure alone would be significant, but Corenswet’s own comments — including the self-effacing “I have no idea what I’m doing” — may strike some as surprisingly deferential for the actor now wearing the cape.
Clark Kent in Hames Gunn’s Superman – YouTube, DC
To date, Warner Bros. has not commented on the interview, and no allegations of misconduct have been raised. Still, Gunn’s candidness may prompt some fans and industry observers to take a closer look at the dynamic shaping one of the studio’s most important projects.
How do you feel about the on set relationship between James Gunn and David Corenswet as described here? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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