David Corenswet’s Superman audition tape surfaces online; fans urge James Gunn to release chemistry reads with Rachel Brosnahan. Watch

David Corenswet’s Superman audition tape surfaces

Superman was released back in July and became one of the year’s most successful superhero films, leaving Gunn gushing over his lead. He even called him one of the best actors worldwide later. Now, a three-minute audition tape has surfaced featuring Corenswet as Clark Kent. The footage shows him sparring with Lois Lane — played by his wife, Julia Warner, in the test scene here, though the actual role went to Rachel Brosnahan.

The exchange plays out in the fictional Biayla, not Jarnanphur, with lines, emotions, and nearly every expression reworked, minus the explosive “Super-anger” we saw in the final cut. Watching the clip, it’s clear Corenswet was being tested on his ability to show emotional range, from innocence to happiness, surprise, arrogance, and lastly, feeling hurt, all in just three minutes, while the actual scene was shot for 11 minutes. The scene was taken from the final cut, discussing the core philosophy about Superman’s place in the world.

Since the video went viral, fans have been reacting to it and begging Gunn to release the Corenswet chemistry reads opposite Rachel Brosnahan during the audition. Many even pointed out how the actor looked so tiny during the audition, but bulked up with 40 extra pounds of muscle. Compare that to the final product, where he towers at 238 pounds, walking in the legacy of Cavill. Interestingly, Nicholas Hoult, who was auditioning for the antagonist Lex Luthor, was also in the running that day. He later recalled seeing Corenswet walk into the audition room and thinking: “That’s Superman.”

“I had very hesitant high hopes for the film, and Corenswet was the highest of high points. The idea that he also sealed the deal on Superman wearing his trunks (maybe the point is that they look kind of silly, so he’s more approachable and less intimidating) is icing on the cake,” a fan commented on the video. “His transition body language wise from Clark to Superman when he takes off the glasses is sooo good. Definitely nailed the first round with this,” another wrote. “Can they please drop his chemistry reads with Rachel? We need it badly,” a third fan chimed in.

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The moment Gunn saw the clip, he made up his mind to cast him. In a GQ cover story before the film’s release, he admitted Corenswet was “the guy to beat from the very beginning.” The handwritten letter Corenswet sent after the audition made it even better. While many on the production panel were convinced he was destined for Superman, the only one who needed assurance was Corenswet himself. His wife, Warner, told him she believed he was a great fit from day one, and as the actor, later told PEOPLE: “I thought she was crazy, but she felt it from the start. So if anything, I knew she’d be even more excited than me.”

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