David Corenswet Drops a Big ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ Comparison for ‘Superman: Man of Tomorrow’
David Corenswet USA . David Corenswet in (C)Warner Bros new film: Superman (2025). Plot: Superman must reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as reporter Clark Kent. As the embodiment of truth, justice and the human way he soon finds himself in a world that views these as old-fashioned. LMK106-J11145-010725 Supplied by LMKMEDIA. Editorial Only. Landmark Media is not the copyright owner of these Film or TV stills but provides a service only for recognised Media outlets.
David Corenswet USA . David Corenswet in (C)Warner Bros new film: Superman (2025). Plot: Superman must reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as reporter Clark Kent. As the embodiment of truth, justice and the human way he soon finds himself in a world that views these as old-fashioned. LMK106-J11145-010725 Supplied by LMKMEDIA. Editorial Only. Landmark Media is not the copyright owner of these Film or TV stills but provides a service only for recognised Media outlets.
David Corenswet has compared Superman: Man of Tomorrow to The Empire Strikes Back, one of his favorite movies. The sequel follows Superman after his first big outing, and Corenswet says the characters have settled into something steadier. Settled is a dangerous word in a superhero story because it means someone is about to knock the furniture over. The question is what the franchise plans to do with all that calm.
While Superman enjoys a quieter life on screen, Corenswet is ready to name the exact moment from the space saga that inspired the comparison.
Why David Corenswet says Superman: Man of Tomorrow feels like The Empire Strikes Back
David Corenswet sees Superman: Man of Tomorrow as The Empire Strikes Back of the Superman series, with familiar heroes on stable ground. Superman and Lex Luthor now work together, and Clark and Lois are more settled.
"The thing that I thought of was the opening of The Empire Strikes Back," Corenswet said to Entertainment Tonight.
He then added, "The stakes are obviously that those things are going to be put at risk."
Nicholas Hoult and David Corenswet USA . Nicholas Hoult and David Corenswet in (C)Warner Bros new film: Superman (2025). Plot: Superman must reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as reporter Clark Kent. As the embodiment of truth, justice and the human way he soon finds himself in a world that views these as old-fashioned. LMK106-J11145-010725 Supplied by LMKMEDIA. Editorial Only. Landmark Media is not the copyright owner of these Film or TV stills but provides a service only for recognised Media outlets.
Nicholas Hoult and David Corenswet USA . Nicholas Hoult and David Corenswet in (C)Warner Bros new film: Superman (2025). Plot: Superman must reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as reporter Clark Kent. As the embodiment of truth, justice and the human way he soon finds himself in a world that views these as old-fashioned. LMK106-J11145-010725 Supplied by LMKMEDIA. Editorial Only. Landmark Media is not the copyright owner of these Film or TV stills but provides a service only for recognised Media outlets.
During the chat on Entertainment Tonight, Corenswet described seeing Nicholas Hoult in Lex's suit in person. He called the sight crazy. The friendship carries into downtime too, where Corenswet tries to act more like Hoult and adopts a British accent the whole time. Hoult, meanwhile, is left confused. James Gunn said he pitched the idea of moving those relationships into a second phase after everything they have endured in the interim.
With Superman: Man of Tomorrow's second chapter locked in for next summer, Corenswet has plenty to keep him busy before then.
What David Corenswet has lined up before Superman: Man of Tomorrow arrives?
First up is Mr. Irrelevant, which reaches theaters on Christmas Day 2026 from Paramount and Skydance Sports. Jonathan Levine directs the film, which is currently in post-production. David Corenswet plays John Tuggle, the last player selected in the 1983 NFL Draft. Mr. Irrelevant is the traditional nickname for that distinction, so the title explains itself. It is a humble assignment for an actor who spent his year in a cape.
Red Carpet Arrivals for Superman Film in London LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JULY 02: David Corenswet attends a fan event at Cineworld Leicester Square for Superman , DC Studios’ first feature film to hit the big screen in London, United Kingdom on July 02, 2025. Wiktor Szymanowicz Anadolu London United Kingdom.
Red Carpet Arrivals for Superman Film in London LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JULY 02: David Corenswet attends a fan event at Cineworld Leicester Square for Superman , DC Studios’ first feature film to hit the big screen in London, United Kingdom on July 02, 2025. Wiktor Szymanowicz Anadolu London United Kingdom.
Three Days of Rain follows in February 2027, marking Corenswet’s Broadway debut, with Anna D. Shapiro directing alongside François Arnaud and Yvonne Strahovski. Meanwhile, Superman: Man of Tomorrow wrapped principal photography in August 2026 and is set to hit theaters on July 9, 2027, from DC Studios, with James Gunn writing and directing the sequel. Corenswet also appeared as Superman in Supergirl earlier this year. Next July, audiences will find out whether his The Empire Strikes Back comparison truly holds up.
What are your thoughts on The Empire Strikes Back comparison of Superman: Man of Tomorrow? Let us know in the comments.
Edited By: Itti Mahajan
