For an entire generation of fans, Henry Cavill is and will always be the Superman. His British charisma, deep gaze, and physique that seemed carved by the gods made the actor become the quintessential Man of Steel. From Man of Steel to Justice League, Cavill left an indelible mark: an imposing, vulnerable, tragic, and deeply human Superman.
However, universes evolve, and with the arrival of the new DCU commanded by James Gunn, the mantle of the last son of Krypton now passes to David Corenswet, who is determined not only to live up to the legacy... but to surpass it.
The “new Superman” undergoes a brutal transformation
David Corenswet, known for his work in series like Hollywood and movies like Pearl, is not only taking on one of the most iconic roles in modern cinema; he is entering an arena where comparison with Cavill will be inevitable. And he knows it. That’s why his physical transformation has been an absolute priority.
At 1.93 meters tall and with a naturally slender build, Corenswet had to undergo an extreme training and diet regimen to gain muscle mass. The goal: achieve a physique that not only fits the iconic image of Superman, but also impresses as much as Cavill did at the time.
Under the guidance of celebrity trainer Paolo Mascitti, the actor managed to increase his weight from 90 to an impressive 118 kilograms during the most intense stage of the process.
“I wanted to use this role as an excuse to gain as much weight as I could,” the actor confessed on the podcast Manly Things (Sort Of). "I thought that 210 pounds would make me happy, but I reached 238 (over 108 kg)." However, before starting filming, he adjusted his weight to stay between 103 and 104 kg to achieve a balanced physique between volume and definition.
Will David surpass Cavill?
The first images of Corenswet in the suit have sparked a wave of opinions: while some cling to Cavill’s nostalgia, many see in this new Superman an opportunity to return to the character’s luminous essence. And part of that perception is based on his impressive physical presence.
The actor’s own coach revealed that, despite having a tight schedule, he trained on his own for up to two hours a day, in addition to his sessions with him.
David not only lifted weights, but also did functional exercises to be able to perform certain action scenes without the need for stunt doubles. “David was committed to becoming Superman, not just looking like him,” the trainer explained.
But the challenge is not only to match Henry Cavill, but to find a new way to embody the most beloved superhero in the world. A Superman who retains power and majesty, but also shines as a symbol of hope and light. Everything indicates that Corenswet is more than ready for that challenge.
With a premiere scheduled for July 11, 2025, Superman: Legacy will not only mark the beginning of a new era for DC, but also test Corenswet as the heir to the icon. Will he be able to fly as high as Cavill or even higher? The stakes are sky-high.