David Corenswet lives in a world made of cardboard

Recently, I've had the opportunity to watch the newest Superman in theaters. I absolutely loved it. I'm eternally grateful for Gunn reminding the world what exactly being punk rock is and how we all need to be a little more punk rock. Now this is not a critique on the movie, but an opportunity moving forward as well as a slight character analysis of David's Superman relative to every other live-action version we've seen in length so far. Spoiler alert for those reading who have yet to see the film or are waiting on the digital release.

So first and foremost I love David's portrayal. The clear distinctions between Clark and Superman. His passion for doing good, while still trying to navigate and respect the complexity of the human world. His gratitude and love for all people. But, also his ability to display frustration and sadness and disappointment while still reminding the audience he's not a villian. He's still the hero who happens to be upset and rightfully so in said situations. Lastly, something that is heavily memed but very rarely talked about/shown on the big screen. Once Superman knows you can take one of his punches, he'll stop holding back. Not out of malicious intent, but more out of the need to stop a threat that is clearly too powerful for anyone not named Superman to handle.

Now what does the title of this article even mean? Well for those did not watch "Justice League Unlimited", towards the end of the series Darkseid is on Earth with the "Anti-life equation" nearly in his grasp. It's taken the entire effort of the Justice League old and new, to even hault Darkseid. And it's still not enough. For now that is. As Bruce and Clark with the help of Lex Luthor of all people are fighting Darkseid. Clark finally realizes it's time to stop holding back. If they want to win and save the world. Clark has to let go. During this altercation, Darkseid is bewildered as to why Earth still resists him. In his eyes Darkseid is inevitable and resistance is futile. So, Clark starts talking to Darkseid while they fight, mentioning how not a single member of the league will ever stop fighting so long as they can draw a breath. But Clark on the other hand, Clark has spent his entire life holding back. Every second of every day he has to be careful as not to harm anyone even villains. Clark absolutely WHIPS Darkseid, Clark and Darkseid finally get to experience a first neither have felt. Clark gets to feel what it's like to let go and Darkseid finally feels fear.

So why is David specifically the Superman I want to deliver his version of this speech? In 2025's Superman we get to see flashes of both Clark getting upset and going full force with his punches once he realizes the situation calls for it. Clark realizing Ultraman is a clone of himself, he goes full force because he can't hold back against himself to save the world. And of course his humanity speech to Lex at the end of the film. David and of course the great writing of the film's ability to convey Clark's frustrations when he's finally pushed far enough. And no disrespect to the other Supermen. But the only person I've seen come close to this is Henry's crashout on the Kryptonians when they invaded his farm and threatened his mother, and Tyler's rage both at Lex for attacking his family and when he went he found out his son was attacked by Emmitt. Now granted both Tyler and Henry's tenure as Superman are over, and they're both incredible actors.

But something about David delivering this speech just fits too well. Henry was almost too angry, blame Snyder for that one. And although Tyler did a wonderful job as the goofball Clark and embarrassing dorky dad. David showed us he was out to save literally every single life, actively showing restraint when even the Justice league isn't too concerned with holding back, and lastly the little bit we get to see where he isn't holding back. He was genuinely frightening with how overpowered he is. Now fast-forward years into this cinematic universe where we already have a Supergirl, the Justice League, and many more heroes in their prime. Introducing Darkseid just as Thanos was finally introduced. If Clark wants to save the world, he'll finally have to stop holding back. Like Henry did, but with David's justified reason. Everything Gunn is setting up with his turn at a DC Cinematic universe points to David finally letting mainstream audiences hear this speech on the big screen. And I can't wait.

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