Taking on a role as iconic as Superman comes with inevitable scrutiny, and David Corenswet is no exception. Despite the 2025 Superman film not even being released yet, comparisons to Henry Cavill’s portrayal are already rampant, particularly centered on Corenswet’s new Superman design. However, one DC legend has effectively shut these criticisms down with four words.

...Corenswet's Superman doesn't need to be visually intimidating to be authentic.

One of the biggest criticisms surrounding Superman’s look in James Gunn's movie is that he doesn’t appear intimidating enough. Fans have taken this even further by comparing David Corenswet’s Man of Steel design to Henry Cavill’s, posing the question: “You’re a criminal in Metropolis, which Superman would you be more afraid of?”

These comments are usually paired with side-by-side images of Cavill and Corenswet’s versions of Superman, implying that Cavill’s portrayal is more fearsome and therefore superior. In response, DC writer Tom Taylor delivered the perfect rebuttal: “Superman isn’t about fear.”

“Superman Isn’t About Fear”: Tom Taylor Settles Debate Over Superman’s New Movie Design

David Corenswet as Superman

Tom Taylor recently took to X to address a popular criticism aimed at David Corenswet’s Superman. A post implied that Corenswet's version lacked the intimidation factor, especially in comparison to Henry Cavill’s take on the character. In response, Taylor posted, “Which Superman would criminals be more AFRAID of in Metropolis? Superman isn’t about fear.” It is a sharp and accurate rebuttal. Superman has never been a character designed to terrify or intimidate. That role belongs to Batman. Superman’s identity has always been grounded in hope, empathy, and inspiration. To fault Corenswet’s portrayal for not being fearsome enough is to misunderstand what truly defines the Man of Steel.

What makes Taylor’s response even more compelling is the fact that he created one of the most terrifying versions of Superman in the Injustice: Gods Among Us Elseworlds series. That version was intentionally shaped by tragedy and a turn toward authoritarianism, which is far removed from Superman’s core values. Taylor clearly understands the difference between alternate universe interpretations and the essence of the original character. This is not a dismissal of Zack Snyder’s interpretation of Superman, which took inspiration from Injustice and offered a unique vision. The point is that Corenswet's Superman doesn't need to be intimidating to be authentic.

Spoiler Alert: Superman Is Terrifying Without Trying

Henry Cavill as Superman

The truth is, Superman is inherently terrifying. He’s a god-like figure with the power to shoot lasers from his eyes and crush someone in an instant. That kind of power is naturally intimidating, and Superman is fully aware of it. This is exactly why he makes a conscious effort to appear non-threatening. He understands that to truly protect humanity, people have to trust him. If they fear him, that trust breaks. That’s what sets Superman apart from heroes like Batman, who intentionally uses fear as a tool. So when people criticize David Corenswet’s Superman design for not being intimidating enough, they’re missing the point. A less fearsome look doesn’t weaken the character; it actually brings him closer to what Superman is meant to represent.

Source: Tom Taylor