Schwarzenegger's Superman Audition: What Went Wrong? A Look At David Corenswet's Casting

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on May 06, 2025

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Schwarzenegger's Physique and the Ideal Superman

The Physical Ideal of Superman: Analyzing the changing expectations of Superman's physical portrayal throughout cinematic history.

• Christopher Reeve: Reeve's Superman was athletic but not overly muscular, reflecting the ideals of the 1970s. His physique was more about grace and athleticism than sheer size.
• Henry Cavill: Cavill's Superman, in the DCEU, presented a more modern, powerfully built physique, showcasing a different ideal for the character. His physique leaned towards a more imposing, muscular build.
• David Corenswet: Corenswet’s Superman seems to strike a balance, showcasing a strong but not excessively bulky physique. This reflects a shift towards a more relatable and less overtly “bodybuilder” aesthetic.
• The Role of CGI: The increasing use of CGI and special effects has also influenced the portrayal of Superman's physique. What might have been impossible to achieve practically in the past is now achievable through visual effects.

Schwarzenegger's Bodybuilding Background: How his physique, while undeniably impressive, may have been too muscular for the Superman of the time.

• Public Perception: In the 70s and 80s, Schwarzenegger was synonymous with bodybuilding and action films. His massive physique, while undeniably impressive, was associated with a specific genre.
• Prior Roles: His roles in films like Conan the Barbarian solidified his image as a powerful, action-oriented figure, potentially overshadowing the more nuanced qualities required for Superman.
• The Ideal Superman Physique (then): The "ideal" Superman of the era leaned towards a more classically heroic, athletic build, rather than the extreme muscularity associated with Schwarzenegger.

Acting Style and Screen Presence

Schwarzenegger's Acting Style: A comparison of his acting style to that of previous and subsequent Superman actors.

• Action Hero Persona: Schwarzenegger's acting style, honed through numerous action films, was characterized by one-liners, physicality, and a strong, often stoic demeanor.
• Nuanced Acting: The role of Superman demands more nuanced acting, encompassing both the strength and vulnerability of Superman and the gentle, unassuming nature of Clark Kent.
• Examples: Compare Schwarzenegger's performances in films like Terminator or Predator to the performances of Christopher Reeve or Henry Cavill as Superman. The difference in acting styles is readily apparent. Reeve, for instance, masterfully conveyed both the heroism and the inherent goodness of Superman while maintaining a believable Clark Kent persona.

The Importance of "Clark Kent": Exploring why the dual nature of Clark Kent and Superman is crucial and how Schwarzenegger may not have fit the bill for the more subdued Clark Kent persona.

• Grounding the Character: Clark Kent serves as the grounding element for Superman, providing a relatable and human counterpoint to his otherworldly powers.
• Successful Portrayals: Actors like Christopher Reeve, Brandon Routh, and even Henry Cavill have successfully navigated the complexities of both characters, showcasing both heroism and vulnerability.
• Schwarzenegger's Limitation: Schwarzenegger's persona, strongly associated with action and power, might have made it difficult to convincingly portray the quieter, more reserved Clark Kent.

Timing and the Evolution of the Superman Character

The Superman of the 70s and 80s vs. Modern Superman: Analyzing the evolving perception of the Superman character over time.

• Cultural Shifts: Societal values and expectations have dramatically influenced the portrayal of Superman over the decades. The Superman of the 70s reflected a more optimistic and simpler worldview, while modern iterations grapple with more complex moral dilemmas.
• Different Iterations: Compare the relatively straightforward Superman of the Reeve films to the more morally conflicted Superman in Zack Snyder's films, or the hopeful, idealistic portrayal in the recent Superman & Lois series.
• Reflecting the Times: Each iteration of Superman reflects the prevailing societal anxieties and aspirations of its time.

David Corenswet's Casting: What it reveals about the current ideal for Superman.

• Modern Ideal: Corenswet's casting reflects a desire for a Superman who is both powerful and relatable, someone who embodies hope and optimism while grappling with modern challenges.
• Acting Style: Corenswet's acting style suggests a capacity for both action and emotional depth, potentially allowing him to convincingly portray both Superman and Clark Kent.
• Physicality: His physique appears to strike a balance, not overly muscular but still suggesting strength and athleticism, aligning with a modern, relatable aesthetic.

Conclusion

Schwarzenegger's potential Superman audition remains a tantalizing "what if" in cinematic history. While his physical prowess might seem a perfect fit on the surface, his acting style, the evolution of the Superman character, and the crucial aspect of the "Clark Kent" persona likely contributed to his not securing the role. David Corenswet's casting highlights the evolving demands of the iconic character, proving that the ideal Superman is a reflection of the era he inhabits. Learn more about the fascinating history of Superman casting by researching other near-misses and exploring the fascinating world of Schwarzenegger's Superman audition and its impact on cinematic history.