Gunn’s ‘Superman’ Trailer Finally Fixes a Major Clark Kent Problem

As we have reported, the new Superman trailer has just been released and it introduces a refreshing take on Clark Kent that previous films have missed. Fans have always found it hard to believe that no one can tell Superman and Clark Kent are the same person. After all, the only difference is Clark’s glasses, and maybe a slightly different posture.

It’s a bit of a running joke how obvious it is, yet the people of Earth never seem to catch on. This has always been one of the more ridiculous parts of Superman stories, especially since other superheroes go the extra mile to hide their identities with masks.

However, this new Superman, directed by James Gunn, is doing something different: instead of relying on the typical disguise of just glasses, Clark Kent in this version has a completely different hairstyle than Superman. This change is a big deal because it’s something that previous versions of Superman never really nailed.

In past films, the switch from Clark Kent to Superman was mostly done through some awkward posturing and a little bit of acting. Christopher Reeve did the best job at physically transforming between the two characters, but his hair didn’t help the illusion much.

He had a side part that was about the only visual cue for the change, and his Superman had the same kiss curl that stayed mostly in place. It was always clear to us that the same guy was under both identities.

In Superman Returns, Brandon Routh didn’t even attempt to change his hair. It remained the same from Clark Kent to Superman, which meant that, once again, the transformation relied heavily on other acting choices and the audience’s suspension of disbelief.

The same issue carried over with Henry Cavill’s Superman in Man of Steel. Cavill’s hair was slightly slicked back, but his Clark Kent look was still similar enough to his superhero persona that it didn’t feel like a strong disguise.

This is where James Gunn’s version stands out.

David Corenswet’s Clark Kent has messy, curly hair that’s vastly different from his Superman look. The difference is noticeable, even in casual moments like when Clark hugs his dad in Kansas. His hair falls forward in a more natural, unruly way, and when he’s heading to work at the Daily Planet in Metropolis, it’s clear that he’s not trying to look like the clean-cut, heroic Superman we know.

When Corenswet transitions into Superman, his hair gets tidied up, and it’s swept back into a neater, more controlled style. This changes his appearance and makes his face look sharper, giving us a stronger sense that he’s going from a mild-mannered journalist to the mighty Man of Steel. The kiss curl remains, but it’s subtle, and the rest of the hair is styled in a way that makes him look distinct and almost otherworldly.

This is a crucial shift because it helps with the character’s believability. Fans often had a hard time accepting how people in past movies didn’t realize Superman was just Clark without glasses. By giving Clark a unique hairstyle that Superman doesn’t have, the movie makes it easier to believe that no one can spot the difference.

It also adds a fresh touch to the character, making it feel like Superman is being reimagined in a way that respects both the audience’s intelligence and the tradition of the superhero genre.

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