When it comes to beloved superheroes, only a few can bear the weight and admiration that Superman does. Thus, when it was announced that David Corenswet would be reprising the iconic role in Superman: Legacy (2025), we couldn’t help but wonder who would be the most suitable mentor for him. Surprisingly, it’s not James Gunn (the co-CEO of DC Extended Universe), but rather the likable wrestler-turned-actor John Cena.
Gunn’s Superman: Legacy will be quite different from Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel. So, there will be a bigger responsibility on Corenswet’s shoulders to bring back the symbol of hope to Superman’s former glory. And it would be best if he could get advice from someone experienced.
And there’s someone who has been in the DCEU (and might also appear in the DCU) and knows the character of Superman to its core. Yes, it’s John Cena, who has played Peacemaker in the Suicide Squad. He recently described his run as that of Superman’s character. And he doesn’t mean in a physical sense, but in the true moral essence of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster’s creation.
Is John Cena the Best Person to Give David Corenswet Advice on Playing Superman?
Before entering the entertainment business, John Cena achieved enormous success in the professional wrestling circuit. During his time in the WWE, where he is still active, he became a cultural icon, known for his unrivaled work ethic and wholesome persona.
Speaking on the Impaulsive with Logan Paul podcast, Cena recently discussed his WWE character and how it has changed over time. At one point, he compared himself to Superman and stated that the superhero character exemplifies morality in his actions:
“John Cena in the WWE existence is quite easy for me to define: Superman. And I don’t mean like stronger than a train, faster than a bullet, whatever. I mean, Superman acts with a moral virtue. Superman has a moral code. But now, over the years, there’s been a difference in Superman. The Superman of 2012, where, man, did they want CM Punk to win the championship because they were sick of me winning. They were sick of Superman, which is the forever problem with Superman. He’s too good.”
With his charisma and grasp of the demands of understanding a larger-than-life superhero, Cena is an exceptional choice to mentor Corenswet to learn the intricacies of playing Superman. While James Gunn is certainly no stranger to the superhero genre, we can’t deny that Cena has had a career in the world of comic book adaptations.
Also Read: Superman Elseworlds: James Gunn Gives a Crucial Update on J.J. Abrams and Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Movie
Superman Was David Corenswet’s Dream Role
With the official announcement of David Corenswet as the new Superman, the actor’s dream has come true. Years later, he told Entertainment Weekly in 2019 that his ultimate acting goal was “definitely to play Superman”, while promoting his Netflix series, Hollywood.
The 30-year-old actor also admitted that he and Henry Cavill, who played Superman in the DC Extended Universe (2013–2023), had physical similarities:
“It came to my attention before the internet got a hold of me. But my pie-in-the-sky ambition is definitely to play Superman. I would love to see somebody do an upbeat, throwback [take on Superman]. I love the Henry Cavill dark and gritty take, but I would love to see the next one be very bright and optimistic.”
Corenswet’s description of a “bright” and “optimistic” Superman sounds very similar to the Superman he will play in James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy. As Gunn stated to Variety while looking for casting:
“The next Superman has to be someone who has all the humanity that Superman has but he’s also an alien. It’s gotta be somebody who has the kindness and the compassion that Superman has and be somebody who you want to give a hug.”
Given that Clark Kent has been a crucial component of the DC Universe for more than 80 years, through numerous incarnations and media adaptations, Superman: Legacy is a highly anticipated project.
The first live-action movie in the DC Universe (DCU) is currently slated to be released on July 11, 2025.
