Just like Pattinson’s Batman does not shy away from flaunting the black paint under his cowl, David Corenswet’s Superman also includes one costume detail that subverts a plot hole.
When stills of David Coreswet’s Superman costume were first revealed, many fans of the franchise were letdown by how it looked. Some also could not help but compare it with Henry Cavill’s costume in the Zack Snyder movies. However, despite the initial criticism, Corenswet’s costume design ultimately worked in the movie’s favor by reinforcing James Gunn’s more classic, hopeful take on the character.
One major addition to the costume could have easily come off as a plot hole. Fortunately, the movie manages to make an effective plot device out of it, reminding viewers how Matt Reeves’ The Batman did the same.
Like Batman’s Hidden Eye Paint, Superman’s Glasses & Red Trunks Felt Like Plot Holes
In a lot of live-action iterations of Batman, especially in the Michael Keaton movies, Bruce Wayne clearly wears smokey black paint over his eyes before donning his cowl. However, as soon as he takes off his cowl, the black smudge magically disappears. This often came off as a plot hole. Instead of repeating the same trend of not addressing the black eye paint, Matt Reeves’ Batman does something different.
The movie explicitly shows how Robert Pattinson dons a dark smokey eye under his cowl to ensure only his eyes are visible below his mask.
This creative decision benefits the movie because Pattison’s black-eyed Bruce Wayne look perfectly aligns with the gothic, aloof, and obsessive portrayal of the character.
Corenswet’s Superman also dons his character’s iconic red trunks even though Cavill’s version of the character had completely ditched them.
From a narrative standpoint, the red trunks do not serve that big of a person and can come off as a ridiculous creative addition. However, like Batman, Superman, too, adds an intriguing layer of meaning to them.
Like Matt Reeves’ Batman, James Gunn’s Superman Turns Plot Holes Into Story Devices
James Gunn and Superman‘s creative team could not help but wonder whether Corenswet should don the red trunks over his costume. Although Gunn initially wanted to have them, he could not help but notice how ridiculous they looked. This is when Corenswet pointed out that maybe they should look silly on the character, which, in turn, makes him seem more human and far less threatening.
Considering how James Gunn’s entire vision of the character in the movie is about presenting Superman as a symbol of hope, kindness, and approachability rather than an intimidating godlike figure, the red trunks became a strength.
After James Gunns’ statements, it seems unlikely that David Corenswet’s Superman and Robert Pattinson’s Batman will ever share the screen. However, the way both turn their characters’ biggest perceived issues into defining strengths makes you want to see them in the same movie someday.
