David Corenswet Shares His Thoughts on the Controversial Kiss Scene with Director James Gunn

David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan in ‘Superman’; James Gunn on July 7.

Warner Bros.; Matt Winkelmeyer/WireImage

NEED TO KNOW

• Superman star David Corenswet and Wicked star Jonathan Bailey explored their craft in a recent interview for the Variety & CNN Actors on Actors series.
• Corenswet discussed his mid-air kissing scene with Rachel Brosnahan, revealing a creative disagreement with director James Gunn on its tone.
• The actor fought for Superman’s playful response to Lois Lane’s confession of love.

David Corenswet, known for his role in Superman, has opened up about a pivotal moment in the film—a mid-air kiss with co-star Rachel Brosnahan. In a candid exchange during an interview with Jonathan Bailey for the Variety & CNN Actors on Actors series, Corenswet highlighted a disagreement with director James Gunn regarding the tone of the scene.

During their conversation, Corenswet recalled Gunn stating, “It’s not working. It needs to be solemn.” The 32-year-old actor felt differently, asserting that the moment should convey Superman’s amusement. “The whole point is, ‘I f—ing know that you love me,’” Corenswet remembered telling Gunn, who eventually agreed to incorporate Corenswet’s desired tone. “Credit to James. He was right on 90% of everything, but on that one, he saw that chuckle was a very truthful thing,” he said.

Rachel Brosnahan and David Corenswet in ‘Superman’.

DC Studios/ Warner Bros.

The passionate scene in Superman has garnered attention since its release on July 11. Notably, India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reportedly cut two kissing scenes, labeling them as “overly sensual.”

In a playful turn of their conversation, Bailey mentioned that both he and Corenswet “kiss levitating” in their respective films, referencing his role in Wicked: For Good. Corenswet quipped that he and his co-star, Cynthia Erivo, faced a “bigger challenge” when filming their own aerial kiss. “Every man out there would think there’s no way you can look masculine and powerful when you’re being levitated by a woman. And you, in that moment when she’s lifting you by your f—ing massive arms, maintained your masculinity. Well done, mate,” he praised.

Bailey humorously replied, “I mean, listen, I’d be carried by both Cynthia and [Ariana Grande] for the rest of my life if I could be.”

David Corenswet at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Superman’ on July 7.

Matt Winkelmeyer/WireImage

This season of the Actors on Actors series has featured a variety of stars, including Ariana Grande with Adam Sandler, Julia Roberts with Sean Penn, and Dwayne Johnson with Brendan Fraser.