James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ Trailer Solves Clark Kent’s Biggest Problem

As we’ve reported, the newly released Superman trailer offers a fresh perspective on Clark Kent, addressing a long-standing issue that previous films have overlooked. Fans have often criticized how implausible it seems that no one can recognize Superman and Clark Kent as the same person, given that the only difference is a pair of glasses and perhaps a slight change in posture.

It’s become a running joke—how obvious it is—yet the people of Metropolis never seem to catch on. This has always stood out as one of the more unrealistic aspects of Superman’s story, especially compared to other superheroes who go to great lengths to conceal their identities with masks or advanced disguises.

James Gunn’s take on Superman, however, introduces a subtle but significant change. In this version, Clark Kent sports a completely different hairstyle from Superman, creating a more believable distinction between the two personas. It’s a small but impactful adjustment that previous iterations of the character have consistently missed.

In previous films, the transformation from Clark Kent to Superman largely relied on awkward posturing and some acting finesse. Christopher Reeve set the standard with his physical portrayal, effectively shifting between the two personas, but his hairstyle didn’t do much to sell the illusion. Reeve’s Clark Kent had a side part, while his Superman sported the signature kiss curl—yet the overall look remained similar, making it obvious to the audience that both identities were the same person.

In Superman Returns, Brandon Routh didn’t even bother with a hairstyle change. His hair stayed identical for both Clark Kent and Superman, leaving the transformation to rest entirely on his performance and the audience’s willingness to suspend disbelief.

The same problem persisted with Henry Cavill’s Superman in Man of Steel. While his hair was slightly slicked back as Superman, his Clark Kent look wasn’t distinct enough to serve as a convincing disguise. The similarities between the two personas left much to be desired.

This is where James Gunn’s approach makes a difference.

David Corenswet’s Clark Kent features messy, curly hair that’s a stark contrast to his Superman appearance. The distinction is immediately noticeable, even in small, intimate moments like when Clark hugs his dad in Kansas.

His hair falls naturally, unruly and unkempt. And when he’s seen heading to work at the Daily Planet in Metropolis, it’s clear he’s not trying to mimic the polished, heroic image of Superman. Instead, the look emphasizes his down-to-earth, everyday persona.

When Corenswet transforms into Superman, his hairstyle undergoes a dramatic change. It’s neatly swept back into a polished, controlled look that sharpens his features, emphasizing his shift from a mild-mannered journalist to the commanding Man of Steel. The iconic kiss curl is still there, but it’s understated, blending seamlessly with a hairstyle that feels distinct and slightly otherworldly.

This subtle but significant change enhances the character’s believability. In past films, fans often struggled to accept that glasses alone were enough to disguise Clark Kent as Superman. By giving Clark a unique, noticeably different hairstyle, the movie makes it far more plausible that people wouldn’t connect the two identities.

Additionally, this fresh take revitalizes the character, striking a balance between respecting audience intelligence and honoring the rich tradition of the superhero genre.

What do you think about this new approach? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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