David Corenswet recently revealed a rather amusing mishap he experienced while filming a thrilling flying scene for the highly anticipated Superman movie. During a lie detector test segment for Vanity Fair, the 32-year-old actor shared that he sustained what he humorously dubbed the “wildest bruise” on his right testicle while strapped into a harness for a flying stunt.
In a conversation with his co-star Nicholas Hoult, who plays Lex Luthor in the film, Corenswet recounted the incident with a mix of humor and disbelief. “There is footage from filming, where — have you seen it? Of me getting pulled through the air,” he explained. He described a climactic moment in the trailer where he dramatically punches through a window and leaps into the air. However, during the first take, he recalled, “It’s this big epic punch and a leap through the air, and then it’s, ‘My testicle!’” He added that he “couldn’t lie about” the injury since it was all captured on film.
The Superman film, which premiered on July 11, 2025, features Corenswet in the titular role, taking on the legacy left by previous iconic portrayals. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, noting that he feels a deep respect for the character and its history. “I don’t think there’s any way or reason to try to sort of live up to Christopher Reeve,” Corenswet said in a CBS News interview. “I just feel grateful to get to play that character that he embodied and put into the public consciousness in such a positive and strong way.”
The film follows Superman, also known as Clark Kent, as he strives to prove his worth as the world’s protector amidst growing public skepticism, primarily instigated by Lex Luthor’s manipulations. Alongside Corenswet and Hoult, the cast includes notable actors such as Rachel Brosnahan, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced.
In a light-hearted exchange, Hoult responded to Corenswet’s story with a chuckle, saying, “I want to ask you more questions about your testicles, but I don’t know where to go that’s appropriate.” The camaraderie between the two actors shines through in their playful banter, which fans have come to appreciate.
Corenswet’s journey to donning the Superman cape has been a whirlwind. He landed the role during a significant moment in his personal life, as his wife, Julia Best Warner, announced her pregnancy around the same time. “She told me that she was pregnant two days after I found out I was going to screen test for Superman,” he shared in a June interview with People. The couple welcomed their first child in early 2024, adding to the excitement of this new chapter in their lives.
Reflecting on the pressures of taking on such a visible and iconic role, Corenswet expressed his understanding of the stakes involved. “When you take a role that’s gonna be this visible and this iconic, even just visually iconic, and it’s your face and the underwear, yeah, I wanted to be prepared for the possibility that it wouldn’t lead to a bunch of other things,” he noted. “And I felt really lucky that when I asked myself that question, the answer came back, ‘Somebody’s gotta play this part, and if you’re the person to play it and you give up everything else to do it, it could be worth doing.’”
As the film receives attention from fans and critics alike, Corenswet’s humorous anecdote about his flying stunt mishap serves as a reminder of the lighter side of the rigorous demands placed on actors in the superhero genre. It’s a testament to the dedication and resilience required to bring such beloved characters to life, all while navigating the unexpected challenges that come with the territory.
With Superman now in theaters, fans are eagerly anticipating how Corenswet’s portrayal will resonate with audiences and contribute to the legacy of one of the most iconic heroes in cinematic history. As he embarks on this new adventure, both on and off-screen, his experiences remind us that even in the world of superheroes, humor and humanity remain at the forefront.