David Corenswet is stepping into the iconic role of Superman in the upcoming film directed by James Gunn, set to release on July 11, 2025. As the trailer dropped, fans quickly noticed Corenswet’s striking physical transformation, making it clear that becoming the Man of Steel took more than just acting skills—it required serious commitment to fitness and strength.
Taking on one of the most legendary roles in superhero cinema, Corenswet had to undergo a dramatic physical transformation to match the image of Superman. From intense action scenes to embodying the sheer power of the character, the role demanded a larger-than-life presence both on and off screen.
Behind his impressive new look is celebrity trainer Paolo Mascitti, who designed a rigorous fitness program tailored specifically for the role. Speaking to GQ, Mascitti explained that Corenswet, naturally lean at 6’4″, needed to gain significant muscle mass. “He probably went from 200 to 240 pounds,” Mascitti said, adding that some of that mass would be trimmed down as Corenswet continued toning.
Corenswet’s dedication began even before he met his trainer. Director James Gunn had a clear vision for Superman, and Corenswet had already started working toward it early on. In his peak training phase, the actor reached 238 pounds. On the podcast Manly Things (Sort Of), he joked, “I didn’t fit into any of my pants.”
Mascitti’s training focused on core strength-building movements such as presses, pull-ups, lat pulldowns, and rows. These exercises were chosen to enhance muscle growth and align with the physical demands of the Superman character. The trainer also used a technique called progressive overload, which gradually increases the difficulty of exercises to boost muscle development.
One highlighted workout included a superset of seated overhead shoulder presses followed by lateral raises. This routine involved lifting heavier dumbbells straight overhead and then switching to lighter weights for side raises, all while keeping the bench at a 90-degree angle.
To support this intense training, Corenswet followed a high-calorie diet, consuming up to 6,000 calories a day. His meals included three main dishes, two protein-packed shakes of about 1,200 calories each, and a bedtime snack of Greek yogurt. Despite his discipline, Mascitti revealed that Corenswet had one dietary weakness—cereal. While the actor stayed mostly on track, his trainer noted that the diet wasn’t always as strict as it could have been.
Through months of hard work, discipline, and transformation, David Corenswet has not only built a superhero body but also stepped confidently into the role of a new era’s Superman.
