David Corenswet’s Superhero Suit Bulge Causes A Fan Frenzy

David Corenswet, the newly anointed star of Warner Bros. Discovery’s DC Universe reboot, is no stranger to attention, but few could have predicted the level of excitement generated by his latest behind-the-scenes photos from "Superman: Legacy." In one particularly popular image, Corenswet reclines in a chair clad in the iconic skin-tight Superman suit, his "bulge" unmistakably visible—a detail that has LGBTQ+ fans, especially gay men, “gasping for breath” and flooding social media with playful, exuberant reactions .

The photo, widely shared on platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), quickly became more than just a viral meme. For many queer viewers, it was a moment of celebratory thirst, humor, and—according to several trending posts—a welcome break from the usual tropes of superhero masculinity .

dude come on pic.twitter.com/U8CCVEdtXe

— elly (@corensweti) September 19, 2025

Corenswet was chosen as the new Superman for the DC Universe (DCU) franchise, which is replacing the previous DC Extended Universe (DCEU) helmed by Zack Snyder . "Superman: Legacy" marks the first film in this newly reimagined lineup. Alongside Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan (known for "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel") has been cast as Lois Lane, further fueling anticipation for the film’s debut .

Corenswet’s rise to fame began with roles in acclaimed series such as "Elementary," "Instinct," and "House of Cards," before earning widespread recognition for his work on "The Politician" and "Hollywood" . His casting as Superman has been lauded for bringing fresh energy and a new kind of charisma to the legendary role, but it’s the recent photo—and the reactions it generated—that have cemented his status as an LGBTQ+ internet sensation.

The LGBTQ+ community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive and humorous. Social media erupted with memes, witty comments, and fan edits celebrating Corenswet’s physique, with many users joking that his “super bulge” might be the franchise’s secret weapon for packing theaters . Some commentators, referencing the viral image, speculated whether CGI might be used to tone down the bulge for the final cut—a tongue-in-cheek nod to the ways Hollywood negotiates sexuality and body image on screen .

The playful discourse has also prompted reflections on the evolving representation of masculinity and sexuality in mainstream media. For decades, superhero films have shied away from overt displays of sexuality, often opting for sanitized depictions of physicality. The enthusiastic response to Corenswet’s photo suggests a shift, with queer audiences embracing—and demanding—more authentic and unapologetic portrayals of bodies and desire .

Beyond the memes, the conversation around Corenswet’s Superman highlights important themes of body positivity and queer visibility. For many LGBTQ+ viewers, especially gay men, the celebration of Corenswet’s physique is not just about thirst; it’s about reclaiming space for queer desire in pop culture and challenging longstanding taboos around male bodies . As one viral post put it, “Superman finally has a bulge worthy of his powers—and we’re here for it!” .

This moment also comes at a time when the entertainment industry is reckoning with calls for greater LGBTQ+ representation, not only in casting but in storytelling, costuming, and character design. While Corenswet himself identifies as cisgender and heterosexual, the fandom’s response underscores the desire for heroes who are not merely objects of admiration, but also sites of queer joy and affirmation .

Superman has long been a symbol of hope, justice, and resilience—but also, for many LGBTQ+ people, a figure of aspiration and fantasy. The character’s history includes decades of subtextual queer readings, from coded relationships in the comics to campy film adaptations . The current buzz around Corenswet’s suit and physique is part of a larger tradition: queer fans reimagining and reclaiming superhero mythology in ways that speak to their identities and desires.

The viral reaction to David Corenswet’s Superman is a reminder of the powerful role that visual culture plays in shaping conversations about identity, representation, and desire. For queer fans, it’s not just about thirst—it’s about visibility, affirmation, and the simple joy of seeing themselves reflected in the stories and icons they love .

As "Superman: Legacy" heads toward its next chapter, fans are already expressing hopes that the franchise will continue to embrace diversity, body positivity, and queer joy—not just in viral moments, but in the stories that define the next generation of superhero cinema.