Honestly, the first time I saw the leaked set photos of David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan together, it felt like a collective sigh of relief from the entire internet. You know that feeling when a casting just... clicks? It’s rare. We’ve spent years watching the DC Universe stumble through gritty reboots and "will-they-won't-they" production drama. But seeing these two in the iconic blue suit and reporter's trench coat? It felt like coming home.
They aren't just playing Clark and Lois. They're rebuilding a myth.
Since the 2025 release of Superman, the conversation has shifted from "can they do it?" to "how did they pull this off?" There’s a lot of noise out there about their chemistry and what happened behind the scenes. Some of it is gossip, some is marketing, but the reality of their partnership is actually way more interesting than the standard PR lines.
Why David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan Actually Work
Look, casting a new Superman is a nightmare for any studio. You need someone who can look like a god but still seem like the kind of guy who would help you move a couch. Corenswet basically hit the genetic lottery for this. Standing at 6'4", he has that classic Christopher Reeve silhouette, but it’s his eyes that sold director James Gunn.
He’s got this weirdly sincere, almost dorky energy that makes the Clark Kent side of the role feel authentic, not just a disguise.
Then you have Rachel Brosnahan. If you’ve seen The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, you already know she can talk at 200 miles per hour and still command a room. That’s Lois Lane. She isn't a "damsel" waiting to be rescued from a helicopter; she’s the smartest person in the Daily Planet who just happens to be in love with an alien.
The "Four-Hour" Kiss and the Chemistry Test
There was this moment during the press tour that went absolutely viral. Rachel joked about making out with David for "four hours" during their first day of filming. People lost their minds. Naturally, social media turned it into a whole thing, but the context is what matters.
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Gunn actually had them mix and match with other actors during the screen tests. David tested with Emma Mackey, and Rachel tested with Nicholas Hoult (who eventually became our Lex Luthor). But when David and Rachel were put in a room together? Gunn described it as "magic."
It wasn't just about looking good in a suit. It was about whether they could sell the idea of a 25-year-old Clark Kent being "madly in love" with a colleague who is arguably more worldly than he is.
- The Power Dynamic: In this version, Lois is the veteran. She's "not so sure" about Clark at first.
- The Tone: They wanted to avoid the brooding, "burden of the world" vibe.
- The Outcome: We got a relationship that feels like a partnership of equals.
The Viral BTS Moment and the Social Media Drama
You might have seen that clip floating around from late 2025. It’s a behind-the-scenes snippet where the two are filming a kitchen scene. The director yells "Cut!" and Rachel gives David a playful peck on the cheek before turning away.
Normally, that’s just two coworkers being friendly. But because both actors are married—Rachel to Jason Ralph and David to his long-term partner—the internet did what the internet does. It got messy. Someone noticed Jason Ralph "liked" a weird comment on Instagram about the situation, and suddenly the "shipping" went from cute to uncomfortable.
The truth is much more boring, thankfully. Actors who spend 14 hours a day on a closed set often develop a shorthand. When you’re playing the most famous couple in comic book history, you have to be comfortable with each other. If they weren't this close, the movie would’ve felt like a cardboard cutout.
Dealing with the "Sensual" Censorship
Interestingly, the chemistry was so strong that it actually caused issues with international censors. In India, the Central Board of Film Certification reportedly cut two kissing scenes. One of them was a 33-second mid-air smooch that they deemed "overly sensual."
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David Corenswet actually stood his ground on one specific part of that scene. James Gunn wanted the kiss to be "solemn" and serious. David disagreed. He fought for a "chuckle"—a moment where Clark grins because he’s just so happy to be with Lois.
Gunn eventually relented. And honestly? That’s the best part of the scene. It’s human.
What’s Next for the Duo in 2026 and Beyond?
We aren't done with them yet. Not even close.
Production for the follow-up, titled Man of Tomorrow, is slated to begin in April 2026. This isn't a standard sequel, though. Gunn has teased that it’s more of a team-up story between Superman and Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor.
That puts Lois in a fascinating position. If Clark is forced to work with his literal arch-nemesis, how does that affect the domestic life they’ve started to build? Rachel has already confirmed she’s reprising the role, noting that Lois is "important" to the upcoming arc.
Beyond the Cape
Both actors are using their Superman momentum to branch out into some pretty cool territory.
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- Rachel’s Directorial Debut: She’s currently working on a documentary about her late aunt, the fashion icon Kate Spade.
- Streaming Collaborations: She’s also developing a supernatural drama called Prism for Netflix alongside Millie Bobby Brown.
- David’s Indie Roots: Despite the blockbuster fame, Corenswet is still circling smaller, character-driven projects, likely to avoid being "typecast" as just the guy in the cape.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators
If you're following the trajectory of David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, here’s the "so what" of it all:
Watch the Performances, Not the Tabloids: The "unscripted kiss" drama is largely a product of bored social media algorithms. The real story is how they leveraged their theater backgrounds (both are highly trained) to bring a new level of "stage chemistry" to a green-screen environment.
Keep an Eye on the 2027 Release: With filming starting in 2026, we’re going to see a lot more "leaked" photos of the new suit and Lois’s updated reporter look. Pay attention to the costume changes—they often signal the shift in Clark’s maturity.
Look for the Human Moments: If you re-watch the first film, look for the "chuckle" David fought for. It’s a masterclass in how an actor can influence a massive franchise by focusing on small, truthful beats instead of just the CGI spectacle.
They’ve managed to do the impossible: make Superman and Lois Lane feel like people we actually know. Whether they’re flying over Metropolis or arguing over a news lead, Corenswet and Brosnahan have officially earned their place in the DC pantheon.