Patrick Schwarzenegger On His Failed Superman Audition: Why David Corenswet Got The Role

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on May 06, 2025

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Patrick Schwarzenegger's Acting Career and Public Image

Patrick Schwarzenegger, son of the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger, has carved a path in Hollywood, though perhaps not one as directly aligned with the iconic Superman persona.

Schwarzenegger's Filmography:

Schwarzenegger's filmography showcases a range of roles, often in comedies and smaller-budget films. While he's demonstrated acting talent, his roles haven't yet involved the level of dramatic depth and heroic stature typically associated with Superman. His work includes roles in films like "Stuck in Love," "Midnight Sun," and "The Staircase." These roles demonstrate a certain charm and comedic timing, but don't necessarily showcase the gravitas needed for a leading superhero role.

Public Perception:

Schwarzenegger's public image is largely positive, benefiting from his famous lineage. He maintains a strong social media presence, showcasing a more relaxed and relatable image than the traditionally stoic Superman. However, this relatable image might not have quite fit the director's vision for a more classically heroic Superman.

• Notable Films: "Stuck in Love," "Midnight Sun," "The Staircase," "Daniel Isn't Real"
• Public Appearances: Various red-carpet events and social media engagements.
• Brand Image: Relatable, approachable, comedic.

David Corenswet's Qualifications and Casting

David Corenswet's casting as Superman wasn't a surprise to many who've followed his career trajectory. His acting background and inherent qualities appear to have perfectly aligned with the director's vision.

Corenswet's Acting Background:

Corenswet boasts a more diverse and impressive resume than Schwarzenegger, including roles that showcase both strength and vulnerability. His performance in "Hollywood" (Netflix) demonstrated a range capable of embodying both heroism and inner conflict, qualities crucial for a convincing Superman portrayal. His role in "Pearl" further highlighted his dramatic capabilities.

Physical Characteristics and Persona:

Corenswet possesses the classic Superman physique – tall, strong, and undeniably handsome. Furthermore, his on-screen persona exudes a quiet confidence and inherent goodness, which are essential aspects of the Superman character.

Director's Vision:

While the specifics of the director's casting preferences aren't publicly available, it's reasonable to assume that Corenswet's acting versatility, classic looks, and ability to portray both strength and vulnerability perfectly fit the criteria.

• Key Roles: "Hollywood," "Pearl," "The Politician"
• Physical Attributes: Tall, athletic build, classically handsome.
• On-Screen Persona: Confident, charismatic, yet inherently good.

The Audition Process and Potential Factors

Unfortunately, details of the Superman audition process remain largely confidential. However, we can speculate on potential factors influencing the casting decision.

Audition Specifics (if available):

While no specific details about the audition scenes are public, it's safe to assume the actors were tested on their ability to portray both Superman's heroic and vulnerable sides.

Acting Style Comparison:

Schwarzenegger’s acting style leans towards comedic timing and relatable charm. Corenswet's style, in contrast, showcases a greater range, adeptly transitioning between quiet intensity and charismatic heroism. This broader range likely proved more suitable for the complex role of Superman.

Other Candidates:

The competition for the Superman role was fierce, with numerous talented actors vying for the part. The existence of other strong candidates further emphasizes the highly selective nature of the casting process.

• Acting Style Differences: Schwarzenegger – comedic; Corenswet – versatile and dramatic.
• Potential Factors: Range, physicality, alignment with the director's vision.

Analyzing the Overall Fit for the Role

The quintessential Superman embodies strength, morality, kindness, and vulnerability. Let's analyze how well each actor aligns with these traits.

Superman's Characteristics:

Corenswet's demonstrated ability to portray both strength and vulnerability gives him a clear edge. His inherent charisma and quiet confidence further enhance his suitability for the role. Schwarzenegger, while possessing charm, may lack the dramatic range to fully encapsulate Superman's complex persona.

The Modern Superman:

Modern interpretations of Superman often emphasize his vulnerability and his struggles with immense power and responsibility. Corenswet's proven ability to portray these nuances likely played a significant role in the casting decision.

• Key Superman Traits: Strength, morality, kindness, vulnerability, hope.
• Actor Alignment: Corenswet demonstrates a broader range aligning with modern interpretations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, David Corenswet's casting as Superman over Patrick Schwarzenegger likely stems from a combination of factors: Corenswet's more established and diverse acting background, his physical attributes aligning with the classic Superman archetype, and his demonstrable ability to portray the character's complex inner life. While Schwarzenegger possesses undeniable charm and talent, Corenswet's broader range and suitability for the director's vision ultimately proved decisive. Who do you think would have been a better Superman, Patrick Schwarzenegger or David Corenswet? Share your thoughts in the comments below!