By Michileen Martin
The wide release of “Superman” is a week away and, unsurprisingly, the PG-13 film looks to be a decidedly family-friendly affair. But the guy playing the Man of Steel, David Corenswet, thinks it would be a good idea if things eventually got a little bit edgier for Superman.Speaking to Nerdist, Corenswet said that, in spite of resistance to the idea, he thinks Superman could work well in an R-rated project.Read More: Marvel Star Teases A Surprise Return in ‘Avengers: Secret Wars'”One thing that excites me so much about [James Gunn’s] vision for the DCU is the different genres and tones that the movies can take on,” Corenswet said. “I know that people are skeptical that certain genres and characters can mix … I would love to see this Superman in an R-rated project in a thing like ‘Lanterns’ where it’s that ‘True Detective’ feel.””I just think it can happen in spite of how bright and playful this version of the character is. I think there’s room to be flexible. So, I’d be excited to see that.”Superheroes have not been complete strangers to R-rated movies. All three “Deadpool” entries were R-rated as was 2017’s “Logan”. But traditionally the studios have made sure to restrict R-rated material to darker characters like Wolverine and Deadpool.Even last year’s “Deadpool & Wolverine”, the first “Deadpool’ entry set in the MCU, made sure to keep Marvel’s more family-friendly characters out of the mix.Putting a traditionally family-friendly character like Superman in an R-rated project creates the potential for a number of issues, including for parents hoping to shield their children from more mature content.If you introduce a character like Superman in a PG or PG-13 movie, for example, and then include him in an R-rated movie, parents are put in the position of explaining to their children why they can see one movie but not the other.This is a question that James Gunn and Peter Safran will no doubt have to wrestle with some more as the DCU continues. Along with upcoming R-rated projects like “Peacemaker” Season 2 and “Lanterns”, on the horizon is the body horror film “Clayface”.”Superman” releases in theaters on July 11. Tickets are on sale now. The film is written and directed by James Gunn. “Superman” stars David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced.More Comics:’Spider-Man’ Director Reveals Why He Quit ‘Fantastic Four’Tobey Maguire ‘Spider-Man’ Trilogy Re-Releasing in Theaters