“You Can’t Be Talking Like That”: David Corenswet Sparks Outrage After “Spewing 1950s Perspective Of Masculinity” At Jonathan Bailey

David Corenswet found himself in hot water after making what many perceived as a backward comment about masculinity to fellow actor Jonathan Bailey.

The Superman actor was paired with the Wicked star for Variety’s Actors on Actors, a franchise in which two Hollywood stars interview each other about their craft and careers.

David and Jonathan discussed their beginnings in theater and how the discipline they developed on stage later helped them tackle demanding projects, like DC Studios’ summer blockbuster and the film adaptation of the famous musical.

David Corenswet and Jonathan Bailey seated in green chairs, engaged in a lively discussion about masculinity perspectives.

David Corenswet sparked controversy with his Actors on Actors interview with Jonathan Bailey

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But later in the conversation, they discovered they had something else in common.

David praised Jonathan for his performance in the Wicked sequel, saying, “Wicked: For Good is f**king fantastic. You fly in this movie.”

“We both kiss levitating!” Jonathan responded enthusiastically.

David Corenswet speaking passionately, expressing a controversial 1950s perspective on masculinity in an interview.

Image credits: Variety

In the second Wicked film, Jonathan’s Fiyero is carried by Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, as they kiss after he escapes Munchkinland.

Meanwhile, David shares a romantic kiss with Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane after she confesses her love for Clark Kent / Superman.

The Superman actor praised the Wicked star for “maintaining” his “masculinity” while being carried by Cynthia Erivo

Two side-by-side images of a man reacting with surprise and speaking, highlighting masculinity perspectives.

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“Yes. But you have the bigger challenge,” David said of their kiss scenes, reminding Jonathan that he had been named People’s Sexiest Man Alive this year.

“Sexiest Man Alive, you are carried by Cynthia. She’s levitating you. Every man out there would think there’s no way you can look masculine and powerful and in control when you’re being levitated by a woman,” David continued.

“And you, in that moment when she’s lifting you by your f**king massive arms, maintained your masculinity. Well done, mate. Because it’s a lot easier when you’re carrying the girl.”

David Corenswet in a period costume holding hands with a bride in a white gown during an elaborate ceremony scene.

Image credits: Universal Pictures

Several people found the comment odd, noting that Jonathan, an openly gay actor, likely had no interest in portraying a traditional version of masculinity during the film or in making Fiyero look “strong” or “in control.”

Critics also took issue with the DC star seemingly suggesting that looking “powerful”—or creating an engaging kissing scene—was impossible if the actress took the lead during the romantic moment.

“The concept of spewing a 1950s perspective on masculinity at a gay man who was in an adaptation of a musical based on a book which was also written by a gay man,” wrote one user on X, receiving 28,000 likes.

“You can’t be talking like that,” another fan wrote.

Jonathan Bailey and David Corenswet realize they both had kissing scenes while levitating in ‘WICKED: FOR GOOD’ and ‘SUPERMAN’ pic.twitter.com/6xXGiYLZH5

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) December 7, 2025

Tweet by FrenchyL1 reacting to a conversation, referencing David Corenswet in a critical online discussion.

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“Yeah this guy needs to learn how to read the room..,” someone else replied.

“As if THE Jonathan Bailey would care about ‘maintaining his masculinity,’” another comment read.

One user referred to David’s compliment as “the weirdest comment ever.”

Many others shared screenshots of Jonathan’s surprised reaction to the compliment, claiming that the Wicked actor “100% got the ick” from David.

David made his point after Jonathan noted that both of their characters “kiss while levitating”

Man with short dark hair and beard speaking, wearing a gray sweater against a plain gray background, discussing masculinity.

Image credits: Variety

However, another group defended the Superman actor, insisting that he was trying to praise Jonathan for challenging traditional gender norms and that critics misunderstood his point.

“I thought he was just giving him praise for not making it such a big deal he was being carried by a woman while others would,” one user wrote.

“He’s making a jab against traditional gender dynamics and that you can be masculine while being picked up and not in the dominant role,” another agreed.

“Am I buggging or did he not clearly mean society assumption of masculinity not him personally thinking you can’t be a man while lifted by a woman,” someone else chimed in.

David Corenswet as Superman, standing in a futuristic setting, sparking outrage over masculinity perspectives.

Image credits: Warner Bros.

In response to the comment, Jonathan told David that he would be honored to be carried by both of his female co-stars, then shifted the conversation to David’s scene.

“I mean, listen, I’d be carried by both Cynthia and Ari for the rest of my life if I could be,” he said. “I was like, ‘Oh, sh*t’ when I saw your kiss at the end [of Superman]. My favorite moment of chemistry is the chuckle.”

Superman carries his love interest, Lois Lane, while Fiyero is carried by Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West

Two images of couples kissing with one featuring a man in a cape, highlighting David Corenswet masculinity debate.

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Jonathan Bailey on People magazine cover, wet in water, highlighting discussions on masculinity and sexiest man alive.

Image credits: jbayleaf

David, who is married to Julia Warner, closed the interview by jokingly suggesting that he and Jonathan should kiss.

Jonathan is the founder of the charity The Shameless Fund, which aims to help members of the queer community live freely and authentically by raising money through partnerships with brands and celebrities.

Many people questioned whether Jonathan, an openly gay actor, would be concerned about portraying a “strong” version of masculinity

Two shirtless men lying close in bed, one looking thoughtfully at the other, evoking masculinity themes.

Social media reaction to David Corenswet sparks outrage over 1950s perspective of masculinity in comments.

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David Corenswet at outdoor event wearing race bib and medal, holding a drink, showcasing modern masculinity.

Image credits: jbayleaf

David Corenswet smiling in a Superman costume, sparking conversation about masculinity and 1950s perspectives.

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Screenshot of a Twitter reply criticizing David Corenswet for expressing outdated 1950s masculinity views toward Jonathan Bailey.

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Jonathan, who came out publicly in 2018, revealed that he had struggled to be open about his orientation in Hollywood, having faced judgmental comments from others in the industry and warnings that he might get fewer roles.

“I reached a point where I thought, ‘F**k this,’” he said. “I’d much prefer to hold my boyfriend’s hand in public or be able to put my own face picture on Tinder and not be so concerned about that than getting a part.”

Netizens said David had “fragile masculinity,” while others called his point “unbelievably random”

Tweet discussing masculinity, mentioning frustration about outdated 1950s perspectives and referencing David Corenswet and Jonathan Bailey.

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Tweet criticizing masculinity in response to David Corenswet's 1950s perspective on masculinity at Jonathan Bailey.

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Tweet by Kaguya’s Top Gal responding to FilmUpdates with a comment about Superman and pink kryptonite on social media.

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Tweet by Jack AM Austin commenting on Hollywood's levitation kissing phase as a new genre trending in entertainment.

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Social media comment praising David Corenswet as unapologetically a theater geek, posted in December 2025.

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Screenshot of a Twitter reply discussing masculinity, referencing David Corenswet's perspective on 1950s masculinity.

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Tweet discussing David Corenswet sparking outrage over 1950s perspective of masculinity in conversation with Jonathan Bailey.

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Twitter exchange showing outrage over David Corenswet’s comments on 1950s perspective of masculinity.

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Screenshot of a tweet criticizing David Corenswet for expressing outdated masculinity views towards Jonathan Bailey.

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Screenshot of a Twitter reply expressing excitement over a kissing and flying scene involving Jonathan Bailey.

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Screenshot of a tweet criticizing fragile masculinity, related to David Corenswet’s 1950s perspective of masculinity.

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Social media reaction to David Corenswet sparking outrage over 1950s masculinity perspectives in debate with Jonathan Bailey

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Tweet from user Million dollar man commenting on David Corenswet’s masculinity and speculating about his sexuality.

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Tweet criticizing fragile masculinity stereotypes in response to David Corenswet sparking outrage over 1950s perspective.

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Tweet discussing masculinity and vulnerability in response to David Corenswet’s controversial 1950s perspective remarks.

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