What It Feels Like To Step Into The Superman Suit, According To Tyler Hoechlin

superman tyler Hoechlin supergirl

If you've been paying any attention to the world of TV and movies lately, you'll notice one thing: it's all about superheroes. Between the big screen's Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC Extended Universe, as well as the various TV universes floating around there, it's clear that everyone wants to watch some superheroic adventures. However, we often don't think about some of the logistical and awkward moments that go into becoming a comic book icon. Luckily for us, Teen Wolf actor Tyler Hoechlin has recently took on the role of Superman on CW's Supergirl, and he's opened up regarding the pros and cons of donning the iconic suit.

Tyler Hoechlin spoke to Entertainment Weekly about his upcoming debut as the Man of Steel. When asked how it felt into Supes' costume, he said the following:

The first couple of times it definitely took longer to get into. I started to think that Superman's greatest power was actually being able to just jump into [the suit] as quickly as he does, because it's not quite as smooth the first couple of times you do it...It's kind of like putting on a wetsuit. I've introduced an old surfing trick, so if [I] put a plastic bag over my feet and hands when I put it on, that seems to cut down a little bit of time, so that's been helpful in the process. It's one of those things where you put it on, and it's the nicest Halloween costume you've ever worn. Then, once you step on set, it becomes something different because people actually start addressing you as Superman. You're in the scenes, and people are playing along that you are Superman, so that's when it really hits you for a second. You have to then believe that you are this person, and just really own it and roll with it. That was really the moment that it hit closest to home.

That's a lot for one measly costume to do. Let's break down what we're hearing from the newest Superman to take flight.

For one, that skin tight suit is obviously a bitch to actually get on. In set photos that have been leaked from filming, you can see hoe Tyler Hoechlin could have a hard time even moving due to how closely it hugs to his body. We've heard similar accounts from other superhero figures in regards to their costume. Olivia Munn reportedly needed two dressers and a ton of lube in order to get into her X-Men: Apocalypse costume. Additionally, Gal Gadot found her Batman v Superman costume impossible to breathe in, but was so thrilled to step into Wonder Woman's shoes that she didn't originally say anything. I guess being a hero isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Then again, there's the other side of Tyler Hoechlin's comment. While the process of stepping into Superman's shoes wasn't exactly glamorous, the costume did truly have a transformative affect on the actor. Seeing how his coworkers treated him while in the blue and red was exactly what he needed to truly immerse himself in the character. There's nothing like a super suit to truly make you feel like a hero.

Supergirl will return for Season 2 at its new home, The CW, starting Monday, October 10th.

Corey Chichizola
Movies Editor

Corey was born and raised in New Jersey. Graduated with degrees theater and literature from Ramapo College of New Jersey. After working in administrative theater for a year in New York, he started as the Weekend Editor at CinemaBlend. He's since been able to work himself up to reviews, phoners, and press junkets-- and is now able to appear on camera with some of his favorite actors... just not as he would have predicted as a kid. He's particularly proud of covering horror franchises like Scream and Halloween, as well as movie musicals like West Side Story. Favorite interviews include Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, Jamie Lee Curtis, and more.