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Are Superman’s trunks an essential part of his character design, or are they an outdated concept that should be forgotten? Superman fandom has been debating this for years, and the conversation shows no signs of dying down.

During a panel at Megacon 2025, the question was put to 5 Superman actors. Here’s where they stand on the trunks or no trunks debate.

First up was Tom Welling, who played Clark Kent on the superhero drama Smallville. “My 6-year-old just asked me that the other day, why is his underwear outside of his pants. I didn’t know what to say.”

“I’m going trunks for sure. Because a little modesty is important,” said Dean Cain, who played the character on Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.

“Trunks, because it looks better,” answered Brandon Routh, who portrayed the character in Superman Returns and CW’s Crisis on Infinite Earths television crossover.

Tim Daly, who voiced the character on Superman: The Animated Series had a secret third option. “Thong.” Risque Tim. Way to think outside of the box.

“I had both on the show,” Superman and Lois’s Tyler Hoechlin said. “The Fleischer suit was my favorite suit, I will say, but I did enjoy the no trunks. For a special occasion, trunks. Regular basis, no trunks.”

George Newbern, who voiced Superman in the Justice League animated series, also picked no trunks…with a twist. “I’m going to say something. I’m going to say just the cape, and then the rest just commando.”

While David Corenswet wasn’t on the panel, we do know that he’s the one who convinced James Gunn to include trunks in the upcoming Superman movie.

The debate isn’t settled, but we learned some important things. For example, Superman voice actors think the Man of Steel should show more skin. That will certainly get people to look up in the sky.

Here's how to watch the Superman TV series and movies in order.