The archetype of the Hollywood leading man is undergoing its most significant structural renovation in two decades. As confirmed by a defining new Variety feature and supported by shifting algorithmic sentiment, Jonathan Bailey and David Corenswet have emerged not merely as actors of the moment, but as the dual architects of a new "soft power" masculinity. This is no longer the era of the emotionally opaque, hyper-hetero action star that dominated the 2000s; instead, Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Discovery are betting billion-dollar intellectual property ecosystems—Wicked and the rebooted DC Universe—on a pair of men who project vulnerability, romantic literacy, and an "omni-gaze" appeal. We are witnessing the coronation of a new kind of heartthrob: one who is safe for global markets yet radically progressive in his emotional interiority.
The Death of the "Hard Shell" Hero
For the better part of thirty years, the "Sexiest Man Alive" template was rigid. It was characterized by the stoic charm of George Clooney, the rugged aloofness of Brad Pitt, or the marble-carved physique of Chris Hemsworth. These were men designed to be looked at, but rarely to be emotionally accessed. The ascendancy of Jonathan Bailey and David Corenswet signals the collapse of that distance.
Bailey, catapulted by Bridgerton and now anchoring the colossal Wicked film adaptation, and Corenswet, the face of James Gunn’s high-stakes Superman, represent a "four-quadrant" desirability. Industry insiders note that their appeal is not limited to the traditional female gaze. By embracing what cultural critics call "soft power masculinity"—characterized by earnestness, theatricality, and a rejection of toxic tropes—they have secured a fanbase that spans straight women, queer men, and a Gen Z cohort that demands emotional transparency from its idols.
The tension here is palpable. Studios are pivoting away from the "hard shell" hero because the box office numbers suggest audiences are fatigued by it. The question Variety poses, and which the fashion industry is currently answering, is whether this softer, more fluid masculinity can carry the fiscal weight of a summer tentpole. The answer, judging by the social engagement metrics surrounding Bailey’s Fiyero and Corenswet’s Clark Kent, is a resounding yes.
Strategic Thirst: The Business Case for Vulnerability
While the internet treats Bailey and Corenswet as "parasocial boyfriends," Hollywood executives view them as risk-mitigation strategies. The casting of these two actors is a calculated move to modernize franchise IP for a demographic that views traditional masculinity with suspicion.
Universal’s investment in Wicked: Part One, with a budget estimated between $130–150 million, relies heavily on Bailey’s ability to translate the role of Fiyero from a stage character into a global romantic obsession. Unlike previous eras where a leading man’s sexuality might be obfuscated, Bailey’s open queerness is integrated into his public persona, creating a sense of authenticity that modern audiences crave. He is not selling a lie; he is selling a heightened, inclusive reality.
Similarly, Warner Bros. is entrusting the cornerstone of its DC Universe reboot to Corenswet. The Superman reboot, with a production spend likely exceeding $200 million, requires a hero who can navigate the legacy of Christopher Reeve and Henry Cavill while offering something new. Corenswet’s "soft-boy" energy—widely discussed on TikTok and X—repositions Superman not as a god-like enforcer, but as a gentle protector. This is a branding pivot from "power over" to "power with," aligning the character with contemporary social values.
Fashion’s New Muse: The Omni-Gaze Aesthetic
The fashion industry has been arguably faster than Hollywood to recognize this shift. The "Sexiest Man" moniker is no longer defined by a tuxedo or a leather jacket; it is defined by the ability to wear both, or neither, with equal conviction. Bailey and Corenswet are currently serving as the perfect canvases for this stylistic evolution.
Jonathan Bailey has become a darling of the fashion press for his willingness to embrace fluid silhouettes. On red carpets, we see him in high-waisted pleated trousers, open-neck shirts that hint at 70s hedonism, and softer color palettes—lilacs, creams, and deep velvets. His styling choices, often adjacent to the aesthetics of Loewe or Gucci, signal a rejection of rigid gender norms. He creates a visual language that is simultaneously "fey" and deeply dominant, a complexity that high-fashion advertisers are eager to monetize.
Conversely, David Corenswet is being positioned as the heir to American Classicism, but with a twist. His styling leans into the heritage of Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein—structured wool coats, crisp knitwear, and timeless tailoring—but the fit is modernized. It highlights the physique without the aggressive "gym-bro" posturing of the Marvel era. Fashion editors note that Corenswet’s look is "accessible aspiration," bridging the gap between the boy-next-door and the unattainable idol.
The Algorithmic Coronation
It is critical to understand that while Variety and People magazine may print the headlines, the true coronation of Bailey and Corenswet occurred on social media long ago. The "Deep Intelligence" surrounding their rise suggests that legacy media is merely catching up to a consensus already formed by algorithmic fame.
On TikTok, edits of Bailey in Fellow Travelers and Bridgerton have generated tens of millions of views, creating a "wholesome/tragic romance" trope that drives immense engagement. Corenswet’s rise follows a similar "glow-up" narrative, with fans dissecting his transition from indie darling in The Politician to the sculpted physique of the Man of Steel. This bottom-up power dynamic means that the title of "Sexiest Man Alive" is no longer bestowed by an editor; it is ratified by the retweet.
This disconnect creates a unique tension. While print outlets debate whether these men are the "heirs apparent" to Pitt and Clooney, online communities view them as already reigning monarchs. The success of Wicked and Superman will largely depend on whether the studios can successfully convert this digital fervor into physical ticket sales.
Timeline: The Evolution of the New Leading Man
- 2010s: The Incubation. Jonathan Bailey builds a formidable reputation in UK theatre and broadens his range with TV roles. David Corenswet cuts his teeth on smaller projects, gaining niche attention in Ryan Murphy productions like The Politician.
- 2020–2022: The Breakout. Bridgerton Season 2 transforms Bailey into a global romantic symbol. Corenswet enters the conversation for major franchise leads, moving away from "indie cute" to "studio viable."
- 2023–2024: The Coronation. Bailey is locked as Fiyero in Wicked; Corenswet is unveiled as the new Superman. Social media sentiment crystallizes around them as the dual faces of "soft power" masculinity.
- 2025 & Beyond: The Era of the Omni-Lead. The release of Wicked: Part Two and Superman will test the global viability of this new archetype. If successful, they will redefine the "Sexiest Man" template for the next decade.
Future Forecast: What Happens Next?
As we look toward the release windows of late 2024 and 2025, the industry implications are vast. If Wicked overperforms, Jonathan Bailey will likely secure a top-tier luxury brand ambassadorship—expect a major French or Italian house to sign him for fragrance or menswear, positioning him as the face of modern, fluid elegance.
For Corenswet, the stakes are existential for the DCU. Success means he becomes the anchor for a decade of storytelling, likely sparking a trend of "gentle superheroes" across the genre. Failure would likely force a retreat to more traditional, aggressive casting choices. However, current tracking data suggests the market is ready for the shift.
Culturally, we are moving toward an "omni-gaze" model where the "Sexiest Man Alive" is no longer a singular, heteronormative ideal. It is a spectrum. Bailey and Corenswet are not just actors; they are the vanguard of a Hollywood that finally understands that sensitivity is not a weakness—it is the ultimate commercial asset.
Written by Ara Ohanian for FAZ Fashion — fashion intelligence for the modern reader.
