When you’re handed the keys to the most iconic superhero in pop culture, you’d expect a scroll’s worth of advice from the people who wore the cape before you. But for David Corenswet, stepping into the role of Superman came with a surprising bit of encouragement from former Man of Steel, Henry Cavill: Just have fun with it.

In a recent red carpet interview with Heart, Corenswet revealed that he connected with both Cavill and Superman & Lois star Tyler Hoechlin via letters before donning the red cape himself. Despite the legacy, the advice he received was unexpectedly light and supportive.

“I had the pleasure of exchanging letters with two former Supermans, Henry Cavill and Tyler Hoechlin, both of them interestingly said in their own words ‘I’m not gonna try and give you any tips’ and I think that’s a very Superman thing. Superman isn’t one for giving advice or dictating how other people should be. They both conveyed a real encouragement and a sense of ‘have fun with it’, which I think is Superman’s way of doing it too. They were very encouraging and I had a lovely exchange, and I’m excited to meet them, and looking forward to getting in a row with them.”

That may sound simple, but considering how heavy the role can be — especially after Cavill’s own tumultuous time with the character — it’s some of the best advice he could’ve received.

Henry Cavill Moves On From Superman

Cavill’s Superman was nothing short of controversial — not for his performance, which was widely praised, but for how the character was handled. After a promising debut in Man of Steel and a mixed reception to Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Cavill never got the solo sequel he deserved. His Superman journey came to a confusing end after a cameo in Black Adam — which was meant to set up a return — only to be followed by James Gunn and Peter Safran announcing a total reboot of the DC universe just weeks later. Cavill was out, and Corenswet was in. Yet, despite that rocky exit, Cavill remains a class act.

Corenswet’s Superman will take flight next week in the debut film of James Gunn’s rebooted DC universe. The pressure is immense — it’s not just another superhero flick, it’s the superhero flick that will define the tone of an entirely new era for DC on screen.