Superman Star David Corenswet’s Grandfather Was the Creator of 'Choose Your Own Adventure' Books

For 'Superman' actor David Corenswet, storytelling is a family legacy — and it's more interactive than most.

David Corenswet comes from a legacy of storytelling—his maternal grandfather, Edward Packard, was the genius who dreamed up the world-famous 'Choose Your Own Adventure' series. The interactive format, which lets readers shape the story by selecting different narrative paths, has captivated millions — and it all started with bedtime stories told at home.

Now 94, Packard first came up with the idea in 1969 while telling stories to his children. Running short on ideas, he began asking them to decide what should happen next. That spontaneous family moment eventually sparked a revolutionary book format. Reflecting on that turning point, Packard recalled asking his daughters what their story’s hero should do next — and when each child chose a different path, the concept of multiple endings was born.

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The Beginning of a Literary Phenomenon

David Corenswet, now 31, shared that this creative spark led his grandfather to write 'The Adventures of You on Sugar Cane Island'. While the book was initially rejected by publishers, a small press eventually picked it up and sold 8,000 copies — a promising start to what became a literary phenomenon.

From that single book grew a global franchise. Over the decades, the 'Choose Your Own Adventure' series has sold hundreds of millions of copies and been translated into dozens of languages. It has become one of the most influential children’s book series in history.

Image Courtesy: David Corenswet/ Instagram

Despite the massive success, David Corenswet said he never had a single moment of realisation about how groundbreaking his grandfather’s work truly was. But he always enjoyed hearing people mention the books and seeing the joy they brought readers. He added that fans of the series often express a deep emotional connection, which makes him proud to give credit to his grandfather.

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David Corenswet Enjoyed Reading 'Choose Your Own Adventure'

Growing up, David Corenswet read the books himself, especially during a time when video games weren’t as widespread or accessible. He described them as the most interactive form of entertainment available for young kids, and he fondly remembers visiting his grandfather’s home and finding the books readily available to dive into.

Part of the fun, he explained, was not just finding a satisfying ending but exploring all the possible outcomes. The format encouraged curiosity, decision-making, and rethinking choices, much like life itself.

Image Courtesy: David Corenswet/ Instagram

Corenswet drew a parallel between those books and his own life journey — one that has led him to the iconic role of 'Superman'. While acknowledging that luck played a role in his success, he emphasised that making the “right” choice doesn’t always guarantee a perfect result. Just like in his grandfather’s stories, sometimes a smart choice leads to an unexpected or even unfavourable ending — and that’s part of the adventure.

He also noted that true integrity comes from making decisions based on values rather than predicted outcomes. Even when things don’t go as planned, standing by your choices can bring peace of mind. This principle, he said, reflects the moral compass of Superman — doing what’s right in the moment, regardless of the consequences.

David Corenswet’s path to becoming the Man of Steel may not have been written in advance, but it's clear that the spirit of 'Choose Your Own Adventure' runs deep in his story, blending imagination, risk, and heart at every turn.

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