Superhero fatigue has already set across Hollywood, but DC Studios is still willing to prove that the most iconic hero of them all still has the power to make us believe. The first trailer for James Gunn’s Superman has landed, and it’s everything fans (including yours truly) have been hoping for.
This fresh take on the Man of Steel stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, and the casting already feels like a stroke of genius. Henry Cavill will always be my favorite rendition of Superman, but Corenswet appears to bring a younger, more approachable energy to the role while still carrying the gravitas of Earth’s greatest protector.
He’s joined by Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, whose chemistry with Corenswet in just two minutes is clearly evident, and Nicholas Hoult as a reimagined Lex Luthor that has the potential to become one of superhero cinema’s most compelling villains.
The trailer opens with an unexpected scene of vulnerability of Superman bleeding in the Arctic snow, saved by none other than his faithful companion, Krypto the Superdog. The single line of dialogue, “Take me home, Krypto,” says a lot about the emotional core Gunn is aiming for in this new interpretation.
As the trailer progresses, we get to see the film’s apparent embrace of hope and optimism. Superman is doing what he does best – saving people. There’s one touching scene that features a young boy calling out for Superman like a prayer. It made me all fuzzy inside. It’s no wonder the Big Blue Boy Scout has managed to endure for nearly a century.
The visual palette will certainly please all those critics of Batman v. Superman, who didn’t appreciate the muted tone that Zack Snyder was going for. While some of the effects work is still rough around the edges, the overall aesthetic gives off classic superhero vibes.
However, the score, which cleverly incorporates elements reminiscent of John Williams’ 1978 Superman theme while blazing its own trail with an electric guitar, was the perfect choice to symbolize this marriage of old and new.
We also got to see some glimpses of Nathan Fillion as a dorky Green Lantern, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific. While some might worry about the cast being too crowded, Gunn’s track record with ensemble casts makes me think he’s got it handled. After all, he did a rather decent job with Guardians of the Galaxy during his stint at MCU.
Gunn has made it no secret that Superman is the launch of DC Studios’ new unified vision. The decision to even brand the trailer as a “DC Studios” film rather than simply Superman speaks to the confidence behind this fresh start. Gunn himself stated that the trailer went through numerous iterations to ensure it authentically represented the movie’s essence without giving away too much.
For longtime fans (and even critics who have their keyboards ready), July 11, 2025, can’t come soon enough. After years of uncertainty following Cavill’s unceremonious departure, it appears Superman is finally getting the film he deserves – one that honors his legacy while charting a new future for him. The Man of Steel is back!
