James Gunn has unveiled the first trailer for his much-anticipated Superman movie, sparking excitement among fans eager for the next chapter of the DC Comics Universe. Slated for release on July 11, 2025, the film will reintroduce audiences to Superman, portrayed by David Corenswet, alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as the notorious Lex Luthor.
The trailer dropped on December 20, coming just 24 hours after the release of a teaser, and it presents the film as not just another superhero flick but as the launching pad for Gunn’s vision for the DC Universe. This new era follows the now-ended DC Extended Universe, and Gunn has recently taken the helm as co-CEO of DC Studios.
The footage opens with Superman, bloodied and battered, crash-landing onto the snow, where he calls upon Krypto the Superdog, who races to his aid. This intimate moment sets the tone for the movie, which is expected to explore Superman’s inherent goodness even when faced with significant challenges.
“Home. Take me home,” are the poignant words spoken by Superman, setting the premise for the character's emotional and symbolic return to the DC Universe. Gunn, during a Q&A session at Warner Bros. Studios, emphasized, “This Superman lives in a world with superheroes” where the character’s relationships—both harmonious and tumultuous—with other heroes play significant roles.
The trailer presents various glimpses of iconic comic book characters, including Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, and a gritty portrayal of Lex Luthor, who is shown harboring palpable animosity toward Superman. Luthor’s role seems indicative of his classic characteristics: smart, ruthless, and deeply antagonistic.
Speaking of his character, Hoult remarked, “Obviously, he’s smart and ruthless, and he has to outmaneuver Superman on certain levels, because he can’t match him in others.” This insight hints at the complex dynamics we can expect between the world’s most celebrated hero and one of its most notorious villains.
Corenswet, appearing as both Superman and his alter ego, Clark Kent, shares scenes with Brosnahan, who portrays Lois Lane. The trailer hints at significant romantic tension, showcasing Lois kissing both Clark and Superman, possibly alluding to her discovery of their dual identity.
The various character interactions suggest well-trodden paths for fans of the mythology but also point toward fresh narratives. Gunn’s intention appears to be blending classic superhero elements with drama and humor, pulling from years of comic history. “We’re embracing all of the Superman mythology,” he explained, noting how other artists have often separated different superhero stories by casting characters solely within their own narratives rather than interlinking them.
The film aims to establish Superman not merely as the lone hero but as part of a broader superhero community, reminiscent of the diverse dynamics showcased across the DC Comics series. Gunn assured fans, “He has friends who are other superheroes. He has people he doesn’t get along with as well, who are other superheroes.” This interconnectedness may be something fans have been craving.
Another element drawing attention from the trailer is the music. Gunn has teamed up with composer John Murphy to create both original scores and renderings of iconic themes, including the unforgettable John Williams’ Superman theme. The hope is to captivate audiences with audial nostalgia paired with new melodies to support the film's visual storytelling. Gunn noted the challenge of balancing tradition with innovation, saying, “It’s finding the balance between the novel and the traditional.”
The trailer also sets up themes of community and kindness, which Gunn believes reflect contemporary societal dynamics. “It’s about the basic kindness of human beings, and how the world could use something like this,” he remarked, hinting at the protagonist’s challenges not just with villains like Luthor, but with society’s perception of him.
This new vision of Superman—spanning both comedy and gravitas—could reshape how audiences see the character moving forward within the cinematic universe. Gunn stated he aims for the audience to connect emotionally with the film, feeling uplifted by the essence of the superhero.
Fans can expect to see how Superman, his core supporting characters, and newcomers to the franchise navigate the multifaceted world of heroes and villains. Beyond just superhero antics, it seems this version of Superman will address more complex themes, with Gunn highlighting, “We all feel like we’re doing something good, both in terms of quality and giving something back to humanity.”
The excitement around the Superman movie intensifies with each sneak peek, setting the groundwork for the launch of the DC Universe. With its stacked cast and multifaceted approach to the superhero narrative, it is clear the film is meant to be significant within the genre.
Superman will fly back onto screens on July 11, 2025, joining the ranks of cinematic reboots alongside Marvel’s offerings, setting the stage for what could be the beginning of something special for the DC franchise.
