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The announcement of James Gunn taking the helm over Superman 2025 and his new DC Universe has been both an occasion of joy for a vocal set of audiences but it also comes with many concerns about how it intends to present a very long standing beloved character as the titular hero from multiple forms of media such as long running tv shows, comics, books or other iterations. So for anyone wanting to know more, or simply have more detail that's our specific area of interest today as we plan to dissect specific elements from all sources and explore those points.
The newly released trailer is far more than just a simple "movie promo" and functions much more as a grand opening statement for a new shared DC film universe as it sets a tone of change with carefully chosen story beats. Its first and main purpose appears mostly by conveying that sense of interconnectedness, a key difference from the prior shared universe that only focused on the very main figureheads from certain very isolated perspectives. And while other past Superman productions all seem mostly limited to one small element ( whether a single city, family, a group of villains or small group of specific heroic characters ) James Gunn's trailer does show this world as populated with many heroes , various supporting characters all from diverse backgrounds and story lines by making some fairly explicit, and yet simple key concept point: This isn't only a "superman Story" this is indeed "the Story of DC itself".
We now meet not only classic staples of a Superman's main cast such as Clark Kent, Lois Lane, or Lex Luthor and Jonathon Kent we also see others being actively showcased who are, previously not present (or never seen) in prior cinematic ventures; like Krypto the Superdog. Mister Terrific, Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, and Metamorpho. It sets up the tone for more heroes existing at same settings that seem more interconnected even through those limited first-look frames so its less of one particular main character’s story but of one character from an entire group within shared continuity and even these small details adds another layer which are a positive as each element seem equally present and important.
That deliberate integration appears as a key part on this approach because, when we listen over that carefully crafted soundtrack choice it even starts playing John Williams' classic score and all those elements begin presenting the series and its production teams ideas to be more "old meets the new with clear love for its entire production cycle and not simply a clean break to old and beloved classic superhero movies ( as those often seem a default position) that could easily isolate casual or longtime established fandom.
One of the most prominent themes Gunn tries to project seems to be the embrace of 'goodness' something that many found to have gone astray on past production with dark or more edgy perspectives being promoted over any clear good concepts, his stated core vision behind the character; it appears designed to set his take as something quite different and yet, it does not come with overly complex layers since it intends for Superman to be a relatable character due to his kindness and underlying humanity as an outsider even if those ideals are, often challenged or criticized due to his seemingly simplistic way of approaching or viewing the human nature. As Gunn himself openly admits he plans to make that "kindness and good nature’ as not some form of naive ideal but as a source of genuine internal strength because many past takes were presented by other studios who seem more fixated over that specific weakness, here the intention seems exactly the opposite.
Also the intention in this film, which is explicitly conveyed through that “battered and weary superman” in ice , indicates that it's a story that starts when hope is not easily available but it will gradually return; and not simply ‘forced onto viewers but, as it grows into an integral and core character attribute through organic character developments; that will also serve as a message about humanity rather than something solely about what a hero figure should entail because, despite everything that occurs it has strong conviction about the overall nature from humans ( and super-humans ).
The intention is not only on creating a story about the hero, it wants you to explore why an audience might even come to like that specific viewpoint and through all details, not simply a few story beats alone.
It's not simply about following plot points or highlighting clear visual elements as even from small tidbits from character performances, the acting seems designed in showcasing every lead role having very explicit details about themselves and where they might intend on heading in terms of individual direction as Corenswet seems intent in delivering the more ‘human side’ from Clark as someone struggling with the world's flaws; even going to specific levels in drawing inspiration from real life examples on family ties; the character will not appear from a pedestal of perfect design as he will actively seek better forms for what it means to be a good or 'better' man and that appears like a core element on what James Gunn seems to put all focus into rather than just what 'looks cool' on surface value.
Also Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane brings this investigative nature to its core, emphasizing her as an established strong minded character already used to navigating a complicated and ethically difficult profession while also having to do all within a rapidly changing digital environment while it appears that Nichols Holt’s Lex Luthor provides an interpretation where his motivations might make him seem relatable even if morally flawed due to a greater philosophical viewpoint for the world . Each specific main cast ( including both those shown in main frames, or quick isolated seconds) do have their individual value; that makes these characters appear more as parts of a living world rather than standard roles from pre-conceived character settings. They may come off as familiar in concept but never are quite so within those initial interactions and reactions making it very compelling.
This new production also seems intended on exploring new ways for cinematography ( by combining new methods with long established technical standards) the usage of bright and vibrant scenes which makes this movie stand far apart from its more recent predecessor ( where dark saturated tones were heavily used). Also its choice over the traditional suit design from past editions clearly shows that a new approach should not be considered to simply dismiss the prior settings but as an attempt to explore those original story foundations ( where everything seems 'new' because its very similar). The main intention isn’t reinventing something out of pure and stubborn principle. This feels more as a ‘re-interpretation’ than a cheap forced reboot and every design element from costuming all the way down to musical scoring seems all with great care for even minor hidden details.
The trailer ends up serving as both an announcement of a new approach but as a sign of respect to all those old character archetypes (with or without 'super powers’); It seems more like a mix between "we are respecting this old material and using it for something new but while doing that we’re also keeping in touch with its foundational aspects." Which is what seems to create more compelling ideas instead of simple and easy cash grabs that often only provide poor adaptations of past materials.
James Gunn’s vision of Superman for 2025 with all supporting cast members feels to deliver what should’ve always been a critical and well designed production in first place: a blend of new elements with old concepts but not for simple marketing points as those seem truly designed to connect new elements to the past; a movie about humanity rather than ‘super beings’. While still carrying classic character traits; they all feel more connected together rather than simply an assortment of unrelated concepts and this might be why that long form TV series ( in a movie structure format ) approach is truly exciting as it has a deep care for both modern audiences and past fans all seeking more details about the worlds those iconic people exist inside.
Gunn’s approach for a world with many DC heroes alongside more traditional elements while embracing good (not from a naive but proactive element) creates not just a new movie, it intends to bring in a very conscious narrative framework to deliver a much greater continuity plan from DC media history; to create a truly new cinematic world rather than a new ' take' to an individual characters’ story which all viewers will appreciate even from only that brief trailer. And it provides plenty to think over and beyond, just 'simple spectacle’.