The new teaser trailer for "Superman" premiered December 19 showcasing symbolism within the lone dialogue line spoken "Home. Take me home." The film marks a fresh start for the DC Universe led by James Gunn and Peter Safran. This film introduces David Corenswet as Superman into a world with all spectrum of DC characters indicating the end of standalone character narratives. The "Superman" movie will show Superman's official arrival to DC cinematic canon where heroes exist in the same world together, the trailer showing the vastness of the DC Universe from start.
"Superman" Teaser Introduces Clark Kent Lois Lane and Other Key Figures in DC Universe
The "Superman" teaser footage presents Corenswet as Clark Kent working for The Daily Planet with his coworkers including Lois Lane portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan. Lex Luthor played by Nicholas Hoult shows villainous intention as well. Skyler Gisondo takes the role of Jimmy Olsen with Pruitt Taylor Vince as Jonathan Kent showcasing classic hero and supporting figures with updated story telling. This approach creates a space for both returning characters along with newer takes from familiar DC lore. All of these important characters are shown briefly giving insight on upcoming DC themes.
The trailer debut introduces Krypto the Superdog rescuing a battle-worn Superman in the Arctic ice and it highlights more lesser known superheroes like Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific. Also added in the preview include Guy Gardner voiced by Nathan Fillion Isabela Merced portraying Hawkgirl and Anthony Carrigan as the pale character Metamorpho showcasing new faces alongside some classic fan favorites. These hero debuts are a shift in approach by DC Studios highlighting new directions for stories . All of these characters have a small cameo demonstrating that Superman exists alongside other superpowered beings. James Gunn directly states "Superman lives in a world with superheroes." during a presentation of the preview before public release to demonstrate his take.
Gunn's Vision For a 'Fully Lived-In' DC Universe Incorporating Elements of 'Game of Thrones'
Director James Gunn indicated he wants this movie "Superman" to feel organic like the show "Game of Thrones" which showcases not only fantastical elements but it will be fully lived in and populated with characters. He also claims “Superhero movies have taken these characters and said, ‘Okay, it’s Batman or it’s Superman, but it’s not any of the other stuff’ so we will have superheroes interacting naturally among the everyday people. He plans to include many components of the comic storyline in this new medium with friends that are superheroes alongside people whom Superman may or may not get along with highlighting relational dynamics. All DC movies and series now in this continuity will follow these parameters creating greater connective tissue between all the projects.
Gunn Discusses Musical Choices and Core Message of Goodness in This Latest Superman Iteration
John Murphy, composer for Gunn’s "The Suicide Squad" and "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3" takes cues from the original 1978 "Superman" soundtrack for the electric guitar riffs used in the new title demonstrating that the classic sounds of Superman exist with this fresh take on old themes. The composer John Murphy took notes from screenplays which are uncommon for this process allowing the project and musical scores to have interwoven connection from the very beginning of this production. The main thematic core of the movie according to James Gunn is ‘goodness’ in reference to a battered Superman appearing initially.
Gunn expressed that the current times make a story of goodness greatly needed which reflects a battered country and individuals trying to get by with human kindness despite societal pressures adding emotional appeal for audiences. He stated this movie will showcase people from various backgrounds being capable of goodness demonstrating kindness and how it is often targeted by more negative aspects of culture. Gunn wanted a movie about kindness that avoids a fascistic power fantasy a quality that many find in other comic movie hero’s to be very problematic when interpreted through lens of modern society.
Lead Actors Share Insight On Developing Personal Interpretations of DC’s Iconic Roles
David Corenswet said he connected with what is described as the naïve view Superman may often have, claiming that people will show you the best parts of themselves which allowed for a connection between performer and subject. He says he had blindspots that cause people to act in their best behaviors a trait Superman possesses when seeing people’s true natures beyond silly imperfect behaviors. For the physical aspect Corenswet was inspired by his brother in-law who had a large build but an otherwise friendly disposition to show the physical prowess plus emotional capability of this new character. Corenswet said interactions with Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult provided further insight into his version of Superman.
Rachel Brosnahan interprets Lois Lane as an updated version who must survive in a journalistic world that is challenged by digital age and shows the grit to make sure her version is not outdated. She plays Lois Lane as an inquisitive journalist that is constantly questioning to fully uncover truth. Nicholas Hoult said that Lex Luthor uses intellect and brutality but understands where his perspectives come from providing humanity to his complicated villains ideology.
Superman's Costume and Design Choices Aimed to Create Something Unique but Familiar for Viewers
The suit of "Superman" is different in its appearance by removing elements of “fake muscles” and is not at all designed to look like a "wet t-shirt". Corenswet explained he wore various versions so there wasn’t ever really a first time, he witnessed the crew's positive responses as the final version became official for filming. Nicholas Hoult acknowledged a "warm and fuzzy" feeling after witnessing Corenswet's final version of the superhero costume adding credibility to a genuine response the viewers might have when seeing this character. Seeing children's responses to the new Superman character inspired Corenswet the most proving a large impact for all involved in the process.
James Gunn shares story that during one fitting he complained the color was looking silly yet David Corenswet quickly reminded him Superman “doesn't want children to be afraid of him.” confirming both the design and intentions of making a character relatable. The film is set to be released July 11th showing new takes on the traditional character for the DC Universe .
"Superman" Trailer Sets New Viewership Records For DC and Warner Brothers
James Gunn celebrated the Superman trailer receiving over 250 million views and one million social media interactions since it dropped demonstrating huge demand and reception of his direction for this new DC phase. Gunn expressed his gratitude on X acknowledging the audience support and looked forward to sharing his new vision in July showing audience approval for the movie trailer. The "Superman" trailer broke records for both Warner Brothers and DC in trailer response and shares of posts further demonstrating its huge presence. The movie officially released July 11 2025 featuring Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult María Gabriela de Faría with all the actors including Skyler Gisondo Sara Sampaio Sean Gunn Edi Gathegi Anthony Carrigan Isabel Merced and Nathan Fillion to support as various DC universe personalities. Deadline screened the trailer on Monday after the initial presentation where Gunn confirmed the intent to make this movie about “kindness” as well as good versus evil ideologies and moral messages that permeate all aspects of movie storytelling. Gunn has clearly noted both Donner's film along with Zack Snyder also influence his views on new direction with previous characters while also using elements from All Star Superman comic series.
Concerns Highlighted By Critics about Cinematography and Ensemble Cast
Some critics also commented the amount of characters introduced so quickly seemed questionable at least during the first introduction of this DC phase. The movie needs a focal point on both Superman and Lex Luthor but introducing so many others may make this feel cluttered among those worried by too many cast characters that have shown previously in other Snyder projects. Also the over saturation of visuals in certain sections caused worry from some critiques pointing to the issues that have been historically present in DCEU film series. The overuse of CGI also was commented and hoping it becomes less obvious in future cuts of movies. Many audience members also highlighted that they worry about use of slow motion like what has occurred in past Zack Snyder projects.
The "Superman" film opens on July 11th with more trailers forthcoming with those trailers offering new insights prior to film debut giving more space for creative discussions prior to showing of project. Critics are excited to see the changes James Gunn and DC universe plan for upcoming titles especially with other projects outside of The Batman and The Joker having little anticipation for past several years. Fans are requesting a successful venture and hope for positive critical reception particularly after past criticisms towards DC and Warner Brothers movies as of recent.