James Gunn’s Superman Blasts Off With Explosive New Trailer

The world has officially laid eyes on the Man of Steel’s next cinematic rebirth, and he’s never looked more mythic, heartfelt, or Gunnified.

James Gunn, co-chief of DC Studios and the creative mind behind Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, unveiled the first full trailer for his highly anticipated film Superman on Wednesday, May 14. The footage dropped online just weeks ahead of its worldwide release on July 11, 2025, igniting a firestorm of speculation, celebration, and scrutiny across fandoms, and for a good reason. This isn’t just another Superman movie. It’s the Superman movie meant to relaunch an entire cinematic universe.

Meet Your New Superman: David Corenswet Takes Flight

David Corenswet (Hollywood, Twisters) suits up as the latest incarnation of the Kryptonian icon, stepping into the red boots of Clark Kent in what Gunn describes as a Superman shaped by “compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind.” If the trailer is any indication, Corenswet delivers both gravitas and gentleness, grounding the godlike being in a very human journey.

The story follows Kal-El’s arrival from Krypton, his dual identity as the mild-mannered Daily Planet journalist, and his impossible task of saving a world that fears and increasingly resents his power. This internal conflict is personified by Nicholas Hoult (X-Men, Juror #2) as a chillingly modern Lex Luthor, who in the trailer refers to Superman not as a man but as “an ‘it’ who’s somehow become the focal point of the entire world’s conversation.”

Superman Poster

The Supporting Cast Is Stacked, and the Stakes Are Astronomical

Corenswet is joined by Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) as a razor-sharp Lois Lane who appears to be just as much the heart of the film as Superman himself. The chemistry between the pair pops in brief glimpses, as do the snark, spark, and seriousness required to carry this generation’s Lois and Clark into cultural relevance once more.

Other highlights from the packed ensemble include:

• Skyler Gisondo (Licorice Pizza) as Jimmy Olsen
• Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher
• Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific
• Anthony Carrigan (Barry) as Metamorpho
• Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl
• Nathan Fillion as the rough-edged Guy Gardner
• María Gabriela de Faría as the techno-terrorist known as The Engineer
• Wendell Pierce, Alan Tudyk, Pruitt Taylor Vince, and Neva Howell in undisclosed roles

It’s a veritable Justice League-lite lineup, but Gunn has promised that the film will remain deeply rooted in Superman’s personal story even with the added presence of other superpowered figures.

Krypto the Dog, Killer Robots, and the Fortress of Solitude

One of the trailer’s most viral moments is Superman’s loyal canine companion, Krypto, dragging his master’s bloodied body to safety. Yes, Krypto is here, and he’s stealing hearts.

After the rescue, a robot crew in the iconic Fortress of Solitude assists a battered Superman, prompting a line that encapsulates Gunn’s signature blend of dark wit and warmth: “No need to thank us, sir, as we will not appreciate it.” Deadpan. Cynical. Hilarious. Pure Gunn.

James Gunn Is All In, And So Is Warner Bros.

Gunn teased the trailer released earlier this week on Instagram with the caption:

“I’ve been waiting too long to share this with you all!”

Indeed, the stakes behind Superman couldn’t be higher. This film represents the first official feature in Gunn and Peter Safran’s restructured DC Universe. It is expected to be the tonal and thematic foundation for all future DC Studios projects. If Superman fails to take flight, the vision could collapse before getting off the ground.

The pressure is astronomical. But if the trailer is anything to go by, Gunn and Co. are confident, and rightfully so.

At CinemaCon last month, Gunn and Corenswet appeared on stage, where the actor said of the role:

“It’s a great honor to play a role that exists so clearly in the public consciousness.”

That consciousness now has a new image of Superman to latch onto: humble, kind, bruised, and unwavering.

Behind the Cape: Who’s Making This Thing Actually Work?

The film is a Troll Court Entertainment/The Safran Company production. Gunn directed and wrote the script based on characters by DC legends Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Nikolas Korda, Chantal Nong Vo, and Lars Winther, executive produced this project.

Gunn is working with many of his longtime collaborators, including:

• Henry Braham, as director of photography
• Beth Mickle as production designer
• Judianna Makovsky as costume designer
• John Murphy and David Fleming (The Last of Us) on the score
• Editors William Hoy (The Batman) and Craig Alpert (Deadpool 2, Blue Beetle)

The synergy among these creatives ensures that Superman isn’t just another comic book movie. It’s being crafted like a bold, cinematic event designed to echo through pop culture for years.

Superman will be released in theaters and IMAX on July 11, 2025, with international releases beginning July 9. Warner Bros. Pictures has backed this launch with its weight and a significant chunk of its future.

This isn’t just a reboot. It’s an existential bet on hope, reinvention, and the enduring power of a man who fell from the sky and chose to believe in us.

Whether the world believes in him again remains to be seen.