With just two months until the July 11, 2025, release of Superman, director James Gunn has set expectations sky-high, boldly claiming it will be the “best Superman movie of all time.” As the first film in the newly rebooted DC Universe (DCU) under Gunn and co-CEO Peter Safran’s leadership, Superman carries the weight of reviving a cinematic icon while launching a cohesive franchise. Starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent, alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, the film promises a fresh take on the Man of Steel, blending heart, humor, and epic action. Gunn’s confident proclamation, shared at a recent press event, has ignited excitement and skepticism, with fans and critics eager to see if Superman can surpass classics like Christopher Reeve’s 1978 Superman: The Movie.
Gunn’s track record with Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad lends credibility to his ambition. His Superman is inspired by comics like All-Star Superman and Superman for All Seasons, focusing on a Clark Kent in his mid-20s who’s already established as a hero and journalist. The story explores his struggle to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing, embodying “truth, justice, and the American way” in a world that views kindness as outdated. Unlike previous iterations, this is not an origin story, allowing Gunn to dive into Clark’s relationships with Lois, his colleagues at the Daily Planet, and other DC heroes like Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), and Green Lantern Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion). The inclusion of Krypto, inspired by Gunn’s own dog Ozu, adds a playful touch, as seen in the teaser trailer where the scrappy Superdog rescues a battered Superman.
The film’s production has been a labor of love. Filming began on February 29, 2024—Superman’s comic book birthday—in Svalbard, Norway, for Fortress of Solitude scenes, and continued at Trilith Studios in Atlanta until August. Shot entirely with IMAX-certified cameras, Superman aims for visual grandeur, with practical effects by Legacy Effects complementing CGI. Gunn, who wrote and directed, assembled a trusted crew, including cinematographer Henry Braham and composer John Murphy, both collaborators on his past projects. The cast, a mix of rising stars and Gunn regulars like Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, has expressed enthusiasm for the project. Brosnahan praised the film’s reverence for Superman’s legacy, noting the cast and crew’s deep connection to the character’s comic and cinematic history.
The first trailer, released in December 2024, shattered records, amassing 51.3 million YouTube views, surpassing Man of Steel’s 51.1 million over 11 years. Its 250 million views across platforms in 24 hours made it DC’s most-viewed trailer ever, signaling massive anticipation. The teaser showcased Corenswet’s earnest Superman, Hoult’s menacing Luthor, and dynamic heroics, with glimpses of the Fortress of Solitude and a kaiju-like threat. A five-minute preview shown with A Minecraft Movie further fueled hype, though Gunn recently tempered expectations for a second trailer, citing the recent footage release. Posts on X reflect the buzz, with fans lauding the trailer’s hopeful tone and practical effects, though some worry about the crowded superhero roster diluting Clark’s story.
Gunn’s claim invites comparison to Reeve’s iconic portrayal and Richard Donner’s 1978 film, which defined Superman for generations. While Man of Steel (2013) offered a grittier take, its divisive reception left fans craving a return to Superman’s hopeful essence. Gunn aims to deliver just that, emphasizing compassion and humanity, as producer Safran described Superman as “kindness in a world that thinks kindness is old-fashioned.” However, a legal challenge from the estate of co-creator Joe Shuster threatens the film’s release in Canada, the UK, Ireland, and Australia, alleging foreign copyright issues. Warner Bros. is working to resolve this, but it could impact box office prospects.
Superman faces stiff competition in July 2025, with Jurassic World Rebirth and Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps vying for audiences. Yet, Gunn’s vision—a character-driven epic with a runtime around two hours—has sparked optimism. Corenswet’s casting, likened to Reeve’s charisma, and Gunn’s knack for ensemble storytelling bolster confidence. Whether Superman will indeed be the greatest remains to be seen, but its blend of nostalgia, innovation, and heart positions it as a pivotal moment for the DCU. As the countdown continues, the world awaits to see if Gunn’s Man of Steel will soar above all expectations.
