The anticipation for James Gunn’s Superman, set to soar into theaters on July 11, 2025, has reached new heights with the release of striking new images showcasing David Corenswet as the iconic Man of Steel. Directed by Gunn, who also serves as co-CEO of DC Studios, this film marks the official launch of the rebooted DC Universe (DCU), promising a fresh take on the beloved superhero. The newly unveiled images, shared across platforms like USA Today and Collider, offer fans a closer look at Corenswet’s Superman, his sleek yet weathered costume, and key settings like the Fortress of Solitude, fueling excitement for what is poised to be a defining moment in superhero cinema.
One of the most captivating images depicts Corenswet’s Superman standing in the snowy expanse of Svalbard, Norway, used as the backdrop for the Fortress of Solitude. The image, shared by Gunn to mark the one-year anniversary of filming in the region, shows only the hero’s red boots, a glimpse of his blue suit, and a fluttering cape against a stark, icy landscape. This visual ties directly to the film’s trailer, which opens with a battered Superman crashing into the Arctic, only to be rescued by his loyal companion, Krypto the Super-Dog. The inclusion of Krypto, a nod to the character’s comic book roots, has delighted fans, with another exclusive image from ScreenRant showing Superman conversing with the canine in the Fortress, a robot assistant hovering nearby. These glimpses highlight Gunn’s intent to blend heartfelt character moments with the technological grandeur of Superman’s Kryptonian heritage.
Another striking still, featured in USA Today’s 2025 movie preview, captures Corenswet’s Superman in the bustling streets of Metropolis. The close-up reveals a sleek, modernized costume—complete with the iconic red trunks, a detail reinstated after fan input—with Corenswet exuding a commanding yet approachable presence. The image, set against towering skyscrapers and a crowd of onlookers, underscores the film’s urban setting and Superman’s role as a protector in a world that both admires and questions him. This aligns with the film’s synopsis, which describes Superman’s struggle to reconcile his alien origins with his human upbringing as Clark Kent, a journalist at the Daily Planet. The costume, though polished, bears signs of wear, hinting at the intense action sequences teased in the trailers, where Superman faces off against formidable foes like Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, and The Engineer, portrayed by María Gabriela de Faría.
The images also spotlight the film’s impressive ensemble cast, with a behind-the-scenes shot from Collider showing Gunn directing Corenswet and Hoult in a tense face-off. This moment underscores the central conflict between Superman’s unwavering compassion and Luthor’s calculating ambition, a dynamic that Gunn has emphasized as a core theme. The cast, including Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Isabel Merced as Hawkgirl, and Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, suggests a vibrant superhero landscape. Set photos from Ohio, where much of the filming took place, reveal Corenswet’s Clark Kent in a comically exaggerated disguise—complete with a curly mane and oversized suit—paying homage to classic portrayals while adding a playful, modern twist.
Gunn’s vision for Superman draws inspiration from diverse sources, including All-Star Superman and Superman: The Animated Series, blending epic action with humor and emotional depth. The images reflect this balance, showcasing both the grandeur of Superman’s heroics and the grounded, human moments of Clark Kent’s life. The film’s record-breaking trailer, which garnered over 250 million views in 24 hours, has already set a high bar, with its breathtaking visuals and John Murphy’s reimagined score evoking John Williams’ classic theme. The new images further amplify the hype, suggesting a Superman who is both a symbol of hope and a relatable figure navigating love, friendship, and duty.
As the first film in the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, Superman carries immense weight, setting the stage for future projects like Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and Lanterns. With a runtime of 2 hours and 9 minutes, the film promises a concise yet impactful story, with early projections estimating a $175 million domestic opening. The new images have only intensified fan enthusiasm, with social media buzzing about Corenswet’s resemblance to Christopher Reeve and the film’s vibrant aesthetic. As July approaches, these visuals offer a tantalizing preview of a Superman poised to redefine the superhero genre for a new era
