As Superman, directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, prepares for its July 11, 2025, release, DC Studios faces a high-stakes moment. The film marks the launch of the rebooted DC Universe (DCU), replacing the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), and its success hinges heavily on Corenswet, a relatively untested actor stepping into the iconic role once defined by Henry Cavill. Industry insiders and fans, as seen in posts on X, view DC’s reliance on Corenswet as a gamble, with the studio’s future riding on whether he can carry the franchise. A triumph could cement DC’s new era, but a failure risks derailing the DCU’s ambitious plans, making recovery a daunting prospect.
Corenswet, known for roles in The Politician and Twisters, lacks the established star power of predecessors like Cavill or Christopher Reeve, amplifying the risk. ScreenRant notes that Gunn’s decision to cast a younger, lesser-known actor aligns with a narrative of a youthful Superman, but it places immense pressure on Corenswet to deliver a performance that resonates with audiences. The first full trailer, released May 14, 2025, showcases Corenswet’s Clark Kent balancing heroism and vulnerability, yet some fans, like @bananas4eva on X, criticize his delivery as “overacting,” questioning his ability to embody Superman’s gravitas. Others, such as @leebowski1223, express doubts, stating he “doesn’t have the Superman look,” highlighting the challenge of following Cavill’s beloved portrayal, which Collider praised for its ideological depth and physicality.
DC’s heavy reliance on Corenswet is compounded by the studio’s turbulent history. The DCEU, marred by inconsistent films like Justice League (2017), struggled to rival the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s cohesion. Gunn and co-CEO Peter Safran aim to reset with Superman, but Variety reports the film’s $325 million budget, excluding marketing, makes it a financial gamble. CBR projects a potential $175 million opening weekend, surpassing Batman v Superman’s $166 million record, yet Koimoi notes it must exceed Man of Steel’s $116.6 million debut to claim the top solo Superman opening. Failure to recoup costs could echo the DCEU’s The Flash (2023), which lost Warner Bros. over $100 million, stalling future projects.
The film’s promotional materials, including a CinemaCon sneak peek showing Corenswet’s Superman injured and aided by Krypto, have sparked concerns about his portrayal. ScreenRant debates whether Gunn’s depiction of a “weaker” Superman, battered by robots and villains like Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), risks alienating fans accustomed to an invincible hero. This vulnerability, while aligning with Gunn’s focus on Superman’s kindness, as seen in a trailer moment recreating Reeve’s iconic posture shift, contrasts with Cavill’s godlike presence. Times Now notes the Fortress of Solitude’s return, but fan reactions on X, like @TheExpertKnows calling it a potential “train wreck,” underscore skepticism about Corenswet’s ability to carry the film.
DC’s broader strategy amplifies the stakes. The Hollywood Reporter highlights Superman as the cornerstone of “Gods and Monsters,” the DCU’s first chapter, with characters like Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion) setting up future films. A flop could disrupt this interconnected slate, much like Green Lantern (2011) derailed earlier DC plans. Yahoo reports fan excitement for Corenswet’s chemistry with Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane, but posts like @DCFilmNews cite Corenswet’s own words downplaying the pressure, stating he’s “not directing,” which some interpret as a lack of ownership. This contrasts with Gunn’s confidence, per GamesRadar, where studio heads praise his vision, yet the burden remains on Corenswet to anchor it.
If Superman succeeds, DC could dominate the superhero landscape, leveraging Corenswet’s breakout role to rival Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World. ScreenRant suggests a special Amazon Prime screening could boost early buzz, but failure risks fan backlash, already simmering from Cavill’s exit. MovieWeb notes Snyder fans’ ongoing petitions for Cavill, and a lackluster performance could fuel calls to “sell DC to Netflix,” as seen on X. With Superman’s release looming, Corenswet’s performance is DC’s make-or-break moment. A hit could launch a thriving DCU, but a miss might leave the studio scrambling to recover, with Corenswet bearing the weight of a franchise—and a fanbase—that refuses to forget Cavill’s legacy.
