The DC Universe is gearing up for a seismic shift with James Gunn’s Superman, set to soar into theaters on July 11, 2025, and new promotional images and toy leaks are fueling excitement among fans. Fresh photos of David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, released by Fandango as part of their summer movie preview, showcase the 31-year-old actor exuding strength and heroism at the entrance of the Fortress of Solitude, his iconic S-shield gleaming against an icy backdrop. Meanwhile, a leaked toy promo has sent shockwaves through the fandom, revealing Superman leading the Justice Gang—featuring heroes like Mister Terrific, Hawkgirl, and Green Lantern Guy Gardner—against a massive, fire-breathing Kaiju, hinting at an epic, action-packed showdown in the upcoming DC Studios reboot. These developments, coupled with ongoing legal battles over Superman’s international rights, have placed Gunn’s film at the center of global attention.
Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman has been a focal point since his casting was announced in June 2023, and the new images solidify his commanding presence as Clark Kent/Kal-El. Standing tall with a muscular physique and the signature S-curl on his forehead, Corenswet embodies the hopeful, compassionate hero Gunn promised, drawing inspiration from classics like Superman for All Seasons and All-Star Superman. Fans on X have praised his look, with one user noting, “Corenswet looks like he was born to play Superman—powerful yet approachable.” Set photos from 2024, including one of Superman stopping a train, echo the character’s iconic motto: “More powerful than a locomotive!” These images, reported by ScreenRant, also highlight his dual life as a Daily Planet reporter, with Clark Kent’s clumsy demeanor contrasting sharply with Superman’s confident aura, a nod to Christopher Reeve’s legendary performance.
The toy promo, first revealed by Cosmic Book News, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the film’s high-stakes narrative. Featuring Superman, Krypto the Superdog, and the Justice Gang battling a towering Kaiju, the promo suggests a blend of classic heroism and modern spectacle. The Kaiju, described as sporting “cool slime ooze,” aligns with Gunn’s vision of a vibrant, action-heavy DCU, distinct from the darker tones of Zack Snyder’s era. Additional toy leaks confirm other adversaries, including Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) with a “baby Kaiju” and Ultraman, a mysterious figure with a silver “U” on his chest, spotted in set photos being arrested alongside Superman. These leaks, while potentially spoilery, have sparked speculation about Luthor’s role in unleashing the Kaiju, with a Japanese synopsis hinting at his view of Superman as a “threat to mankind” amid growing public distrust.
The film’s ensemble cast, including Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, promises a rich tapestry of DC characters. Gunn, who wrote and directs, has emphasized Superman as the “primary protagonist,” with Lex Luthor as the main villain, per his Threads post. The narrative explores Superman’s struggle to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his Smallville upbringing, embodying truth and justice in a skeptical world. A McFarlane Toys figure, reported by TheDirect.com, confirms Superman’s use of Heat Vision, hinting at intense battles against foes like the Kaiju and The Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría). Fans are buzzing about how these powers will be showcased, with one X post exclaiming, “Heat Vision vs. a Kaiju? This is going to be wild!”
However, the film’s release faces uncertainty due to a legal battle with the estate of Joseph Shuster, Superman’s co-creator. The estate’s lawsuit, refiled in New York state court after a federal dismissal in April 2025, claims WBD has exploited Superman in Canada, the UK, Ireland, and Australia since 2017, when copyrights allegedly reverted. An injunction could disrupt the film’s global rollout, but negotiations are ongoing, with sources suggesting a settlement is possible to avoid delays. The case, reported by Reuters, underscores the complexities of international copyright law, with fans on X divided—some support the estate’s fight for “just compensation,” while others fear it could derail the DCU’s launch.
As anticipation builds, the December 2024 trailer, which garnered 250 million views in 24 hours, has cemented Superman as a cultural event. Corenswet’s reflective comments to TIME, questioning what’s at stake for an invincible hero, highlight the film’s emotional depth: “You can’t save everyone forever.” With its blend of heart, humor, and spectacle, Gunn’s Superman promises to redefine the Man of Steel for a new generation, provided it can navigate the legal turbulence threatening its flight path.
