After nearly 90 years, a Superman film finally encompasses the best part of the hero myth

The Man of Tomorrow returns to the big screen in DC’s Superman. This reboot of Guardians of the Galaxy Director James Gunn will mark the cinematic starting point of the new DCU and introduce David Corenswet’s Superman to the world. Reinventing a character as iconic as Superman is no easy task, especially when faced with the task of overshadowing other recent adaptations of the character and overcoming growing concerns about “superhero fatigue.” However, the first teaser trailer for Gunn’s Superman has defied all odds and won over fans all over the world. The key to the hype surrounding him Superman is the film’s radical exploration of Superman’s radiant, uplifting and optimistic nature.

Unlike the last big screen version of Superman, played by Henry Cavill in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel And Batman v Superman: Dawn of JusticeThis new adaptation avoids the darker tendencies of the old DCEU. The vibrant color palette of the DCUs Superman reflects an unashamedly “comic book” tone that is clearly evident in the film’s first trailer. Featuring a cast of larger-than-life threats and villains, as well as some surprising allies and a pleasantly bright super suit to boot, Superman covers every corner of the Man of Steel mythos, stretching back to the Golden and Silver Ages of comics.

Superman brings fun back into the Man of Steel’s life

The DCU’s Superman finds his heart in Silver Age stories

Related

Everything we know about James Gunn’s Superman, from the trailer

The trailer for James Gunn’s “Superman” picks up pace and promises impressive villains, heartfelt moments and Clark Kent struggling with inner conflicts.

The teaser trailer for Superman begins with the Man of Steel in dire straits. This first look at the DCU’s new Superman falling injured and bleeding into the Arctic snow makes it clear that the film won’t lower the stakes. But despite the punishment that Superman has to endure, there is also a lot of lightness and joy to be found in the trailer. While lying in the snow, Superman whistles and calls to a four-legged friend who arrives faster than a speeding bullet – Krypto the super dog. Superman marks Krypto’s first appearance in a live-action film, although he has previously appeared in the animated film Direct current League of Super Petsand about the live action Superman & Lois TV series, as well Titans.

The introduction of crypto in the trailer quickly makes this clear Superman won’t shy away from some of the sillier elements of the character’s lore from previous publishing history. The Superdog isn’t treated like a throwaway joke either. He appears in a red cape matching Superman’s and drags his owner through the snow to safety. Gunn has hinted that the film will involve a “complicated” relationship between Superman and Krypto, who – in this version – is said to have been inspired by Gunn’s own dog. Crypto was originally introduced in the 1955s Adventure Comics #210, right at the end of the Golden Age and the beginning of the Silver Age.

There are also other signs of influences from an earlier, simpler time in Superman’s history in the trailer. At one point, Superman is seen fighting a fire-breathing Kaiju. This creature doesn’t appear to be an established DC character, but it’s reminiscent of a time when pulpy battles against giant monsters were commonplace in comics. The fleeting moment gives a sense of a day in the life of Superman, as the Man of Steel faces off against a large, outlandish enemy that gives him the opportunity to show off his incredible powers. That is clear Superman aims to provide the kind of feel-good adventure that characterized Richard Donner Superman Films of the 1970s and 1980s.

The stylings of thunder Superman Films can also be seen in Corenswet’s Clark Kent. Clark is only seen briefly in the trailer, which focuses primarily on Superman and features little dialogue from any of the characters. However, in what little is seen of Clark, he almost bumps into people as he makes his way through the crowd to the front doors of the Daily Planet. It’s hard to look at Corenswet’s performance in these moments without seeing the awkward, bumbling Clark Kent, played by Christopher Reeve, brought into the modern world. The entire trailer has undertones of the weird but heartfelt Donner films, although the additions of Krypto, giant monsters and other superheroes add to the fun Superman beyond what even these films achieved.

The Golden and Silver Ages were ignored in previous Superman films

The DCU finally delivers a Superman who follows his comic book history

Related

Fans Discover a Sneaky Dragon Ball Easter Egg in the First Superman Trailer (and It’s Hilarious)

The opening of the first trailer for James Gunn’s Superman puts David Corenswet’s Man of Steel in the middle of a Yamcha death pose.

At a press conference after the publication of the Superman Trailer, James Gunn discussed the inclusion of Krypto, saying, “It was a way of saying we’re embracing the whole Superman mythology.” He further suggested that previous films had adapted Superman himself, “but none of the other stuff.” Certainly few fans would have ever expected to see Krypto in a modern Superman film. Actually, after that Man of Steel drew Superman into the world of the gritty superhero films popularized by Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight In the trilogy, it was doubtful whether the character would ever rediscover the lightness of the Donner films.

Now, Superman encompasses more of the character’s bright and cheerful comic book history than even those films have attempted. Richard Donners 1978 Superman was the first attempt at creating a superhero blockbuster. It was, of course, a phenomenal success that paved the way for generations of superhero films to come. However, the starting point for big-budget superhero cinema is the original Superman There were limitations both in terms of technical possibilities and audience expectations.

thunder Superman had to take into account the fact that the majority of viewers were not familiar with Superman’s world or with the fantasy in comic book stories. There could never have been room for characters like Krypto in these early films. But in a world where comic book movies are commonplace, Gunns Superman has the freedom to include Krypto and Kaiju and introduce heroes like Hawkgirl and Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern in supporting roles.

Gunn’s decision to draw on all facets of Superman’s comic book history makes sense given that film’s role in establishing the DCU. Gunn called Superman an “alternate history” set in a world where there have always been superheroes. With superheroes – and all the associated sci-fi/fantasy elements – woven into the fabric of SupermanIt follows that some of the more outlandish ideas from DC’s Silver Age comics would feel right at home here. Alien super dogs, corporate-sponsored superheroes, and mustache-twirling villains are all part of the DCU.

This is James Gunn’s Superman

Related

“It’s a movie about kindness”: James Gunn talks about hope in his Superman movie

James Gunn talks about the meaning of the line “Take me home” from the trailer and how Superman reflects the United States of America.

For James Gunn, exploring the more extravagant and unusual corners of comic book history is nothing new. The director has already established himself in the world of comic book movies and is known for his irreverence and passion for turning strange and obscure comic book characters into stars. Gunn first found a mainstream audience while working for and directing at Marvel Studios Guardians of the Galaxy Trilogy. These films brought a group of virtually unknown heroes to the forefront of the MCU as Gunn transformed them into overnight anti-hero sensations. Likewise in his first DC project The Suicide SquadGunn once again told the story of a group of little-known characters who form a team and learn to be heroes.

The giant monsters, super-strong dog and ridiculous haircut in Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner suggest that Gunn still embraces the bombastic irreverence of his previous superhero films. Superman should be less comedic than Guardians of the Galaxy And The Suicide Squadbut it shares the feeling that Gunn is taking cues from the comics that most other directors would reject. As silly as some of these characters and ideas may seem, Gunn treats them with great respect and sincerity. Just as Rocket was transformed into a deeply tragic figure Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3Crypto is becoming a dog of nuances Superman.

Through Gunn’s lens, stories and characters from Superman’s earliest stories can be revisited and introduced to a whole new generation. As far-fetched as his comic book films may seem at first glance, Gunn is a master at grounding his characters in an emotional reality. He can make characters like Krypto or a traditional “boy scout” Superman work on films where others would have difficulty because Gunn treats each character as if they were a real person. The result of that is this Superman is able to deliver comedic fun without sacrificing an iota of emotional power.

Superman hits theaters on July 11, 2025.

Your changes have been saved

Follows the titular superhero as he balances his heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth and justice in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned.