James Gunn gave an exciting new update to the first trailer for Superman. It has been almost a year since the DCEU came to an end, and the new DC Universe franchise is only a month away from starting, beginning with Creature Commandos debuting in December on HBO Max. However, fans have been waiting for some Superman footage, and things seem to be moving upward for the movie. The film was initially titled Superman: Legacy but was later changed to Superman, and David Corenswet will suit up as the DCU’s Man of Steel.
Once Creature Commandos hits streaming next month, the actual birth of Gunn’s DCU will begin with the Superman reboot next July. Outside of a few promotional pictures and the official cast, there haven’t been many details about the movie. However, Gunn gave fans a new update on the Superman footage on social media. The DC Universe will begin with the Man of Steel, just like the DCEU did in 2013.
James Gunn Teases Superman on Social Media
While the movie won’t be in theatres for the next several months, a fan asked Gunn on Threads, “When is the Superman trailer coming out?” The user mentioned seeing trailers for other films, like Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts*. It didn’t take long for Gunn to respond, as the filmmaker shared that the trailer “Is on my hard drive. All the other movies come out before us.” The news seems to confirm that the trailer is up and ready to get going; it could also mean that the trailer could still take time before its released.
With major Hollywood movies like Superman, DCU has some big marketing strategies lined up for its projects. That means that there’s always a perfect opportunity to unveil footage. The studio will focus on Creature Commandos, which will air on December 5. Although Gunn’s Superman is the first film in the DC Universe Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters, Creature Commandos was completed before the Man of Steel reboot. That’s why the editing for the Superman film may have been recently completed, especially as Gunn is shooting Peacemaker season 2.
While it is excellent that the trailer is close to being shown to the world, the question is when it will be released to the public. If it is not out this year, chances are that the DC Studios will save the trailer for early 2025. One option for the first trailer is to be out for New Year’s Day. Given that the film is expected to be a big blockbuster next summer, it would be reasonable for Gunn to wait to release the footage for a huge marketing push.
Gunn has excited fans for the upcoming Man of Steel reboot, regardless of when the trailer is released. DC has struggled in recent years, with some films taking a downturn at the box office and critical reception. Superman features significant stars such as David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Wendell Pierce as Perry White, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardener, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, and Anthony Carrigan as Metamorhpo.
Superman Will Not Be an Origin Story
The movie will not be an origin story; instead, it will focus on “Superman reconciling with Kryptonian heritage along with his human upbringing.” The Man of Steel will already work for the Daily Planet, having met Lois Lane and other characters rather than reusing past storylines. The traditional ideals of the character will be central to the story but will address how those ideals are perceived. Also, DC Studios recently cast Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre for the upcoming Lanterns series, which will air on HBO Max.
A fan asked Gunn on Threads if he had seen the film, and he responded that he watched the full cut of the film. He did not hint at the storyline or what the movie will be about. Hoult, who will be playing Lex Luthor, recently discussed his decision to play Lex Luthor on a podcast. Hoult explained that he had “kind of cackled” when Gunn called him about the role.
Superman was the title of the 1978 movie directed by Richard Donner and starring the late Christopher Reeve. Filming began in March and wrapped in Ohio in the summer, occurring in Cleveland and Cincinnati. The movie is set to tell a new story for Clark Kent, making him the central figure in the DCU Universe. Most first looks for Superman have featured a range of set photos, art, and some videos that leaked online.
Some scenes that have been leaked online appear to be action scenes involving military personnel and fire trucks. Another shows Clark going about his regular routine, giving some hints of what to expect from both hero and everyday life. Gunn is the writer and director of Superman, though he has found some other visionaries to take on the other DCU films. Gunn has previously worked with DC, directing the critically acclaimed The Suicide Squad, which gave fans an exhilarating story involving fan-favorite DC characters.
Final Thoughts
It has been over ten years since the last solo Superman movie, and Gunn has set his sights on bringing the Man of Steel back to the big screens. Superman seems to be DC’s answer to the Avengers saga and introduces some members of the Justice League. There will be an inclusion of a non-human character, such as Krypto the Superdog, who will appear in the movie. Superman is the first feature-length movie for the Gods and Monsters slate.
Following the failure of the DCEU, Gunn has a chance to sort things out with the brand new DCU, starring with the Man of Steel. The DCEU began in 2013, starting with Zack Synder’s Man of Steel, and concluded last year with Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom. The franchise lasted 10 years and made 16 films in total, though much of them were swing-and-a-miss. Considering how the DCEU ended, Gunn’s new Superman reboot must get things right for DC.
Superman will be in theatres on July 11, 2025.
