James Gunn Surprises Fans With First ‘Superman’ Footage Ahead of Marvel’s CinemaCon Panel
Just before Marvel Studios took the stage at CinemaCon 2025, James Gunn made a bold move—he dropped the very first footage from his highly anticipated Superman reboot online.
The teaser, though short, was enough to send waves through the internet. Not only did it showcase the new face of Superman, David Corenswet, but it also gave fans their first taste of Gunn’s fresh take on the iconic hero—one that leans heavily into hope, legacy, and the classic values Superman was built on.
🔥 What’s In the Superman Teaser?
While it’s not a full trailer, the teaser sets the tone for what Gunn is building in the new DC Universe:
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David Corenswet soars into the sky wearing the iconic red and blue suit, a design that blends tradition with modern detail. The scenes involving the Fortress of Solitude and Krypto are particularly noteworthy.
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The tone feels optimistic, a noticeable shift from the darker themes of past DC movies.
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There’s a brief look at Smallville, grounding Clark Kent’s journey in his humble roots.
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A classic voiceover emphasizes Superman’s place as a symbol of hope and truth.
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Fans noticed subtle visual nods to Christopher Reeve’s Superman, signaling a return to legacy.
🎬 A Strategic Drop Before Marvel's Big Reveal
Gunn’s timing wasn’t random. Just minutes before Marvel took over the CinemaCon spotlight with its upcoming lineup, DC and Gunn stole some thunder.
Why it matters:
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This move reaffirms DC’s new direction and confidence under Gunn’s leadership.
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It’s a clever way to spark conversation and comparisons with Marvel’s evolving multiverse saga.
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The teaser helps position Superman as the flagship film of the DC reboot, not just another superhero flick.
🦸♂️ About the Superman Reboot
This film, officially titled Superman, is the first major chapter in the new DC Universe, co-created by James Gunn and Peter Safran. The movie is set to be released on July 11, 2025, and will introduce a fresh slate of characters and stories.
Here’s what we know so far:
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🎥 Directed and written by James Gunn
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👨🚀 David Corenswet stars as Clark Kent / Superman
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📰 Rachel Brosnahan plays Lois Lane
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💥 The story focuses on Clark’s early years balancing identity and duty
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🔗 Will connect to a wider DCU with future films like The Authority, Supergirl, and Batman: The Brave and the Bold
💬 Fan Reactions: Nostalgia Meets New Energy
Social media quickly lit up with reactions:
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Some fans praised the hopeful and heroic tone, something they felt was missing from recent DC movies.
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Others pointed out visual nods to earlier Superman adaptations, particularly the Reeve era.
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Marvel vs. DC debates reignited, especially around the idea of cinematic tone versus shared universe complexity.