James Gunn has finally unveiled the much-anticipated teaser trailer for his new Superman film, and the online world is abuzz with discussions—both enthusiastic and critical. Here’s a glimpse into what people are saying.
In terms of first impressions, the vibe of this teaser feels refreshingly classic and hopeful. Unlike many trailers, it doesn’t spill too much about the plot or character dynamics. However, we expect future promotional content might venture into more daring territory as it aims to capture our attention with its narrative and characters. This uplifting preview is exactly what audiences seem to crave right now, especially as it starkly contrasts the somber tone previously adopted by the now-defunct DCEU for Superman’s character.
Starting with the positive reactions, it’s no surprise that most of the chatter is upbeat following the trailer’s release. Over the past decade, Gunn has built trust with audiences through his work on the Guardians of the Galaxy series (and its delightful Holiday Special), The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker, and Creature Commandos. Even when he delves into darker themes, his storytelling remains optimistic and heartfelt. This Superman reboot appears to embrace those qualities, marking a fresh start for Gunn after managing more intense projects within the DC universe, which he’s now leading alongside Peter Safran.
Social media users like ClarkQuill97, whose name hints at a deep-rooted love for Superman, are thrilled with the new direction. “This is straight up a comic book come to life. Superman nation, we won,” they share excitedly on Twitter. Following just this brief glimpse, Rachel Brosnahan’s portrayal of Lois Lane is already garnering a dedicated following.
PridefulSin, a prominent comic book fan account, is also on board with the film, celebrating its focus on Superman genuinely saving and inspiring people—the kind of significant shifts that are crucial to capture attention with a first look. Illustrator Dan Veesenmeyer predicts that Krypto, Superman’s loyal canine companion, will draw audiences to theaters, while gaming influencer Ultima expresses delight, stating, “I have got the biggest smile on my face right now.”
From a film aficionado’s perspective, there’s a positive consensus as Superman returns to his roots as an optimistic boy scout, moving away from the more complex portrayals of the past. While I appreciated Zack Snyder’s vision, his approach might have been better explored after a more traditional take. User ‘Out of Context Simpsons Couch Gags’ succinctly puts it, “Oh, so this is an actual Superman movie and not an edgy mess.”
Not everyone is thrilled with the toned-down approach, both in theme and visuals. Concerns have been raised about certain scenes appearing somewhat ‘TV movie-like,’ though it’s worth noting that the film is still in post-production. ComicAccuracy, for instance, voices a moderate critique, indicating that while they refrain from extreme judgments, the quality’s not quite meeting their expectations.
Eric Italiano from BroBible is intrigued by the film’s tone yet “concerned by the aesthetic,” candidly expressing that while the action scenes are impressive, other elements seem less polished, akin to a high-budget streaming show rather than the cinematic standard set by ‘Man of Steel.’
Naturally, some have been less forgiving:
A Twitter user with the handle @BOUGIEBlTCH critiques, “I forgot Superman diehards are 50+ year old men that act like kids so this looking like it’s for 5 year olds is spot on. The acting AND actors look bad, the color looks bad, etc. I tried.”
It’s clear the new take isn’t everyone’s cup of tea—some hold onto the SnyderVerse, while others prefer a more mature representation of Superman. The beauty of comic book storytelling lies in its flexibility; there are countless valid ways to interpret iconic figures like Superman. Gunn’s vision taps into a Silver Age nostalgia, and if the DCU under his guidance thrives, it’s likely we’ll see these characters and their tones evolve.
No matter your thoughts on the teaser, we can all agree that Krypto is likely to be a delightful draw for audiences, hopefully staying out of harm’s way at the hands of the villainous Lex Luthor. With the film slated for release on July 11, 2025, we’ll just have to wait and see how everything unfolds.
