As the July 11, 2025, release of Superman approaches, director James Gunn and star David Corenswet have stirred excitement by claiming their take on the Man of Steel is “closest to the book” compared to the iconic Christopher Reeve films. The first film in the rebooted DC Universe (DCU), Superman aims to redefine the character for a new era while honoring his comic book roots. With Corenswet as Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, the film draws heavily from seminal comics like All-Star Superman and Superman: Birthright. Gunn and Corenswet’s bold comparison has sparked debate among fans, who hold Reeve’s 1978 Superman: The Movie as a gold standard, setting the stage for a cinematic event that promises fidelity to the source material and a fresh perspective.

Gunn, known for Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, emphasized that his Superman captures the essence of the comics’ multifaceted hero—a Clark Kent who balances Kryptonian power with human vulnerability. Speaking at a press event, he described the film as rooted in the “hopeful, compassionate, and complex” Superman of titles like Superman for All Seasons. Unlike Reeve’s portrayal, which leaned on charm and idealized heroism tailored for the 1970s, Gunn’s version reflects the nuanced Clark of modern comics, grappling with his alien identity in a cynical world. Corenswet echoed this, noting that while Reeve’s Superman was “perfect for its time,” their film dives deeper into Clark’s internal struggles, drawing from Grant Morrison’s introspective narratives and Mark Waid’s emphasis on his journalistic integrity.

The film’s story centers on a 25-year-old Clark, already established as Superman and a Daily Planet reporter, navigating his dual heritage and relationships with Lois, Lex, and DC heroes like Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and Green Lantern Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion). Krypto’s inclusion, inspired by Gunn’s dog Ozu, adds a comic-accurate touch from stories like Superman #680. The December 2024 trailer, which garnered 250 million views in 24 hours, showcased Corenswet’s earnest Clark, a towering yet gentle figure saving Metropolis while facing a kaiju-like threat. Fans on X have praised the trailer’s fidelity to comic visuals, with practical effects and IMAX cinematography evoking the grandeur of John Byrne’s The Man of Steel. However, some question whether the crowded hero roster risks overshadowing Clark’s arc.

Production details underline the comic book focus. Filming, from February to August 2024, spanned Svalbard’s icy landscapes for the Fortress of Solitude and Atlanta’s Trilith Studios for Metropolis. Gunn, who wrote and directed, collaborated with Legacy Effects for practical creatures and costumes, ensuring a tactile feel reminiscent of comic panels. The cast immersed themselves in Superman’s lore—Corenswet cited Kingdom Come as a tonal influence, while Brosnahan studied Lois’s portrayal in Superman: Secret Identity. Composer John Murphy’s score, blending orchestral swells with modern motifs, aims to echo Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster’s creation without mimicking John Williams’ 1978 theme. This commitment to authenticity sets Superman apart from Reeve’s films, which, while beloved, took liberties like Superman reversing time.

Gunn and Corenswet acknowledge Reeve’s monumental impact. Reeve’s Superman, directed by Richard Donner, made audiences “believe a man could fly,” blending romance and spectacle. Yet, its comic fidelity was selective, prioritizing broad appeal over the intricate mythos developed in later decades. Gunn argues that modern audiences, steeped in comic culture, crave a Superman who reflects the depth of stories like What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?. Corenswet’s performance, described as both commanding and introspective, aims to embody this, with scenes of Clark mentoring young heroes mirroring his role in Justice League Unlimited.

Challenges loom, including a legal dispute from Shuster’s estate threatening the film’s release in Canada, the UK, Ireland, and Australia over copyright issues. Warner Bros. is addressing this, but it could dent global box office projections. Superman also faces competition from Jurassic World Rebirth and Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Yet, the film’s record-breaking trailer views and Gunn’s knack for character-driven storytelling fuel optimism. Posts on X highlight Corenswet’s Reeve-like charisma and the film’s vibrant aesthetic, though some fans worry it may alienate traditionalists loyal to Donner’s vision. As Superman prepares to soar, its comic-accurate approach could redefine the hero, proving that truth, justice, and hope remain timeless in any era.