Everyone Laughed When Comparing the Flying Image Between Superman 2025 (Worst) and Superman 2013 (Best)
The highly anticipated first look at Superman (2025), featuring David Corenswet in the iconic role, has sparked a wave of reactions across social media. However, rather than the excitement Warner Bros. had hoped for, fans have been drawing comparisons between the new film’s visuals and Henry Cavill’s Superman in Man of Steel (2013)—and the consensus has been far from flattering.
When the new flying image of Corenswet’s Superman was unveiled, it didn’t take long for fans to flood the internet with side-by-side comparisons to Cavill’s debut as the Man of Steel over a decade ago. Many users were quick to point out what they perceived as a downgrade in visual effects, realism, and overall cinematic quality. Comments ranged from playful jokes to outright disappointment, with some labeling the 2025 version as the “worst” while hailing Cavill’s Superman as the “best.”
One viral post humorously remarked, “Superman 2013 looked like a god soaring through the sky. Superman 2025 looks like a guy hanging from a string in a school play.” Another comment read, “Zack Snyder’s Superman felt powerful and awe-inspiring—this new one just feels like a bad Photoshop job.” Memes comparing the two versions have flooded platforms like Twitter and Reddit, with Cavill’s powerful, high-speed flight sequences contrasting starkly against what some are calling an uninspired and unimpressive approach in the upcoming reboot.
Much of the backlash stems from the groundbreaking visual effects employed in Man of Steel, where Zack Syder’s direction and a hefty budget allowed for breathtaking action sequences that depicted Superman’s flight with a sense of weight, speed, and realism. Cavill’s Superman moved with an effortless grace that conveyed power, his cape flowing naturally with the wind, and the cinematography adding to the spectacle. In contrast, early glimpses of Corenswet’s Superman appear to lack the same sense of impact, with some fans criticizing the apparent reliance on outdated CGI techniques and awkward positioning.
Despite the criticism, others have urged patience, reminding fellow fans that this is just an early look and not representative of the final product. Director James Gunn has responded to some of the backlash, assuring audiences that the film will stay true to the spirit of Superman while offering a fresh take on the character. “We’re crafting a Superman story that brings hope and optimism back to the big screen,” Gunn stated in a recent interview. “It’s a different vision from what came before, but we’re confident fans will embrace it once they see the full picture.”
However, not everyone is convinced. Fans who have long admired Cavill’s portrayal feel that his version set an incredibly high standard—one that any successor would struggle to match. Many believe that the combination of Cavill’s commanding presence, Hans Zimmer’s unforgettable score, and Snyder’s visionary storytelling created an interpretation of Superman that will be difficult to surpass.
For some, it’s not just about visuals but also about the tone and depth that Cavill’s Superman brought to the character. “Superman 2013 made me believe in the character’s struggles and triumphs. This new one just feels… off,” one user wrote, reflecting the sentiment of those skeptical about the reboot’s direction.
Still, the debate continues, with passionate fans on both sides voicing their opinions. As the July 11 release date for Superman (2025) approaches, Warner Bros. will have to work hard to win over audiences and prove that their new take on the iconic hero can stand alongside—or even surpass—its predecessors. Until then, the comparisons are unlikely to stop, and Henry Cavill’s Superman remains the gold standard by which all others are judged.
