James Gunn’s Superman, set to soar into theaters on July 11, 2025, has already sparked fervent discussion among fans, largely due to its costume design and tonal echoes of Zack Snyder’s darker Superman universe. David Corenswet steps into the iconic role, donning a costume that blends classic elements—vibrant reds, blues, yellows, and the return of the red trunks—with a surprisingly muted, almost somber color palette. Unveiled through set photos and the first trailer in December 2024, the suit has drawn praise for its comic-accurate details but also inevitable comparisons to Snyder’s brooding Man of Steel. Gunn’s decision to pair a traditional design with a darker aesthetic has ignited debates about whether the DC Universe’s reboot is leaning too heavily on the gritty legacy of its predecessor, despite aiming for a brighter, more hopeful Superman.

The costume itself is a love letter to Superman’s comic book roots. Inspired by classics like the Golden Age and the Kingdom Come storyline, it features a stylized “S” emblem, a yellow crest on the cape, and the controversial trunks, absent in Snyder’s DCEU. Corenswet himself championed the trunks, telling Gunn they make Superman approachable, especially to children, emphasizing his role as a symbol of hope. “He’s an alien with incredible powers. He wants people to like him,” Corenswet explained, a sentiment Gunn echoed in a Screen Brief interview. The suit’s vibrant hues evoke Christopher Reeve’s iconic look, a deliberate nod to Superman’s optimistic legacy. Yet, the trailer and set photos reveal a darker undertone: washed-out blues, deep reds, and a desaturated palette that recalls Snyder’s monochromatic, nihilistic world in Man of Steel and Batman v Superman. Fans on X have noted this duality, with one user posting, “Gunn’s suit is comic-perfect, but why does it feel like Snyder’s grim filter snuck in?”

Snyder’s Superman, portrayed by Henry Cavill, wore a textured, alien suit with muted colors to reflect his outsider status. In Man of Steel, the costume’s dull blues and reds, paired with a lack of trunks, underscored a Kryptonian heritage over earthly heroism. Snyder’s vision, as he told The Hollywood Handle, was about Kal-El’s destiny, with the suit symbolizing his alien roots. Gunn, however, has positioned his Superman as an established hero in a world already populated by superheroes, navigating his dual identity as Clark Kent and Kal-El. Despite this, the darker color scheme—evident in scenes of a battered Superman in an Arctic wasteland—has led some to question whether Gunn is inadvertently echoing Snyder’s tone. A ScreenRant critique noted, “The suit feels like a uniform, but the muted palette makes it less alien, more militaristic,” suggesting a departure from the otherworldly sheen of Snyder’s design but a similar emotional weight.

The comparisons extend beyond aesthetics. Gunn’s trailer depicts Superman facing public backlash, with citizens protesting and throwing objects, a narrative thread reminiscent of Snyder’s exploration of a distrusted Superman. Yet, where Snyder’s hero grappled with existential dread, Gunn’s appears resilient, saving the world despite its scorn. This optimism aligns with Gunn’s stated intent to avoid “fascistic power fantasies,” as he told Variety, focusing instead on a bruised but good-hearted America. The darker palette, then, may serve to ground Superman’s idealism in a flawed world, a balance Gunn has mastered in colorful yet poignant projects like Guardians of the Galaxy. Still, fans remain divided. An X post captured the sentiment: “Gunn gets Superman’s heart, but the Snyder-esque colors make me nervous. Is this hope or gloom?”

Gunn’s consultation with Snyder, particularly over the trunks, reveals a mutual respect despite their differing visions. Snyder, who struggled with the trunks’ vibrancy, ultimately ditched them for a sleeker look, while Gunn embraced them after Corenswet’s input. Snyder’s reaction to Gunn’s costume was diplomatic: “Let’s see it in the movie,” he told The Hollywood Handle, emphasizing storytelling over static images. This collaboration highlights the challenge of reimagining Superman’s costume, a symbol as iconic as the Batsuit. While Gunn’s suit honors tradition, its darker scheme risks alienating fans craving a clear break from Snyder’s shadow.

As Superman nears release, the costume debate underscores the tightrope Gunn walks: honoring Superman’s legacy while forging a new path. Whether the dark palette enhances the film’s emotional depth or feels like a Snyder retread, Corenswet’s Superman promises to be a vibrant yet grounded hero. For now, fans await the full context, hoping Gunn’s vision soars as brightly as the comics but with a grit that resonates in 2025’s complex world.