James Gunn’s Superman Trailer Gets Dislikes As David Corenswet’s Design Changes Man Of Steel’s Legacy – Henry Cavill
On December 19, 2024, James Gunn unveiled the first full trailer for his Superman film, set to launch the new DC Universe (DCU) on July 11, 2025, with David Corenswet stepping into the iconic role previously held by Henry Cavill. The trailer, a vibrant showcase of Gunn’s vision, introduced a Superman brimming with optimism and classic comic book flair—complete with red trunks, Krypto the Superdog, and a John Williams-inspired score. Yet, within hours of its release on YouTube, the trailer racked up a notable wave of dislikes alongside its millions of views, reflecting a polarized fanbase. Much of the backlash centers on Corenswet’s design, which departs sharply from Cavill’s brooding, cosmic Man of Steel, reigniting debates over Superman’s cinematic legacy and Cavill’s enduring impact.
Gunn’s Superman trailer opens with a battered Clark Kent crash-landing in snowy terrain, bloodied and calling for Krypto’s aid—a stark contrast to the invincible aura Cavill projected in Man of Steel. This vulnerability, paired with a brighter, retro aesthetic, signals a return to the character’s roots as a hopeful symbol rather than a burdened god. Corenswet’s suit, unveiled earlier in 2024, ditches the muted tones and sculpted padding of Cavill’s for a vivid, textured look that nods to the Golden Age comics and Kingdom Come. Gunn has been vocal about his intent, telling Variety he avoided a “wet T-shirt” clinginess and “fake muscles,” opting instead for a practical, authentic design shaped by Corenswet’s input that Superman’s vibrancy should comfort rather than intimidate. Yet, this shift has unsettled fans accustomed to Cavill’s modernized, alien-inspired portrayal.
The online reaction has been swift and divided. On X, posts lament Corenswet’s Superman as “pathetic” or “too soft,” with some longing for Cavill’s chiseled stoicism. YouTube comments echo this sentiment, with dislikes reportedly climbing into the tens of thousands within days—though exact figures fluctuate as platforms adjust metrics. Critics argue that Gunn’s lighter tone and comic-faithful design dilute the gravitas Cavill brought to the role, a legacy forged across Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Justice League. Cavill’s Superman, under Zack Snyder’s direction, was a figure of existential weight—his suit a sleek, Kryptonian artifact reflecting his outsider status. Gunn’s reboot, by contrast, leans into Clark’s humanity, showing him as a young reporter at the Daily Planet, surrounded by allies like Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and a bustling cast of DC heroes, from Hawkgirl to Green Lantern Guy Gardner.
This design pivot isn’t just cosmetic—it’s philosophical. Snyder’s Superman wrestled with his place in a distrustful world, culminating in moments like snapping Zod’s neck, a choice that sparked endless debate. Gunn’s trailer hints at a Superman who inspires through action and kindness, facing a Metropolis that’s both awed and skeptical yet never forcing him into moral ambiguity. The inclusion of Krypto and a colorful ensemble has drawn cheers from comic purists, who see it as the “closest” adaptation to the source material, as Gunn noted on social media. But for Cavill’s devotees, it’s a betrayal of a legacy they feel was cut short. Cavill’s return in Black Adam’s 2022 post-credits scene had reignited hopes for more, only for Gunn and Safran to reboot the franchise, leaving fans mourning what might have been—a fully realized arc with Darkseid as the ultimate foe.
The trailer’s dislikes underscore a broader tension in superhero cinema: nostalgia versus reinvention. Cavill’s tenure, though polarizing, left an indelible mark—his physicality and emotional depth praised even by detractors of Snyder’s dour tone. Corenswet, at 31 and visibly leaner, embodies a younger, less seasoned Superman, a choice Gunn defends as fitting his story of growth and connection. Set leaks from Cleveland in 2024 showed Corenswet in action, stopping trains and soaring skyward, evoking Superman for All Seasons—a far cry from Cavill’s space-bound majesty. Some fans on X have rallied under #HenryCavillSuperman, insisting his “cosmic” portrayal deserved closure, while others thank Gunn for reviving a “legend” truer to Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster’s original vision.
Gunn remains unfazed, engaging fans online to clarify that Corenswet’s face in flight scenes uses “zero CGI” and that the suit’s practicality reflects Superman’s essence as a relatable hero. The trailer’s 8 million-plus views suggest curiosity outweighs dissent, but the dislikes signal a vocal minority unwilling to let Cavill’s legacy fade. As Superman approaches, the film’s success may hinge on whether Corenswet can carve his own path or if Cavill’s shadow proves too vast. For now, Gunn’s bold redesign has sparked a clash of eras—Cavill’s grounded titan versus Corenswet’s hopeful icon—leaving the Man of Steel’s cinematic fate as contested as ever.
