Corenswet as the iconic Man of Steel, has been at the center of intense discussion since its final trailer dropped in May 2025. While the film, set to release on July 11, 2025, promised a vibrant return to Superman’s hopeful and colorful comic book roots, a particular CGI scene has sparked widespread criticism, with many film critics labeling it as one of the most egregious errors in recent blockbuster history. This misstep has left even the most ardent James Gunn fans grappling with disappointment and embarrassment, as the director’s reputation for polished superhero spectacles takes a hit.
The scene in question, featured prominently in the final trailer, depicts Superman soaring through Metropolis while battling a massive alien kaiju. In the background, a giant screen displays a news broadcast with the headline “Major Floods Cause Suffering,” subtly hinting at a potential crossover with Gotham City. However, what was meant to be a dynamic, high-stakes action sequence has instead drawn ridicule for its shoddy CGI execution. Critics have pointed out that the kaiju’s movements appear unnaturally stiff, with textures that look more like a video game cutscene from the early 2000s than a modern blockbuster. The integration of Superman into the scene feels disjointed, with inconsistent lighting and awkward compositing that makes Corenswet’s character appear to float unnaturally against the backdrop. One critic from ScreenRant described it as “a jarring blemish on an otherwise promising trailer,” while another from Collider called it “the most laughably amateurish CGI in a major superhero film to date.”
This backlash is particularly stinging for fans of James Gunn, who has built a reputation for delivering visually stunning and emotionally resonant superhero films, as seen in his work on Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and DC’s The Suicide Squad. Gunn’s vision for Superman was touted as a bold reboot, blending comic book fidelity with his signature humor and heart. The decision to restore Superman’s iconic red trunks, influenced by Corenswet himself, was celebrated as a nod to the character’s classic roots, distancing the film from the darker, grittier tone of Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel. Yet, the faulty CGI scene has overshadowed these achievements, with social media platforms like X buzzing with memes and sarcastic comments. Posts such as “James Gunn’s Superman CGI looks like it was rendered on a toaster” and “Did they hire a high school intern for this kaiju scene?” have gone viral, amplifying the embarrassment for Gunn’s loyal fanbase.
The criticism isn’t just about aesthetics; it raises questions about the production process. With the film’s visual effects reportedly completed, as Gunn announced on Instagram in early June 2025, many wonder how such a glaring error made it through quality control. Some speculate that the tight production schedule, with Superman being the first film in the rebooted DC Universe (DCU), may have led to rushed post-production work. Others point to the high expectations set by Gunn’s previous projects, which made the subpar CGI all the more jarring. “Gunn’s films usually nail the balance between spectacle and story,” a critic from The Hollywood Reporter noted. “This scene feels like a betrayal of that standard.”
For fans, the embarrassment is compounded by the film’s high stakes. Superman is not just a standalone movie but the cornerstone of DC Studios’ new cinematic universe, introducing characters like Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), and lesser-known heroes like Hawkgirl and Metamorpho. The trailer’s other moments, such as Superman’s heartfelt interactions with Lois Lane and a recreated Christopher Reeve-era scene, have been praised for capturing the character’s hopeful essence. Yet, the CGI blunder risks undermining the film’s credibility before it even hits theaters.
As the July 11 release date approaches, the question remains whether this scene is an isolated misstep or a sign of deeper issues. Gunn has yet to address the criticism directly, though he’s been active in debunking other rumors, such as those about the film’s runtime. For now, fans are left hoping that the final product will redeem this stumble, proving that Superman can still soar—both in spirit and in execution.
