The release of new promotional photos for James Gunn’s Superman, set to hit theaters on July 11, 2025, has ignited a wave of excitement and nostalgia among DC fans. The images, showcasing David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, have drawn inevitable comparisons to Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel from 2013, where Henry Cavill first donned the iconic cape. With both films serving as reboots of sorts for the character, the parallels are striking—yet the differences highlight how the DC Universe has evolved over the past decade, reflecting changing audience tastes and creative directions.

The promotional photos for Superman 2025, unveiled in early April 2025, feature Corenswet in a vibrant, slightly retro-inspired suit that has already become a talking point. The costume includes the classic red trunks—a detail absent from Cavill’s 2013 suit—along with a brighter blue and a more textured emblem that nods to the character’s comic book roots. In one image, Corenswet’s Superman is seen soaring above Metropolis, his cape billowing dramatically against a sunlit sky, exuding a sense of hope and heroism. Another shot captures him standing amidst a crowd, a gentle smile on his face, emphasizing his role as a protector of humanity. These visuals immediately sparked comparisons to Cavill’s debut as Superman, where promotional stills often depicted him in dynamic, action-oriented poses—flying at breakneck speed or standing stoically against a stormy backdrop.

Fans on platforms like X have been quick to draw parallels between the two portrayals. “Corenswet’s Superman feels like a throwback to Cavill’s, but with more heart,” one user commented, pointing to the brighter color palette and lighter tone of the 2025 photos. Indeed, Cavill’s Superman in Man of Steel was defined by a darker, more grounded aesthetic, reflecting Snyder’s signature style. The 2013 film leaned into a muted color scheme, with Cavill’s suit featuring a textured, almost metallic finish and no red trunks, aligning with the trend of modernizing superhero costumes for a grittier cinematic landscape. Promotional images often showed him in moments of conflict—clenching his fists or gazing intensely into the distance—underscoring the film’s focus on Superman as a conflicted outsider.

While both sets of promotional photos aim to introduce a new Superman to the world, the tones they set are markedly different. Man of Steel positioned Superman as a god among men, grappling with his place in a world that feared him as much as it needed him. The 2013 photos captured that tension, often isolating Cavill’s Superman against stark, dramatic backgrounds. In contrast, Gunn’s vision, as seen in the 2025 images, emphasizes warmth and accessibility. Corenswet’s Superman appears more integrated into humanity—whether he’s saving a child from a burning building or simply walking among the people of Metropolis. The return of the red trunks, a choice Corenswet himself advocated for, adds a touch of whimsy that softens the character’s larger-than-life presence, making him feel like a friendlier, more approachable hero.

The comparisons extend beyond aesthetics to the broader narratives each film promises. Man of Steel was a bold reimagining of Superman’s origin, focusing on his Kryptonian heritage and the weight of his destiny. Its promotional campaign leaned heavily on spectacle, teasing epic battles with General Zod and the destruction of Metropolis. The 2025 photos, however, suggest a more character-driven story. While action is certainly present—Corenswet is seen deflecting bullets in one striking image—there’s a clear emphasis on Superman’s connection to humanity, hinting at Gunn’s goal to portray him as a beacon of hope in a cynical world. This shift reflects a broader trend in superhero cinema, where audiences now crave emotional depth alongside the usual heroics.

As Superman 2025 approaches its release, the comparisons to Man of Steel are likely to intensify. Both films mark pivotal moments for the character, introducing him to new generations while honoring his legacy. Cavill’s portrayal set a high bar, blending physicality with vulnerability, and his promotional photos captured the awe of a Superman discovering his powers. Corenswet’s images, however, suggest a hero who’s already found his place—one who inspires not through sheer might, but through kindness and relatability. Whether this new take will soar as high as its predecessor remains to be seen, but for now, the promotional photos have fans looking to the skies with renewed excitement.