The hype surrounding James Gunn’s Superman, slated for release on July 11, 2025, reached a fever pitch this week when an extended clip from the film leaked online after screenings ahead of A Minecraft Movie in IMAX theaters. Initially showcased at CinemaCon on April 3, 2025, during Warner Bros.’ presentation, the footage quickly spread across social media platforms following Thursday preview showings of Minecraft. Warner Bros. has been swift to issue takedown strikes, but the studio also officially released the clip online, ensuring fans could catch a glimpse of David Corenswet’s Man of Steel in action. Though its online lifespan may be fleeting, this leak has given audiences plenty to dissect as the DC Universe reboot draws nearer.
The clip, running just over five minutes, kicks off with a dramatic and visceral scene. Superman, visibly battered and bloodied, crash-lands into the Arctic snow near his Fortress of Solitude. Struggling to move, he whistles for Krypto, his loyal super-dog, who bounds through the flurry in a burst of energy. The playful pup leaps onto Superman, eliciting grunts of pain, before the hero weakly commands, “Take me home,” clutching his cape. Krypto drags him across the tundra in a comedic yet tender moment, as crystalline structures rise in the distance, forming the iconic Fortress with its glowing House of El-emblazoned doors. Inside, automatons lift Superman into a healing chamber powered by sunlight, where he grimaces through the painful recovery process—14 fractures and organ damage, the robots note—before attempting a feeble thank-you, only to learn they lack sentience. The clip then transitions into snippets from the main trailer, concluding with Superman preparing to leave the Fortress, nearly forgetting Krypto until a whimper prompts him to let the pup tag along, playfully nipping at his boots.
Check out this Sneak Peek of #Superman, flying into theaters July 11. pic.twitter.com/hqLYhFG0Ur
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) April 3, 2025
This footage has stirred a whirlwind of reactions since its leak, amplifying the buzz from CinemaCon. Gunn, speaking at the event, shared insights into his journey with the project, revealing he was first offered Superman in 2018 but opted for The Suicide Squad instead. “It seemed hard,” he admitted, recalling how the R-rated ragtag hero film felt like an easier choice. Yet, the idea of Superman lingered. “It was a constant thought experiment in my mind,” he said. “How can you take a character perceived as old-fashioned by many, with so many permutations over the years, and do it for a modern audience?” The answer came in a burst of inspiration, leading to a story he describes as “utterly human, utterly fantastic.” Gunn emphasized the film’s core: “This is a movie that celebrates kindness and human love. I want people to leave with that magical feeling, loving the person they came with a little more.”
The leaked clip reflects this vision, blending humor—courtesy of Krypto’s antics—with a grounded portrayal of Superman’s resilience. Corenswet’s take, marked by vulnerability and warmth, aligns with Gunn’s goal of a compassionate hero, though it’s sparked debate among fans accustomed to a more invincible Man of Steel. The cast bolsters this fresh approach: Rachel Brosnahan stars as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Isabel Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, and Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho. Sara Sampaio plays Lex’s assistant and lover Eve Teschmacher, Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell portray Ma and Pa Kent, and Milly Alcock’s Supergirl makes her debut, setting up her own Woman of Tomorrow film.
Filming wrapped in March 2025, and Gunn’s reflections on the process underscore the emotional stakes. “God bless our cast and crew whose commitment, creativity, and hard work have brought this project to life,” he posted. “I set out to make a movie about a good man in a world that isn’t always so much. The goodness and kindness and love I’ve encountered daily on set have inspired me and thrust me forward when I felt too spent to move on.” He called it an honor, noting that while Superman is the destination, the journey was the “toil and laughter and emotions and ideas and magic” shared on set.
The official synopsis echoes this sentiment: “In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor, and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind.” As the leaked clip circulates—subject to Warner Bros.’ ongoing strikes—it’s a tantalizing taste of what’s to come. Whether you’re charmed by Krypto or intrigued by this humanized Superman, the conversation is just beginning. Check it out while it lasts, and mark your calendars for July—this is one flight you won’t want to miss.
