The release of an extended preview for James Gunn’s Superman at CinemaCon on April 3, 2025, has sent ripples through the fanbase, with reactions ranging from enthusiastic praise to sharp criticism. This five-minute clip, now playing ahead of IMAX screenings of A Minecraft Movie and shared online, offers a glimpse into Gunn’s vision for the DC Universe’s reboot, starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel. However, the focus on a vulnerable Superman has left many questioning whether this interpretation aligns with their expectations, while others celebrate its fresh take. With the film’s theatrical debut set for July 11, 2025, the mixed response underscores the high stakes for Gunn’s first major DCU project.
The preview opens with a dramatic scene: a bloodied and battered Superman crashes into the snowy landscape near his Fortress of Solitude. Too weak to move, he whistles for his loyal dog Krypto, who bounds over excitedly, jumping on him and eliciting pained cries from the hero. Krypto then drags him into the Fortress, where robotic assistants expose him to sunlight to heal his injuries—14 fractures and multiple organ damages, according to the automatons—prompting more screams of agony. This portrayal of a physically broken Superman, reliant on external aid, starkly contrasts with the invincible figure many associate with the character, sparking a polarized debate among fans.
Critics have been vocal, particularly those who favor Zack Snyder’s darker, more stoic Superman from the DCEU. Social media posts captured by The Hollywood Reporter highlight the discontent. One fan lamented, “The real Superman doesn’t need a bunch of robots to carry him over to a table to heal…and doesn’t whine like a little b*tch when the sun hits him.” Another compared it unfavorably to Snyder’s version: “Snyder’s Superman took a nuke at point blank range and healed from the sun without feeling any pain from its radiation, which is accurate in the comics. Gunn’s mediocre interpretation is screaming in agony.” A third dismissed the clip entirely: “That was the worst Superman clip I have ever seen. It’s an utter joke and it’s all about Krypto.” For these fans, the vulnerability feels like a betrayal of Superman’s near-mythical resilience, and the prominence of Krypto—a playful, rambunctious pup—adds an unwelcome comedic slant.
Yet, the preview has its defenders, who argue that it captures the essence of Superman in a way that’s both faithful to the comics and emotionally resonant. One supporter enthused, “How in the name of hell can anyone not like this preview? This looks so ‘Superman’ it’s insane.” Another praised its tone: “By far, far and away, the best part of this trailer is that there is zero cynicism, zero moral grayness, zero self-loathing. It’s a romantic, idealistic, innocent vision which is pure awesome.” Fans of the Silver Age and Grant Morrison’s All-Star Superman—key influences Gunn has cited—pointed to specific details with delight: “Love the design of Fortress of Solitude and the giant double doors with the House of El symbol that lights up. We have Krypto, Kelex, and the other service robots. This is very Silver Age and I fckin’ love it!” The relatable chaos of Krypto’s antics also won over some: “The dog being a rambunctious little sht jumping all over you at the worst possible time is incredibly relatable.”
The criticisms, while passionate, don’t fully hold up under scrutiny. Superman’s vulnerability isn’t a departure from the comics—titles like Superman: Doomed and The Death of Superman have shown him bruised and beaten, often requiring recovery time. Gunn’s choice to depict this side of the hero aligns with his stated goal of crafting a Superman “driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind,” as per the official synopsis. The focus on weakness in this clip could be a deliberate setup for a narrative arc of resilience, a hallmark of Gunn’s storytelling seen in Guardians of the Galaxy. As for Krypto, his presence—modeled after Gunn’s own mischievous dog, Ozu—adds a layer of warmth and levity, balancing the heavier stakes.
The cast, including Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and a roster of DC heroes like Hawkgirl (Isabel Merced) and Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), hints at a broader universe that this preview only teases. Gunn’s reflections after filming wrapped in March 2025—“I set out to make a movie about a good man in a world that isn’t always so much”—suggest a film that will lean into hope over despair. While the mixed reactions reflect fans’ deep investment in Superman’s legacy, the clip’s divisive nature may ultimately fuel curiosity, driving audiences to theaters to see if Gunn can deliver. For now, the debate rages on, but one thing is clear: this Superman is already sparking conversations. What’s your take?
