In a dramatic turn of events at a private screening of James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman film, set to release on July 11, 2025, Warner Bros. (WB) president Michael De Luca reportedly walked out halfway through the showing, leaving attendees stunned with a bold statement aimed at previous generations of superheroes, including Henry Cavill’s portrayal of the Man of Steel. The incident, which took place on April 13, 2025, in Burbank, California, has sparked intense discussions within the film industry and among fans of the DC Universe (DCU), as Gunn’s reboot seeks to redefine the iconic character for a new era.
The private screening was organized for select WB executives, industry insiders, and a few trusted media representatives to get an early glimpse of Gunn’s vision for Superman, the first theatrical film under the newly revamped DC Studios banner. Starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent, the film promises to explore Superman’s journey as he reconciles his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing, focusing on a younger, more optimistic version of the character. The movie also features a strong ensemble cast, including Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, among others. Expectations were high, given Gunn’s track record with films like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, which blended humor, heart, and action seamlessly.
However, according to sources present at the screening, De Luca’s reaction was far from positive. Roughly 45 minutes into the film, the WB president stood up, visibly agitated, and addressed the room before exiting. “This isn’t the Superman we need,” De Luca reportedly said, his voice firm. “The past generations—Reeve, Cavill—they carried a weight, a gravitas that defined heroism for their time. This feels like a caricature, not a hero.” His words, aimed at the legacy of previous Supermen, particularly Henry Cavill’s tenure in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), sent shockwaves through the audience. Cavill, who portrayed Superman in Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Justice League (2017), had been a fan favorite despite the polarizing reception of the DCEU’s darker tone.
De Luca’s statement reflects a broader tension within the industry about the direction of superhero films in 2025. Cavill’s Superman, under Zack Snyder’s direction, was often criticized for its brooding, deconstructed take on the character, but it also resonated with audiences who appreciated its gritty realism and emotional depth. In contrast, Gunn’s Superman has been marketed as a return to the character’s roots, emphasizing hope, kindness, and “truth, justice, and the American way,” as described by DC Studios co-head Peter Safran. The first trailer, released in December 2024, showcased a world where superheroes are already established, with Corenswet’s Superman surrounded by allies like Mr. Terrific, Hawkgirl, and Metamorpho, but also facing public backlash—a stark departure from the isolated, conflicted Superman of Cavill’s era.
Insiders suggest that De Luca’s walkout may stem from creative differences with Gunn’s approach. While Gunn has emphasized a lighter, more interconnected DCU, De Luca was reportedly a supporter of a Man of Steel sequel featuring Cavill, even hiring Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight to write a treatment with Brainiac as the villain. That project was shelved when Gunn and Safran took over DC Studios in late 2022, opting instead for a full reboot. De Luca’s comments seem to echo the sentiments of some fans who feel that Cavill’s Superman deserved a proper conclusion, especially after his brief return in Black Adam (2022) was followed by the announcement that he would not reprise the role.
The fallout from the screening has raised questions about the future of Superman and the DCU. Some speculate that De Luca’s public criticism could lead to last-minute changes to the film, though with its release date just three months away, significant alterations seem unlikely. Others see this as a sign of deeper instability at WB, which has faced challenges in maintaining a cohesive vision for its superhero franchises since the DCEU’s uneven run. Meanwhile, Gunn has remained steadfast, with early test screenings of Superman earning praise for its fresh take, often drawing comparisons to Gunn’s work on Guardians of the Galaxy.
As the release date approaches, the incident has only heightened anticipation—and scrutiny—for Gunn’s Superman. Whether De Luca’s critique will resonate with audiences or be overshadowed by a new generation’s embrace of Corenswet’s Man of Steel remains to be seen. For now, the clash between past and present visions of Superman underscores the enduring challenge of reimagining a cultural icon in an ever-evolving cinematic landscape.
