Warner Bros. has officially announced the release of the highly anticipated James Gunn Superman trailer, directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet as the iconic Man of Steel. Fans can catch the trailer on Thursday at 6 a.m. PT, marking the first significant reveal for this new iteration of the beloved superhero. Alongside the announcement, Warner Bros. shared a motion poster that has already captivated audiences, paying homage to Christopher Reeve’s legendary Superman while offering a fresh take for a new generation.
1. A Motion Poster That Honors the Past
The motion poster gives fans a stunning first look at David Corenswet as Superman. Depicted soaring into the sky, Corenswet’s Superman exudes optimism and hope, with his signature red, blue, and yellow costume blending seamlessly into a dynamic background that conveys speed and energy. The tagline, “Look up,” hints at the uplifting and aspirational tone Gunn is bringing to this reboot.
A Musical Nostalgia
What truly sets the poster apart is the subtle yet powerful reimagining of John Williams’ iconic “Superman” theme from the 1978 Christopher Reeve film. Known for its triumphant horns and grandeur, Gunn’s version offers a more thoughtful and reflective interpretation. In this reimagining:
- Strings replace the brass instruments, creating a softer, more emotional tone.
- A woman’s voice hums the familiar melody, evoking nostalgia while signaling a modern, fresh perspective.
This blend of homage and innovation has already sparked excitement among fans who hold Reeve’s Superman in high regard.
2. The Trailer Tease: “Look Up”
Warner Bros. accompanied the motion poster with a brief teaser featuring the iconic Superman “S” logo. The logo is shown upside-down before being inverted to its proper orientation, symbolizing Superman’s role as a beacon of hope and justice. The teaser repeats the tagline:
“Look up.”
This phrase suggests a theme of hope, inspiration, and a return to Superman’s roots as the ultimate symbol of heroism.
3. The First Chapter in the New DC Universe
James Gunn Superman is not just another reboot; it is the first film to emerge under the leadership of Gunn and Peter Safran as heads of DC Studios. The film, previously titled “Superman: Legacy,” will serve as a foundational piece for the newly restructured DC Universe (DCU).
The DCU is expected to deliver a cohesive, interconnected narrative, and Gunn’s “Superman” is tasked with setting the tone for what’s to come. Gunn, known for his work on the Guardians of the Galaxy films, brings a unique mix of heart, humor, and spectacle to his projects, raising anticipation for this take on Superman.
4. David Corenswet: The New Superman
Stepping Into an Iconic Role
David Corenswet takes on the monumental role of Clark Kent/Superman, succeeding actors like Henry Cavill and Christopher Reeve. Known for his roles in projects like Pearl and The Politician, Corenswet embodies the character’s classic look while bringing a fresh energy and modern sensibility.
Gunn has previously stated that his Superman will focus on the “kindness and compassion” that define the hero, showcasing a side of the character that balances his immense power with his innate humanity.
5. Star-Studded Cast: A Strong Supporting Lineup
Gunn’s Superman features a diverse and talented ensemble cast:
- Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) as Lois Lane – Superman’s intrepid love interest and ace reporter.
- Nicholas Hoult (The Great) as Lex Luthor – Superman’s cunning and formidable arch-nemesis.
- Isabela Merced (Dora and the Lost City of Gold) as Hawkgirl – A fierce warrior with a rich comic book history.
- Edi Gathegi (X-Men: First Class) as Mister Terrific – A brilliant inventor and superhero.
- Nathan Fillion (Firefly) as Guy Gardner, the Green Lantern – A cocky yet charismatic member of the Green Lantern Corps.
- Anthony Carrigan (Barry) as Metamorpho – A shapeshifting hero with unique powers.
- Skyler Gisondo (The Righteous Gemstones) as Jimmy Olsen – Superman’s loyal friend and Daily Planet photographer.
The inclusion of multiple superheroes and iconic DC characters hints at a broader world-building effort, positioning Superman as both a standalone story and a launching point for future DCU films.
6. Release Date and Expectations
James Gunn Superman is set to hit theaters on July 11, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for DC Studios as they strive to establish a unified vision for their cinematic universe.
The film comes at a time of great change and anticipation for DC fans, especially after the mixed reception of recent releases. Gunn’s involvement, coupled with a return to the character’s roots, gives hope that Superman will capture the essence of what has made the character an enduring icon for over 85 years.
7. A Return to Superman’s Core Values
James Gunn has emphasized that his version of Superman will focus on the hero’s optimism, hope, and compassion. While previous iterations explored darker and grittier tones, Gunn’s approach aims to remind audiences why Superman remains the ultimate symbol of good:
“Superman represents the best of humanity—someone who uses their strength for selfless reasons. He inspires us to look up.”
This thematic direction, paired with a modern yet nostalgic tone, has already set high expectations for the film.
James Gunn Superman, starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2025. By paying homage to Christopher Reeve’s iconic portrayal while introducing a new vision, Gunn’s take on Superman promises to balance nostalgia with fresh storytelling.
The release of the trailer on Thursday at 6 a.m. PT will give fans their first substantial look at the film, which is set to kickstart a new era for DC Studios. With an all-star cast, stunning visuals, and a hopeful tone, Superman aims to soar high and reintroduce audiences to the superhero who taught the world to “look up.”
FAQs
1. When will the trailer for James Gunn Superman release?
The trailer will be released on Thursday at 6 a.m. PT.
2. Who plays Superman in the new film?
David Corenswet will portray Clark Kent/Superman in James Gunn’s Superman.
3. Who are the key cast members?
The film features Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, among others.
4. What is the release date for Superman?
The film is scheduled to release on July 11, 2025.
5. How does this film connect to the DC Universe?
James Gunn’s Superman is the first film in the newly revamped DC Universe overseen by Gunn and Peter Safran.
