A full-length trailer for James Gunn’s “Superman” has finally dropped online—and it’s sparking plenty of reactions. So, what’s the verdict?
Visually, the film appears well-crafted, and hearing the iconic John Williams score still sends chills. Overall, the trailer hits the right notes, but I can’t shake the worry that we might be headed for yet another large-scale destruction of “Metropolis,” reminiscent of Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel.”
I’ve said it before: the pressure on Gunn to deliver with “Superman” is immense—almost unprecedented. Warner Bros. and David Zaslav are placing enormous faith (and finances) in Gunn’s vision for the DC Universe. If this film stumbles out of the gate, there could be major fallout. With billions of dollars on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
But is there still a large enough audience for a “Superman” film with a budget reportedly north of $300 million? The character has gone through several reboots over the years, yielding mixed results. While Superman remains a cultural icon, he’s often overshadowed at the box office by Batman, Spider-Man, and even the likes of Iron Man and Captain America.
The truth is, we haven’t had a universally beloved Superman movie in decades—the last one arguably being Richard Donner’s Superman II back in 1980. Could Gunn finally break that streak? It’s possible. But one thing’s clear: the film can’t afford to feel like more of the same. It needs to offer something bold and new.
Production wrapped in July 2024, and the cast includes David Corenswet stepping into the role of Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult taking on Lex Luthor. Supporting roles are filled by Skyler Gisondo, Anthony Carrigan, and Isabela Merced.
Superman is scheduled to hit theaters worldwide on July 11, 2025.
It’s now been 13 years since "The Grandmaster,” and it doesn’t sound like Wong Kar-wai will be making another film in the near future. His future seems to be on the small screen.