David Corenswet in 'Superman'
Does the World Still Want Superman? James Gunn's Bold Take on the Man of Steel.
Does the world still want Superman? This is the fundamental question that James Gunn tackles in the first trailer for his highly anticipated Superman film, which is set to launch a new cinematic universe and redefine what this iconic hero means in today’s world.
After a week of build-up and speculation, the trailer has finally dropped, and fans are eagerly awaiting what Gunn, a director known for his unique style, will bring to the table. The weight of expectations is heavy, not just because this is Superman's return to the silver screen, but because this film is also tasked with establishing the future of the DC Universe (DCU).
With so much riding on its success, Gunn's Superman has a lot to prove. Not only does the film need to strike a chord with the modern audience, but it must also break through the cynicism surrounding superhero films, delivering a Superman story that resonates with today’s viewers.
This is a character whose cinematic depiction has arguably been somewhat out of touch since 1978's Superman: The Movie, especially with the recent portrayal in Man of Steel (2013) and the critical reception of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016).
But if the teaser trailer is anything to go by, things are indeed looking up. Superman ’25, as Gunn’s film is referred to, is far removed from the Superman of 1978. The teaser opens with a dramatic departure from the bright and optimistic Superman many expect.
Instead of a smiling, heroic figure soaring into the skies, we’re met with a battered and bruised Superman (David Corenswet) falling from the sky, landing near his Fortress of Solitude in the Arctic. Bloodied and struggling to breathe, he’s saved only by his loyal dog, Krypto. This raw portrayal of Superman’s vulnerability is jarring yet refreshing, as it signals that this new iteration of the hero will be far from invincible.
The juxtaposition of Superman's physical struggles with the optimism the character traditionally embodies presents a compelling narrative choice. Gunn seems to be fully aware of the critique that Superman is often depicted as too powerful and, at times, unrelatable. The teaser's portrayal of Superman as fallible, both physically and emotionally, challenges this notion.
Gone is the invincible hero; in its place is a figure who is deeply human, even as he grapples with extraordinary powers. This vulnerability is something fans haven’t seen much of in previous depictions of Superman, and it immediately sets this version apart.
One of the key themes that the trailer explores is Superman’s strained relationship with the world around him. In the teaser, we see a Superman who is not universally loved. As he walks through an angry crowd, bottles and cans are thrown at him, and he is escorted by police into Stagg Industries. The moment serves as a poignant reminder that not everyone sees Superman as a symbol of hope.
This is a Superman who has yet to earn the trust of humanity, a reflection of the current societal climate. It’s clear that Gunn is keen to tap into the complexities of Superman’s place in the modern world.
The question of whether the world even wants a Superman is not a new one. In 2006, Superman Returns explored the idea of a world that had moved on from the hero. Similarly, Batman v Superman (2016) posed the question, "Must There Be a Superman?" But what Gunn is addressing in his film is more specific:
How do we make the world want a Superman? In a world where superheroes are often seen as omnipotent beings, what makes us yearn for a man in a cape? What can Superman offer that other heroes cannot?
Despite the grounded approach to Superman’s character, the teaser suggests that hope still exists, even in this darker world. We catch glimpses of Superman saving a little girl and his symbol being used as a flag in the fictional country of Boravia.
This nod to the past—Boravia appeared in Superman comics as early as 1939—reminds us that Superman’s symbol still stands for hope, even if it’s not universally embraced. Gunn seems to suggest that hope may lie with younger generations, which is a compelling angle given that Superman was originally created for children.
Superman’s connection to younger audiences is also highlighted in the film’s tagline: “Look Up.” This echoes the childlike wonder evoked by the 1978 Superman film’s tagline, “You’ll Believe A Man Can Fly.” While the world around Superman might be complicated, there’s still a desire to believe in something greater—a figure who embodies hope, strength, and the possibility of a better future.
Gunn’s film doesn’t just focus on Superman, though. The teaser gives us glimpses of several other iconic characters from the DC Universe, ensuring that Superman’s world is filled with many wonders. There’s Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), and Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan).
Additionally, we see the first hints of Superman’s villains, including the mysterious black-clad behemoth, Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), and the promise of Brainiac, a villain long-awaited by fans.
While there are many characters to introduce, the teaser’s most compelling moments come from Clark Kent himself. David Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman channels a more relatable, grounded version of the character. Inspired by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s All-Star Superman, Corenswet’s Clark is a man trying to balance two jobs, a romantic relationship with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), and his role as a hero.
The depiction is refreshingly human. Clark struggles with his emotions, has tearful moments with his father Jonathan (Pruitt Taylor Vince), and experiences the highs and lows that come with being both a hero and an ordinary man.
At its core, Gunn’s Superman asks the age-old question: Why do we want a Superman? The answer seems clear. Superman is not just a symbol of hope and power; he represents who we are and who we could be. He’s the man of tomorrow, today. In a world that’s often dark and uncertain, there’s something deeply comforting about the idea of a hero who not only possesses incredible strength but also embodies the hope that things can get better.
So, does the world still want Superman? James Gunn’s trailer makes it clear: we do. In fact, we need him more than ever. Superman’s journey is just beginning, and with this new take on the character, there’s hope that audiences will once again look up to the skies and believe in the impossible.
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