James Gunn’s ‘Superman’: Final trailer promises DCU revolution

The highly anticipated ‘Superman’ film, directed by James Gunn, released its final trailer on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, packed with unseen scenes that promise to kick off the new DC Universe (DCU). Starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, the movie hits Brazilian theaters on July 10, delivering a refreshed take on the iconic hero. Featuring collapsing buildings, heat vision explosions, and the introduction of a mysterious villain, the trailer heightens anticipation for the premiere. Filmed at Trilith Studios in Atlanta, the project is the first major release from DC Studios under Gunn and Peter Safran’s leadership, aiming to rival Marvel’s Cinematic Universe. The story centers on a young Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human life, raised in Smallville, Kansas.

The new preview, released by Warner Bros. Pictures, showcases grand action sequences and emotional moments, hallmarks of Gunn’s style, blending humor, heart, and visual spectacle. Alongside David Corenswet, the stellar cast includes Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, promising intense interactions at the Daily Planet. The production, inspired by comics like All-Star Superman and Superman for All Seasons, presents a hero driven by compassion and a belief in human goodness.

• Final trailer highlights:
  • Superman battling the villain Hammer of Boravia in an epic showdown.
  • Scenes of Krypto, the superdog, guarding the Fortress of Solitude.
  • Appearances by other heroes, like Green Lantern and Hawkgirl.
  • Memorable dialogue between Clark Kent and Lois Lane about his heroic actions.

The trailer also hints at ethical conflicts, with the government questioning Superman’s interventions in a fictional war in Boravia, adding depth to the narrative.

New chapter for the Man of Steel

‘Superman’ marks the end of the DC Extended Universe (2013–2023) and the start of Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters in the new DCU. James Gunn, who became co-CEO of DC Studios in November 2022, wrote and directed the film, bringing his unique vision to the superhero. Planning began in mid-2022, with the project officially announced in January 2023, initially titled Superman: Legacy. David Corenswet was cast as the lead after rigorous testing, showcasing not only physical resemblance to the character but also the ability to convey his altruistic essence.

The plot moves away from traditional origin stories, skipping Krypton’s destruction or Clark’s childhood with the Kents. Instead, it focuses on Clark Kent’s early days as a reporter at the Daily Planet in Metropolis while embracing his Superman role. The narrative explores his struggle to balance his Kryptonian identity with the human values instilled in Smallville.

Stellar cast raises expectations

The ‘Superman’ cast is a major highlight, blending established names and rising talents. Rachel Brosnahan, acclaimed for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, plays Lois Lane, bringing a modern, fearless take to the journalist. Nicholas Hoult, known for Mad Max: Fury Road, portrays Lex Luthor, with trailer scenes suggesting a charismatic and cunning villain.

Other DCU heroes also appear, reinforcing the shared universe concept:

• Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, the irreverent Green Lantern.
• Isabela Merced as Kendra Saunders, Hawkgirl.
• Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, the tech genius.
• Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, able to shapeshift.

Milly Alcock’s role as Supergirl, though not officially confirmed, is highly anticipated, as the character will star in her own future film.

The trailer highlights the chemistry between Clark and Lois, with dialogue emphasizing the hero’s humanity. Krypto, the superdog, adds a touch of levity, inspired by James Gunn’s own dog, Ozu.

Action and visuals impress

The final trailer’s action sequences are a visual feast. Buildings crumble in Metropolis, explosions light up the sky, and Superman unleashes his heat vision in intense battles. The fight against the Hammer of Boravia, a lesser-known comics villain, suggests both a physical and moral challenge for the hero.

Filming, conducted between March and July 2024, utilized the expertise of Henry Braham, cinematographer for Guardians of the Galaxy and The Flash. Visual effects supervisor Stephane Ceretti employed cutting-edge technology to craft settings like the Fortress of Solitude and Metropolis’ streets. The trailer depicts the Fortress as a technological sanctuary, where Kryptonian robots heal a wounded Superman with solar rays.

The score, composed by John Murphy, reimagines the classic Superman theme, blending nostalgia with a modern edge. Warner Bros. released the track Theme from Superman (Trailer Version) post-trailer, which garnered over 250 million global views in its first 24 hours.

Leia Tambem

Veículos mais antigos com manutenção precária enfrentam problemas ao usar gasolina E10

Chuva forte e tempestades atingem 17 estados da Índia nesta terça-feira com alerta do IMD

Denunciante do Facebook, Sarah Wynn-Williams, cumpre ordem da Meta e permanece calada em evento no Reino Unido

Mysterious villain and global conflicts

The final trailer introduces the Hammer of Boravia as a significant threat, but speculation points to other potential antagonists. Fans theorize Lex Luthor may be allied with Solaris, an artificial sun that weakens Superman, or even Ultraman, an evil counterpart from another universe, based on All-Star Superman.

The narrative also tackles Superman’s role in international conflicts. In the trailer, Lois Lane questions his intervention in Boravia, a fictional nation in civil war. The scene suggests his actions spark controversy, with the government and media debating whether he represents American values or an independent force.

Aggressive marketing for the launch

Warner Bros. has heavily invested in promoting ‘Superman’. The film was featured at Puppy Bowl XXI on February 9, 2025, with James Gunn and his dog Ozu presenting new footage. The Superman World Tour, set for June and July, will bring the cast to seven international cities, including São Paulo.

Licensed merchandise, like Funko and McFarlane Toys action figures, is already in pre-sale. A prequel novel, Superman: Welcome to Metropolis, released in June, explores Clark and Lois’ early days at the Daily Planet, introducing the villain Metallo.

• Promotional strategies:
  • Billboards in New York and Madrid announcing the final trailer.
  • Partnerships with brands like Animal Planet.
  • Digital campaigns with exclusive YouTube teasers.
  • Cast appearances at events like CCXP.

The marketing budget, estimated at $200 million, reflects Warner Bros.’ confidence in the film’s box office potential, projected to surpass $1 billion globally.

Krypto steals the show

Krypto, the superdog, is a standout in the trailer. Inspired by James Gunn’s dog, he appears rescuing Superman in an Arctic scene, carrying him to the Fortress of Solitude. His presence adds humor and heart, winning over fans on social media.

The trailer shows Krypto defending the Fortress against intruders, hinting at an active role in the plot. Warner Bros. capitalized on his popularity, featuring him in promotional materials and the Krypto Super Play award at the Puppy Bowl.

Box office expectations

Analysts predict ‘Superman’ will need to gross over $500 million to break even, but optimistic projections suggest a $175 million domestic opening. The trailer’s success, with high online engagement, bolsters DC Studios’ confidence in the project.

The film will compete with Marvel’s Fantastic Four, releasing in the same month. James Gunn downplayed rivalries, noting both films can coexist at the box office. Premium formats like IMAX and Dolby Cinema are expected to draw audiences seeking an immersive experience.

A Superman for a new era

James Gunn’s vision for ‘Superman’ blends comic book fidelity with a modern approach. The hero is portrayed as a beacon of hope but also a young man navigating personal and global pressures. Interactions with other DCU heroes, like Mister Terrific and Metamorpho, lay the groundwork for future projects, such as Green Lanterns and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.

The final trailer underscores that the film is not just a reboot for Superman but for the entire DC Universe. With a mix of action, emotion, and humor, ‘Superman’ promises a cinematic experience that honors the character’s legacy while opening new possibilities for the franchise.