James Gunn Reveals New ‘Superman’ Footage, Fans Divided: “It’s An Utter Joke”
Courtesy of Warner Bros. / DC Studios.
The newly released five-minute clip from DC Studios' eagerly awaited Superman reboot has sparked mixed reactions among fans. The footage, showcasing a distressed Superman aided by his dog and a team of robots, has become a topic of debate. Directed by James Gunn, who also serves as co-chief of DC Studios, the film is seen as a pivotal release for the studio. Set for a July 11 premiere, it aims to kickstart a new era of superhero films.
James Gunn, known for his work on "Guardians of the Galaxy," is steering Superman into a more light-hearted direction, contrasting sharply with the darker tones set by Zack Snyder in previous films like "Man of Steel" from 2013. The clip reveals a beleaguered Superman in the snow, struggling under the playful antics of his dog Krypto, who drags him back to the Fortress of Solitude. There, Superman receives painful healing from a group of robotic caretakers using intensified sunlight, interspersed with quick glimpses of the film’s other scenes.
Online responses have been intense, largely focusing on two perspectives: whether fans prefer a more invincible, god-like Superman or a relatable, vulnerable one; and whether they favor a serious rendition of the superhero saga or a lighter, more humorous approach.
See a few reactions below (taken from X, Instagram, and Reddit), taken from positive and negative spins on the footage:
More negative opinions from across the web:
“The real Superman doesn’t need a bunch of robots to carry him over to a table to heal…and doesn’t whine like a little bitch when the sun hits him.”
“Snyder’s Superman literally took a nuke at point blank range and healed from the sun without feeling any pain from its radiation, which is accurate in the Comics. Gunn’s mediocre interpretation is screaming in agony.”
“James Gunn gets it, they said. He won’t make it a stupid comedy, they said. They said he understood the assignment. That was the worst Superman clip I have ever seen. It’s an utter joke and it’s all about Krypto.”
More positive opinions from across the web:
“How in the name of hell can anyone not like this preview? I’m convinced some people just like to rage hate. This looks so ‘Superman’ it’s insane.”
“By far, far and away, the best part of this trailer is that there is ZERO cynicism, zero moral grayness, zero self loathing, zero sense that Superman is a ‘vigilante.’ It’s a romantic, idealistic, innocent vision which is pure awesome.”
“Love the design of Fortress of Solitude and the giant double doors with the House of El symbol that lights up. We have Krypto, Kelex and the other service robots. This is very silver age and all star superman and I f*ckin’ love it!”
‘Superman’ hits theatres July 11, 2025.
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