Superman 2025 Trailer Review
Yesterday, DC and Warner Bros. unveiled the first trailer for their upcoming Superman film, and it’s impressive. James Gunn seems to be steering the DC Universe in a promising new direction with this inaugural project under the revamped DCU banner.
David Corenswet embodies both sides of the iconic hero—capturing the muscled strength of the Man of Steel and the awkward charm of Clark Kent, complete with his ill-fitting suit and thick-rimmed glasses. While I’m a huge fan of Henry Cavill, I have to admit that Corenswet steps into Superman’s iconic red boots with ease, even if the updated suit has sparked some debate.
Let’s break down what works in this trailer:
The casting is spot-on. David Corenswet perfectly captures a younger, softer, and less severe version of Superman. While Henry Cavill was excellent in the role, his portrayal—like much of the Snyderverse—was weighed down by Zack Snyder’s somber approach. Rachel Brosnahan is a fantastic pick for Lois Lane; although I admire Amy Adams, she never fully fit the part. Nicholas Hoult, who stole the show in The Great, looks poised to deliver a stellar performance as Lex Luthor, the cunning head of LexCorp—well, LuthorCorp. And let’s not forget Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner and that unforgettable haircut!
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The brief glimpses of Lois Lane and Clark Kent’s dynamic are a highlight. It seems Lois will uncover Clark’s dual identity in this film, and we’ll get some romance—complete with mid-flight kisses.
Krypto the Superdog, however, steals the spotlight. His single line, “Take me home, Krypto,” is perfection, and it’s clear he’ll be the heart and marketing darling of the movie. Even critics of the trailer would likely agree on that point.
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What really shines is Superman’s role as a savior. The trailer emphasizes hope, compassion, and kindness, embodying what the character stands for. A particularly touching moment is the young boy whispering “Superman” like a prayer amidst chaos—a poignant reminder of the hero’s enduring symbol of hope.
This seems to be a more sincere and optimistic take on Superman, moving away from grimdark storytelling without veering into James Gunn’s signature goofiness. Striking this balance isn’t easy, but the trailer suggests the film is on the right track. That said, it’s not all lighthearted—it’s darker and more intense than expected, with plenty of action, struggle, and stakes.
Finally, the soundtrack is a standout, blending electric guitar with orchestral elements in a way that nods to John Williams’ iconic score. It’s both nostalgic and fresh—a perfect match for this new era of Superman.
There are two aspects of the trailer that didn’t quite sit right with me—one is a concern, and the other is something I simply dislike.
My main concern is the sheer number of characters, particularly superpowered ones, introduced in this teaser. For the first film in the DCU reboot, I’d hoped for a tighter focus on Superman and Lex Luthor, allowing their dynamic to take center stage. Instead, we’re seeing Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, some kind of Kaiju, and more—and that’s not even counting Supergirl, who hasn’t appeared yet. A sprawling ensemble right out of the gate might dilute the impact of Superman’s story.
What concerns me more is the cinematography. While some moments look stunning, others feel overly saturated and artificial—a lingering issue from the DCEU’s history with excessive CGI and uneven special effects. I was hoping for a more old-school aesthetic that relied less on digital gloss. While I appreciate the brighter tone—marking a departure from the darker, gloomier visuals of the past—the color grading and effects sometimes feel overwhelming, as if trying a bit too hard to dazzle.
I’m also cautious about the use of slow-motion. The scene where Superman saves the girl is an excellent example of the technique done right, but I can’t help but feel a bit scarred by Zack Snyder’s overuse of slow-mo in previous films. At times, his reliance on it bordered on indulgence, and I hope this film doesn’t fall into the same trap.
The movie is set to premiere on July 11th, and we’ll likely get more trailers that offer a clearer picture of the story and visuals. I’m genuinely optimistic about this project. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt excited about a DC movie—outside of The Batman and Joker—and I think fans are overdue for a win. Warner Bros. and DC need it even more.
