James Gunn Unveils First Look at Superman at CinemaCon: “A Film With Heart, Humor, and Krypto”

DC’s cinematic future takes flight as Gunn, Corenswet, Brosnahan, and Hoult introduce an emotionally grounded and unexpectedly hilarious Superman reboot ahead of its July 11 release.

Las Vegas, April 2: CinemaCon 2025 lit up with excitement as DC Studios chief James Gunn unveiled an extended look at Superman, the upcoming superhero reboot poised to redefine the Man of Steel for a new generation.

Gunn, joined on stage by co-chief Peter Safran and stars David Corenswet (Superman), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), and Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor), shared behind-the-scenes anecdotes, new footage, and the deep emotional connection driving the highly anticipated film.

The footage wowed attendees with a mix of heart and humor, including a standout sequence featuring Krypto, Superman’s super-powered dog, dragging the caped hero into the Fortress of Solitude. In typical Gunn style, laughs followed when a robot deadpans, “No need to thank us, sir, as we will not appreciate it.”

Gunn said he couldn’t be more thrilled: “We’re still deep in post-production, but I can’t wait for the world to see this.” He also opened up about his journey with the project, revealing he was first offered Superman in 2018 but initially passed, unsure how to tackle a character often perceived as outdated. “But I realized he’s not old-fashioned—he’s eternal,” Gunn said.

Corenswet, who steps into the iconic cape, called the role “an honor,” recounting a scene with Brosnahan that required so many takes he “lost count of the pancakes” eaten. Brosnahan quipped, “Glad that’s the most memorable part for you.”

Hoult, who plays the infamous Lex Luthor, joked that he originally auditioned for Batman and Superman before landing the role he now believes was always meant for him. “Shit, this was who I was supposed to play all along,” he laughed.

Much of the emotional core of the film, Gunn revealed, came from a personal source: his dog Ozu, the real-life inspiration for Krypto. “He chewed up my laptop and shoes… I thought, ‘What if this dog had superpowers?’ That’s when I knew what to do with Superman.”

Brosnahan, meanwhile, dug into her role as a tenacious journalist by shadowing real reporters and even requested “flight training” for the action-packed scenes. She praised the film’s relatability: “These stories endure because there’s something in them for everyone.”

Set to release July 11, 2025, Superman arrives at a critical moment for Warner Bros., which is banking on the film to reinvigorate its DC franchise after a string of underperforming releases. Gunn not only directs but also penned the script, which will set the tone for the broader DC Universe.

The cast also includes Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, and Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho. Gunn has teased “pocket universes” and deeper character relationships—hallmarks of his storytelling style.

As Gunn summed up: “I relate to Superman because he’s everything I am. An outsider who feels like an alien… but also the ultimate insider. That duality is what this movie is all about.”

With buzz building, humor in full flight, and emotional stakes running deep, Superman looks ready to soar.