James Gunn’s New Superman Footage Sparks Debate: “Vulnerable Hero or Too Human?”

April 5, 2025: James Gunn, co-chairman and co-CEO of DC Studios, has shared an exciting sneak peek of the highly anticipated Superman film online, just hours before the Disney/Marvel presentation at CinemaCon. The footage, which was first shown at CinemaCon on Tuesday, offers a glimpse into the new direction of Superman, starring David Corenswet as the titular hero, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.

In the newly released clip, fans are introduced to a battered and broken Superman, who is lying in the snow after suffering a painful beating. His loyal dog, Krypto, attempts to help him, dragging the injured hero back to his Fortress of Solitude. Once inside, a squadron of robotic caretakers begins to heal Superman with magnified sunlight, but it causes him immense pain, leading to a dramatic display of agony.

As the video progresses, there are a series of brief but intriguing shots from the rest of the film, teasing more about the plot and Superman’s journey. Gunn shared the footage on social media, writing, “Check out this Sneak Peek of #Superman, flying into theaters July 11.”

The footage has sparked a wide range of reactions from fans on social media, with some excited about the new portrayal of Superman, while others have raised concerns about the character’s vulnerability. One fan criticized the depiction, saying, “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.” On the other hand, some fans praised the sneak peek, saying it felt authentic to the Superman character, with one commenting, “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.”

One of the standout elements in the footage is the heartwarming moment between Superman and his iconic dog, Krypto. The clip also features Superman’s Fortress of Solitude, a key location in his world, and showcases the emotional bond between the hero and his companion.

The upcoming Superman film, which is set to hit theaters on July 11, marks the first major release from DC Studios under the new leadership of Peter Safran and James Gunn. At CinemaCon, Gunn appeared alongside Safran, while stars David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult also took the stage to discuss the project.

Fans eagerly await the full movie, curious to see how Gunn’s vision for Superman unfolds. Will this version of the Man of Steel be the god-like figure fans are familiar with, or will he be more human and vulnerable? Only time will tell.