There is so much riding on Superman's success. The long-awaited reboot that DC Comics fans have been waiting for, it isn't just relaunching the Man of Steel's origins for a new generation, it's rebooting an entire franchise, as James Gunn and Peter Safran's new DC Universe now takes over from the former DC Extended Universe.
Set for release in summer 2025, the film is directed by Gunn himself and stars David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, bringing to life a long-time fan-favorite fan-casting. He is joined by Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor in a movie that looks to reinvent the classic Superman story for a new generation.
And based on the first trailer, we'd say that this mission looks very much like it's about to be accomplished.
David Corenswet suits up in first Superman trailer
The first trailer for James Gunn's Superman has been released and to call it triumphant would be an understatement. The teaser trailer showcases David Corenswet's lovable Clark Kent as he makes an impression on the world around him. A DC Universe that is about to be changed forever.
It's heartfelt, earnest, and unbelievably triumphant, leaning on John Murphy's emotional theme music, which pays a beautiful tribute to John Williams' iconic Superman score. It's such a beautiful piece of music that has had the world raving about it since the first snippet was released earlier this week. To hear even more of it, it's stunning absolutely stunning.
We have to talk about David Corenswet, who is nothing short of charming in the title role. The trailer does more teasing than anything else, but from what we have seen so so far we knew that he looked the part as Superman, now we can say that he feels the part too. This is a Superman we have been longing for on the big screen. And after Tyler Hoechlin's wonderful performance in Superman and Lois, expectations will undoubtedly be high, but something tells us that that Corenswet is going to exceed all of them.
Lois Lane and Clark Kent at the heart of Superman
Speaking of Superman and Lois, that show did a wonderful job of showcasing how important the relationship between Clark Kent and Lois Lane is, so we were hoping that Superman would be able to do the same. Just a few scenes in, it was clear that would be the case.
The trailer very much suggests that the pair already know each other, leaning nicely into James Gunn's reveal that the film will pick up in the middle of the action. But Clark and Lois' relationship will develop throughout the course of the movie, as she and Superman grow close.
The trailer also recreates the iconic flight kiss that the two are known for, which will no doubt be a truly beautiful moment to see on the big screen.
Lex Luthor's war against the Man of Steel begins
The trailer also gave us our first look at Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. It was well-established leading into the movie that the infamous Superman villain would indeed be the Man of Steel's archenemy here, and that very much carries through here.
We don't see much of him, but the villain watches Kal-El zoom through the skies of Metropolis with distaste. He gets frustrated (in a very Lex Luthor way might I add) as he sees the hero and it looks like he will get more desperate as the film goes on.
It's only just a couple of shots, but wow oh wow does Nicholas Hoult look the part as the character. This could be one of the all-time great villain performances if it lands on screen in the way that it looks like it will.
This teaser trailer comes just days after the first look poster for the movie was released by James Gunn himself. A motion poster, it featured that first snippet of Murphy's score as it showcased Corenswet's Superman taking flight. And after this trailer, it's clear that this is exactly what the Man of Steel intends to do this coming summer.
A 30-second trailer teaser set the tone, too, as audiences around the world fell in love with the brief clip that very quickly became the No. 1 Trending video on YouTube around the world. There is no doubt that the same will happen with the actual trailer now.
Superman arrives in movie theaters on July 11, 2025.