Superman Returns to the Big Screen in 2025
It begins. Superman lands in theaters on July 11th, 2025. The first teaser trailer for James Gunn’s take on the iconic man of steel has landed online. The two-minute-twenty-second trailer gives a glimpse into the new DCU, offering a first look at the Man of Steel, the life of Clark Kent, an ensemble of supporting DC comics characters, and some other big reveals. To the tune of a John Williams-inspired theme played through an electric guitar, the first tease implies a large, lived-in world full of opportunities.
Does he Bleed?
The trailer opens with Superman crashing in the snow. Beaten and bloody with heavy breaths, this is intercut with a look at Clark Kent making his way inside the Daily Planet. The suit worn by Corenswet’s Clark is inspired by three different versions: Fleischer Studios, Christopher Reeve, and Superman: The Animated Series. All three versions of Clark wore a blue blazer, a white shirt, and a tie. The aesthetic for the Daily Planet takes inspiration from the animated series.
The Daily Planet
We have our first look at Rachel Brosnahan playing Lois Lane. We see her walking through the Daily Planet with a paper in hand, and looking back at Clark Kent as he sits down at his desk. The relationship between the two has been called “complicated” by writer/director James Gunn:
“It’s a complicated relationship, and we really get into it and there’s long scenes that are about their relationship and the way they relate and what it would be like for a person who’s this incredibly intelligent, strong-headed, stubborn, skeptical journalist, to have a relationship with someone who can lift a skyscraper.”
No Place Like Home
The Kent farm is alive and well in this version of Superman. On the steps are Clark and Johnathan Kent sharing a tender moment with each other. What seems to be apparent in this is not only is Clark holding his adoptive father, but given that he is Superman in this movie the difference between this and prior versions shows us that Johnathan lived long enough to see his son become a hero. This version of Johnathan also looks pale, and possibly sick. One has to wonder if Johnathan’s death may happen at some point in the film, like other previous incarnations.
Man’s Best Friend
As Superman lays in the snow, he lets out a whistle. For the first time in cinematic history, Krypto the super dog makes his live-action appearance. One of the few lines of dialogue delivered in this trailer is “Krpyto… Home… Take me Home.” Superman holds his cape out, and Krypto takes our hero back home. Possibly the fortress of solitude. Krypto’s look has gone through different breeds over the years, with this incarnation being a white Yorkshire terrier, inspired by James Gunn’s dog, Ozu. How much more of Krypto remains to be seen, but seeing the Kryptonian pup for the first time adds an extra layer of intrigue for the newest cinematic chapter of Superman’s legacy.
Superman To The Rescue
Rumors of a kaiju-like monster appearing in the film swirled for some time, and the trailer confirms its existence. The highlight of the trailer, is Superman stepping in to save a child from imminent destruction caused by the giant monster. This shot is done in slow-motion fashion and is reminiscent of something seen in Zack Snyder’s take on the character. Gunn has been confirmed to have been inspired by the likes of both Richard Donner and Zack Snyder, and this shot showcases a beautiful blend of both influences.
Luthorcorp At Your Service
Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, has been confirmed to be the main antagonist of the feature. The first shot we see of him is seen witnessing Superman flying by, and Lex does not look happy. There is a shot of Luthor holding a gun, cut with Superman breaking out of a glass-holding cell. What is Luthor’s big plan, and more importantly, why does he hate Superman this time around? James Gunn referred to Lex as more of a sorcerer but in the sense of being a scientist. Time will tell what kind of crazy machinations Luthor has in store for Superman in the upcoming flick.
The World Hero
One frame showcases a young boy holding up a flag with the Superman symbol on it. During chaos, this boy closes his eyes and utters the words “Superman.” This sequence highlights the hopeful nature Superman brings where he goes. In the event of trouble, Superman will be there to save the day. How this factors into the plot of the film also remains to be seen, but highlighting Superman’s impact on children is a nice touch.
An Unkind World
Next, we see a defeated and battle-worn Superman walking through a crowd. A bystander tosses a can at him, with many more expressing disdain for the Man of Steel. What went wrong? As Superman enters the building owned by Stagg Industries, we get our first look at Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner, Isabella Merced’s Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific, followed by one shot of Hawkgirl in the air. Gunn has confirmed that these heroes are supporting characters for the film, and not just glorified cameos. It will be interesting to see how they factor into the story, and if they’re on Maxwell Lord’s payroll in some form of the Justice League International.
Mass Destruction
A gigantic monster breathes fire into a building. Cut to a shot of Lois and Superman in an apartment with a glowing mass of energy out the window in the purview. This movie leans into the Silver Age science fiction era of Superman, so much so that we get a single shot of Superman in the fortress with a robot. Presumably, this is Kelex, an ally of Superman who first appeared in John Byrne’s “The Man of Steel” #1. Between the robots, the monsters, and Luthorcorp at the center of all this, the scientific appeal of the character has a strong presence in this film which will likely make it stand out from its predecessors.
Ending On A High Note
The trailer ends with a series of one-shots. One shot of Metamorpho (played by Anthony Carrigan) Lex Luthor looking angry, and some crystals explode from the ground. Next, a falling building and Superman pushing against something large, intercut with a shot of the boy from earlier and Superman fighting Ultraman in a baseball field. Mr. Terrific fighting a small army using his tech. In the final moments of the teaser, Superman and Lois share a kiss, and then the trailer cuts to Superman flying into the air before finally ending with Lois hugging Superman. The July 11th date appears before closing the trailer with the DC Studios Logo.
A New Era For The Man Of Steel
The anticipation for the newest iteration of Superman reaches an all-time high with the release of this trailer. James Gunn’s inspiration comes from many different versions of the past to bring us something new for the future. The kind and vibrant yet vintage feel from Richard Donner. The grounded bombastic yet human emotion from Zack Snyder. The inventive scientific odyssey that pulls from All-Star Superman, the silver age of comics, Fleischer Studios, and the colorful but serious tone from Superman: The Animated series. Mixing all of these elements for a Superman film can hopefully unite fans more than divide them.
Superman lands in theaters on July 11th, 2025.