Superman trailer review

The first trailer for James Gunn’s Superman has arrived, and it’s safe to say that DC and Warner Bros. are steering the franchise in an exciting new direction. With this being the inaugural film under the new DCU banner, there’s a lot riding on its success, and the teaser hints at a fresh yet reverent take on the Man of Steel.

Casting Choices That Shine

One of the immediate standouts in this trailer is the casting. David Corenswet steps into the role of Superman, and based on what we’ve seen so far, he seems like a fantastic choice. He embodies the youthful, less chiseled, and less severe version of the character, a departure from the Henry Cavill era. While Cavill was excellent as Superman, his portrayal—like much of the Snyderverse—was weighed down by Zack Snyder’s darker and more somber filmmaking style. Corenswet, on the other hand, brings an optimism and warmth that feels refreshing.

Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane is another inspired choice. While Amy Adams is a talented actress, her version of Lois never quite fit the mold of the sharp, fearless reporter who constantly keeps Superman on his toes. Brosnahan, known for her stellar performance in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, seems poised to bring that necessary spark and charisma to the role. The trailer hints at some great romantic moments between Clark and Lois, including a classic Superman-in-flight kiss—something that could add a much-needed layer of heart to the film.

Then there’s Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Hoult has proven himself to be a versatile actor, particularly with his standout performance in The Great, where he showcased both intelligence and menace—traits essential for a compelling Lex. In the trailer, we see only glimpses of him, but it’s clear he’ll be a formidable presence as the billionaire genius and arch-nemesis of Superman. Also worth noting is Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner, complete with an unforgettable haircut that is sure to get people talking.

A Hopeful Yet Action-Packed Tone

One of the most promising aspects of this trailer is the tone it sets. From the very first frames, there’s an emphasis on hope, compassion, and kindness—qualities that should always define Superman. This is a significant shift from the darker, brooding atmosphere that characterized previous films. The moment where a young boy whispers “Superman” in awe amidst a scene of destruction is particularly striking, evoking a sense of inspiration and heroism.

That said, while the film leans into the hopeful and earnest spirit of the character, it doesn’t seem to shy away from action and struggle. The trailer makes it clear that Superman will be facing significant challenges, possibly more than just the intellectual battle with Lex Luthor. We see glimpses of large-scale destruction, intense fight sequences, and even a kaiju-like creature that suggests the stakes will be high.

Krypto the Superdog also makes a strong impression in the teaser. His presence not only provides a fun, lighthearted element to the film but also hints at a deeper emotional connection between him and Superman. The only spoken line in the trailer—“Take me home, Krypto”—is simple yet powerful, reinforcing the theme of belonging and identity.

A Soundtrack That Honors the Past

Another highlight of the trailer is its music. The soundtrack carries echoes of John Williams’ iconic Superman score, while also incorporating an electric guitar and orchestral blend that gives it a modern twist. This fusion of classic and contemporary elements could be a great way to bridge past and present interpretations of the character.

Potential Concerns

While there’s a lot to be excited about, the trailer does raise a couple of concerns. The biggest worry is the sheer number of characters introduced. While the focus should ideally remain on Superman and Lex Luthor, the trailer suggests that the film will include multiple other heroes and villains. Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, a monstrous creature, and potentially Supergirl all make appearances or are hinted at. While an expansive universe is exciting, cramming too many characters into a single film runs the risk of diluting Superman’s story, especially in what is essentially the first film of the rebooted DCU.

Another concern is the execution of tone. While James Gunn is known for balancing humor and heart in films like Guardians of the Galaxy, Superman is a character who requires a more delicate approach. This shouldn’t be a film overloaded with Gunn’s signature quirky humor. Instead, it needs to strike the right balance between sincerity and spectacle. The trailer suggests he’s aiming for that, but it remains to be seen how well it plays out in the full movie.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Superman trailer does an excellent job of setting the stage for a fresh take on the Man of Steel. Corenswet looks like a great fit for the role, Brosnahan’s Lois Lane promises to bring the right mix of charm and determination, and Hoult’s Lex Luthor could be a formidable villain. The emphasis on hope, heroism, and action feels like a step in the right direction for the DCU.

While there are some concerns about the number of characters and the challenge of balancing tone, the trailer leaves plenty of reasons to be optimistic. If Gunn and his team can deliver on this promise, we may finally get the Superman film that fans have been waiting for—one that truly captures the essence of the Last Son of Krypton while delivering an exciting and heartfelt cinematic experience.

With a mix of nostalgia, fresh casting choices, and a promising new direction, Superman has the potential to redefine the franchise for a new generation. Time will tell if it lives up to expectations, but for now, the first trailer has certainly done its job: getting fans excited for what’s to come.