The first trailer for James Gunn’s Superman is now officially online and with it our first look at what DC Studios has been cooking up for its first big theatrical release. Whilst the trailer really does only tease what’s to come when the film releases in cinemas, we think there’s a few key details that hint towards the film’s epic story.
Superman, DC Studios’ first feature film to hit the big screen, is set to soar into theaters worldwide this summer from Warner Bros. Pictures. In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind.
Before we dive in why not watch the trailer one last time in the player below:
Everyone is Going to Love Krypto
There’s no denying it Super Friends, 2025 is going to be the year of Krypto. After seeing the Man of Steel crashing to Earth in the teaser’s opening shots. The injured Superman is forced to call out for help. As John Murphy’s newly updated version of the classic John Williams theme swells on the guitar, David Corenswet’s Superman… whistles… for help and who should come bounding through the snow (and in to our hearts) than Krypto, complete with his own red cape!
The snowy white dog, who just so happens to have incredibly kind eyes, looks on as his owner gasps “take me home” before grabbing him by the cape. Later in the trailer we see Krypto briefly once more, dragging the injured hero through the snow and presumably headed for the Fortress of Solitude. But what’s immediately clear is just how powerful and how lovable this first ever live-action, theatrical version of the character will be. The character seems built for plushies and kid-friendly toys with his playfulness and Gunn’s dedication to making him a powerful character within the story.
Speaking at a press launch for the trailer, James Gunn was asked about the analogy of how many pet owners feel rescued by their animals. “So I love that about it” said Gunn. “That’s what I thought of immediately. But what I think you’ll see in the movie is that Krypto probably comes off as a better dog in the trailer than he is in the movie. He’s a pretty terrible dog. You know you love him because you know he’s a dog and how can you not? And he’s got the cute, innocent eyes. But he’s a terrible dog.”
We suspect Krypto is going to chew his way through more than a pair of Superman’s boots outside of all the film’s action…
Lois Knows Clark’s Secret Identity
One of the first things you’ll notice about the teaser is the lack of dialogue. Whilst there are sparse moments of it scattered throughout the 2 minute 22 second trailer, most of the sentiment is communicated through John Murphy’s music and the visuals alone. Our first look at Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane comes 45 seconds in to the trailer as Clark arrives for work at The Daily Planet. Coincidentally that scene also features our only look at Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, briefly seen in the foreground of the frame. Brosnahan’s Lane seems at home and incredibly confident, striding around the news floor as Clark seemingly arrives late for work and flustered. The two share a glance but there’s little else to betray the relationship between the two of them.
The next time we see Lois is almost a full minute later in a scene which comes right out of our first ever look at David Corenswet in costume. The battle damaged Supes appears to be deep in conversation with Lois as the orb seen in that first look photo – Brainiac!? – appears to be attacking the city in the background. We return to this moment at the end of the trailer as Lois and the fully suited up Superman hold hands and embrace. A clear moment of tenderness before he goes out to face the latest threat to their city.
But what’s more telling is a moment seen in-between this. We see Lois and Clark, not Superman though he is without his glasses, passionately kissing in his (their? her?) apartment. Seeing romantic and tender moments between Lois and both Superman and Clark seems to confirm that either Lois is already aware of Clark’s secret identity or that she will learn it across the course of the film.
Superman Versus… a Kaiju!?
One of the centrepieces of the teaser is an attack on Metropolis by a huge, Kaiju-like monster. For a brief moment we wondered if this could be a James Gunn interpretation of Parasite but we’ll have to wait until July to find out for sure. But watch closely and this attack on the city forms the back bone of much of the second half of the trailer.
It begins after Krypto grabs at Superman’s cape. The next shots centre of Superman rescuing a young girl in mortal danger from some kind of explosion happening in the background of the frame. But look closely and in the first shot it’s clear the foot of the ginormous (alien?) creature is what has caused chaos to ensue. The shot, with its use of some Snyder-like slow-mo to emphasise the action, is a great way to establish this new Man of Steel as a hero of the people.
When we next see the monster itself it’s still daytime in Metropolis and the fire-breathing monster is attempting to burn the Man of Steel to a crisp. The editing of shots in this moment also suggests that members of the Justice League International may be part of the action. An establishing shot featuring Isabela Merced suited up as Hawkgirl shows her flying in to action around similar buildings, also during daylight hours and wielding her trademark mace. Could this be the first meeting between Superman and the Maxwell Lord (Sean Gunn) sponsored group of heroes?
Later in the trailer we get to see what is likely some of the destruction and fallout from this huge scale battle as a wide shot shows a number of Metropolis’ tallest buildings toppling towards the ground over a bridge. No doubt a moment for Superman to step in and save the day. There are also brief moments of Superman seen flying through fire which could also be from this same scene.
But who, or what, is this monster?!
The Justice League International has a Bone to Pick With Superman
We’ve known for a while that Superman would include a number of key members of the Justice League. But not from the lineup that fans might be expecting. James Gunn has instead opted for a lineup which resembles Keith Giffen and J. M. DeMatteis‘ Justice League International series which harkens back to the late 1980’s.
We’ve already mentioned Isabela Merced‘s Hawkgirl who we know will at least be part of an arial action sequence. But the trailer also gives us a first look at Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner aka Green Lantern and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific. Both characters debut right after we see Superman being rejected by the people of Metropolis. Whilst we have no concept as to why the people have turned their back on the Man of Steel it seems that these events have also caught the interest of the Justice League members. The scene itself is set inside Stagg Industries setting up another legendary company in the DCU. Hawkgirl is also present in the moment.
Guy, complete with trademark ginger bowl haircut, appears angry with Superman but also uses his powers to either protect the Man of Steel from the angry crowd or to distract them long enough to allow them to complete his mission. We know from set photos that this team is sponsored by Maxwell Lord. Could a plot in the film see Superman turning down an offer to join the group? Perhaps after turning the group down, preferring to work alone, the battle with the kaiju leaves Metropolis shaken and the Man of Steel public enemy number one.
Mister Terrific appears again later in the trailer taking fire from what appears to be a number of LuthorCorp soldiers. Note the green and purple colour uniforms which fits the Luthor image. Edi Gathegi’s character seems to be protecting someone from them. It appears to be a dark haired female character but it’s too difficult to tell who it is during the brief moment they are on screen. Just what are the Justice League’s motives to get involved in stopping whatever Lex Luthor has planned?
Is that Brainiac?!
Ever since the release of the first still image of David Corenswet in costume fans have been trying to work out the origin of a giant purple orb in the sky. Many theorised this could be the big screen debut of Brainiac, a legendary villain from the pages of Superman comics. As noted earlier, this moment is expanded on in two key shots featuring Superman and Lois in the trailer. Only know there’s a lot more to see from the ominous orb.
The pinkish-purplish hues of the orb are now joined by what appears to be a series of green tentacles. Whilst this is a colour scheme many will associate with Lex Luthor, they’re also colours which strongly hint at Brainiac’s inclusion in the story. With a kaiju, potentially Ultraman, Lex Luthor and this orb to contend with it seems like David Corenswet’s Man of Steel will really have his back to the wall in this film. Perhaps it’s all a ruse by some other villain to try and back Superman in to a corner?
Well a shot towards the end of the trailer certainly has piqued our interest. At 1 minute 53 we see our one and only shot in the trailer of an alien-like face. It doesn’t appear to be Metamorpho, being played in the film by Anthony Carrigan. It does bare some resemblance to Alan Tudyk who, whilst officially confirmed as on the cast, doesn’t have a role confirmed. The character appears to be a practical makeup effect and the scene itself features a similar green versus pink/purple lightning scheme. Crucially, the character’s forehead is never seen in the frame. Those familiar with DC Comics will know that Brainiac is often identified by a very particular set of lights on his forehead. Could Gunn be hiding them out of frame to note give away the inclusion of the villain in the film? We think it might be true…
Neil is also taking a full deep dive in to the trailer in a video over on our YouTube. You can watch in full in the player below:
Superman stars David Corenswet(Twisters) in the dual role of Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan(The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult (Nosferatu) as Lex Luthor. The film also stars Edi Gathegi (For All Mankind), Anthony Carrigan (Gotham), Nathan Fillion (The Suicide Squad), Isabela Merced (Alien Romulus), Skyler Gisondo (Licorice Pizza), Sara Sampaio (At Midnight), María Gabriela de Faría (The Moodys), Wendell Pierce (Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan), Alan Tudyk (Andor), Pruitt Taylor Vince (Bird Box) and Neva Howell (Greedy People).
Superman is due to hit cinemas on July 11, 2025 from DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures. For more head to our dedicated hub for all things Superman ’25.
