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Warner Bros. Discovery is placing its hopes on director James Gunn as it seeks to rejuvenate DC’s cinematic universe, following a series of underwhelming releases. At CinemaCon, Gunn elaborated on his latest project, the eagerly awaited film “Superman,” which he both directed and wrote. His vision aims to provide a fresh, optimistic take on the iconic character, moving away from the darker themes that characterized earlier DC films.
The Vision for “Superman”
Gunn emphasized that “Superman” is meant to celebrate themes of kindness and love, which he conveyed to theater owners during a presentation. This approach is a notable shift from the previous Snyder-verse, which often focused on somber narratives.
A trailer unveiled during the presentation showcased this brighter vision, featuring vivid imagery connected to American ideals—lots of red, white, and blue. The footage included scenes of Superman rescues, interviews with Lois Lane, and even a glimpse of Lex Luthor with an imposing weapon, hinting at the classic confrontations to come.
Finding the Perfect Story
Initially offered the opportunity to helm the “Superman” film in 2018, Gunn chose to pursue “The Suicide Squad,” aligning more closely with his previous work in “Guardians of the Galaxy.” However, the challenge of refreshing a “perceived old-fashioned” character to resonate with today’s audience intrigued him, leading to a breakthrough moment in story development.
Gunn believes he discovered a narrative that is “both utterly human and utterly fantastic,” aiming to make the character relevant to contemporary viewers.
Krypto the Superdog
A standout feature is Superman’s dog, Krypto, inspired by Gunn’s experience with his rescue dog, Ozu. The dynamics between them will likely provide humor and relatability, showcased in the footage where Krypto is seen aiding Superman in distress. This combination of touching moments with comedic undertones may resonate well with audiences seeking warmth in superhero films.
Cast and Characters
The film stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. Nicholas Hoult portrays Lex Luthor, with a supporting cast that includes Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced. Each actor expressed their honor in playing such iconic roles and acknowledged the cultural significance of these characters.
Interestingly, Hoult revealed that he originally auditioned for both the roles of Batman and Superman but was later suggested to take on the role of villain, Lex Luthor, demonstrating the creative flexibility in casting.
Release Details
“Superman” is set to be released in theaters on July 11, 2025. At CinemaCon, Gunn playfully acknowledged the confusion regarding the event’s name, humorously comparing it to another popular fan convention. This light-hearted moment reflected his approachable personality and excitement for the film’s future.
Gunn’s commitment to creating a storyline around hope and good versus evil suggests a promising shift in the superhero genre that may attract a diverse audience.