Just when CinemaCon attendees thought they had seen it all, director James Gunn delivered a show-stopping surprise. The DC Studios head unveiled an exclusive four-minute sneak peek of his highly anticipated Superman film, generating major buzz ahead of Marvel’s presentation in Las Vegas. Taking to social media, Gunn shared the clip with fans worldwide, writing, “Check out this Sneak Peek of #Superman, flying into theaters July 11.”
Following its initial private screening on April 1, the teaser quickly became the talk of the town—especially with the inclusion of Superman’s beloved dog, Krypto. The footage opens with a dramatic sequence: a battered and bloodied Superman crash-lands in a frozen wasteland near the Fortress of Solitude. His breath fogs up in the frigid air as he lies motionless, his strength depleted. Then, with a soft whistle, he calls upon Krypto, his ever-loyal companion. Instantly recognizing his master’s distress, the heroic dog springs into action, carrying Superman into the Fortress, where Kryptonian robots await.
Among them is Robot 4, voiced by Alan Tudyk, known for his work in Rogue One and I, Robot. The machines quickly assess Superman’s dire condition and administer a powerful blast of concentrated sunlight to accelerate his healing. The process is agonizing—David Corenswet’s Superman lets out a gut-wrenching scream as his broken body begins to mend itself.
A Nostalgic Yet Fresh Take on Superman
Fans were quick to praise the teaser, which has already amassed over 21.3 million views on X. “DC has never been more back, oh my god,” one fan gushed. Another called it “absolutely stunning,” appreciating the film’s inspiring score and hopeful tone. Others noted its nostalgic charm, comparing it to Christopher Reeve’s Superman films with a modern twist.
James Gunn’s Deeply Personal Vision for Superman
Before revealing the footage, Gunn took the stage at CinemaCon to share his personal connection to the project. He recalled being offered both Superman and The Suicide Squad back in 2018, ultimately choosing the latter. “It was an R-rated movie about a bunch of ragtag heroes. That was the easy way,” he admitted. But Superman remained on his mind.
“It stuck with me. How can you take a character seen as old-fashioned and make him feel real today?” Gunn pondered. That question led him to craft a story that is both “utterly human and utterly fantastic.”
For Gunn, Superman isn’t just another superhero movie—it’s a celebration of kindness, love, and connection. Inspired by classic Max Fleischer cartoons, his own late dog, and his signature blend of heart and spectacle, he hopes the film leaves audiences feeling more connected. “I want people to have that magical feeling when they come out of the movie and love the person they came with a little more than when they went in,” he expressed.
A New Era for DC Begins
CinemaCon also welcomed cast members Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor), David Corenswet (Superman), and Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane). As the first film in DC’s revamped cinematic universe, Superman sets the stage for “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.” With bold projects featuring lesser-known characters like Clayface, Swamp Thing, and Supergirl on the horizon, it’s clear that DC is betting big on Superman to usher in a new golden age for the franchise.
