The new Superman trailer dropped recently, and, of course, the DC fanbase is going wild. Directed by James Gunn, and starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel himself, the film is titled Superman, perhaps as a sign of returning to the series’ peak of the early Christopher Reeve era. Since it shares the exact same title as the 1978 original, Superman 2025 is the most apt title.
The good news is the trailer provides just enough of a tease to give audiences a decent idea of what to expect. Superman 2025 appears to combine the optimism and positivity of the original Christopher Reeve films, clearly showing Superman as the hero that America and the world need, the man who defies cultural and political divisions by standing for “truth, justice, and the American way.” On the other hand, some of the darker, more serious aspects of the Henry Cavill-era films, such as Man of Steel and Batman vs. Superman, are clearly present. The trailer begins with a scene of the apparently nascent superhero practicing his powers, only to crash into the Arctic ground as blood drips from his injured face. This is quickly interrupted by the arrival of Superman’s dog, providing some obvious comic relief. One can’t help but also sense some inspiration from Warner Brothers’ television series Smallville, portraying the young coming-of-age story of Clark Kent and Superman. Altogether, it seems to be an attempt at combining all three eras of the Man of Steel: the sheer joy and fun of Richard Donner’s original 1978 film, the darker tone of the Zac Snyder era, and the youthful optimism of Smallville.
All the familiar facets of a typical Superman story are present: Clark Kent’s emotional embrace with his adoptive father Jonathan, his somewhat awkward first day at the Daily Planet, and of course, the initial flirtatious moments with Lois Lane. There is also the appearance of Nicholas Hoult as Superman’s arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor (what original Superman film can’t have Lex as the main villain?). There is something about villains that makes a film all the more fun, and Hoult’s vision of Luther will certainly be key to the movie.
What especially excited us was the Superman theme reminiscent of the John Williams original score from 1978. If this film is meant to recall the more positive vibes of the early days of Reeve’s legendary performance as Superman, then perhaps the music confirms exactly that. The crescendos, rises and falls during the action, all of it, sends the message across that this version of the Man of Steel is fighting an uphill battle. He'll be Clark Kent at his core, realizing that his inherited powers make him responsible for protecting others, except he has to build experience. Clark has to learn how to become a superhero. The vulnerability shown by Superman calling to Krypto is a perfect example of him admitting to a minor defeat. But, he'll get back up and try harder the second time because that's what heroes do. In essence, that's how Superman earns his namesake.
Superman (2025) opens in theaters on July 11, 2025.