The highly anticipated teaser trailer for Superman, penned and helmed by James Gunn, has finally made its debut, sparking a flurry of strong opinions across the internet, both positive and negative. Let’s take a look at what people are saying.
To be honest, this first glimpse feels refreshingly classic and uplifting from where I stand. Interestingly, it’s one of those rare trailers that keeps its cards close to the chest, not divulging much about the plot or character dynamics. However, it’s likely that future promotional content will take a bolder stance in driving home the story and characters. This trailer’s vibe-centered approach is precisely what fans needed, offering an optimistic air that starkly contrasts with the dark and gritty tone of the now-defunct DCEU’s take on Kal-El/Clark Kent.
Beginning with the trailer’s reception, it’s not surprising that the majority of online chatter is leaning positive. This is largely due to Gunn’s solid reputation, built over the past decade through successful projects like the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and its delightful Holiday Special, The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker, and Creature Commandos. Even when delving into darker themes, Gunn’s work often carries an undercurrent of hope. This Superman reboot seems to amplify that sentiment, serving as a refreshing exercise for Gunn after tackling bloodier tales in other DC ventures alongside his co-head, Peter Safran.
A Twitter user known as ClarkQuill97, clearly a die-hard Superman fan judging by the username, expressed excitement, stating, “This is straight up a comic book come to life. Superman nation, we won.” Such positive feedback was likely anticipated. Additionally, Rachel Brosnahan’s portrayal of Lois Lane is attracting a devoted following, even after just this initial teaser.
Massive comic book aficionados, like the account PridefulSin, are also on board, appreciating the emphasis on Superman as a savior and beacon of inspiration. Winning over these prominent voices is crucial with a first teaser.
Illustrator Dan Veesenmeyer forecasts that Krypto will draw audiences to theaters, noting, “Krypto is gonna put asses in seats.” And he’s probably right—everyone loves a good dog with a cape! “I have got the biggest smile on my face right now,” says gaming personality Ultima, recognizing that introducing a heroic dog is quite the mission statement for launching a superhero cinematic universe.
On the film fan front, reactions skew predominantly positive, with users applauding the return of Superman’s optimistic, boy scout nature rather than the darker, ambiguous hero of recent portrayals. While some, like ‘Out of Context Simpsons Couch Gags,’ express relief with, “Oh, so this is an actual Superman movie and not an edgy mess,” others still appreciate past interpretations, noting, “Zack Snyder’s vision had its merits, but was perhaps best saved for later in the franchise.”
Naturally, not every fan is thrilled with the lighter thematic and visual direction. Some critiques mention certain scenes appearing a bit too “made for TV,” though it’s worth remembering the film just entered post-production. ComicAccuracy shared a tempered viewpoint, saying, “I’m not going to be an idiot and claim it looks like a ‘fake movie,’ but this is not matching the quality level I was expecting.”
BroBible’s Eric Italiano shares similar concerns, noting, “Extremely into it tonally but am certainly concerned by its aesthetic,” describing the cinematic gloss as lacking compared to ‘Man of Steel’ and drawing comparisons to a streaming release rather than a blockbuster.
However, there are harsher opinions in the mix as well. A user harshly commented, “I forgot Superman diehards are 50+ year old men that act like kids so this looking like it’s for 5 year olds is spot on. The acting AND actors looks bad, the color looks bad, etc. I tried.”
As you can tell, opinions vary widely. Some people are loving the cheerful vibes, while others still cling to the ‘SnyderVerse’ or simply prefer a more mature portrayal of Superman. The beauty of comic books lies in the myriad ways they can be interpreted. Characters like Superman have a rich history, and each new version explores a different facet. Gunn’s take may be revisiting the Silver Age charm, but as the DCU progresses, I believe we’ll witness an evolution in the characters and tone.
Regardless of your thoughts on the trailer, one thing seems clear: Krypto might become a major draw at the box office. And we’re all crossing our fingers that the adorable super pup remains unscathed by the sinister plans of Lex Luthor when the movie finally hits theaters on July 11, 2025.
