After much anticipation, the trailer for James Gunn’s Superman has finally landed, sparking conversations about the hero’s place in today’s world. This film, tasked with launching a new cinematic universe, seeks to redefine Superman for modern audiences who’ve perhaps fallen out of love with him since 1978. But does the world still want a Superman?
In a vibrant nod to the past, the new trailer opens not with an iconic smiling superhero but with a bloodied Superman plummeting into the Arctic. This fresh take, set to John Murphy’s guitar remix of John Williams’ classic theme, reimagines Superman as a hero who evolves with the times, resonating with the world’s current state. Unlike the glorified incarnations of the past, this Superman is grounded—physically and emotionally fallible.
Despite the optimistic tone Warner Bros. Discovery hoped for, this trailer reveals a Superman who doesn’t just face cosmic threats but struggles with very real, human challenges. We see him among an antagonistic crowd, burdened with doubt and shouldering the heavy weight of expectation. These images provoke us to question whether such themes are now essential in any Superman narrative—a question that echoes from previous films like ‘Superman Returns’ and ‘Batman v Superman.’
Yet, amidst his bruised and battered appearance, Superman still inspires hope. Saving a young girl and witnessing his symbol of hope as a flag in Boravia, there’s a fantasy of a world where innocence and belief are reborn. The tagline ‘Look Up’ invites audiences to rediscover the awe and wonder associated with the hero.
A sense of nostalgia permeates as Gunn’s vision embraces the character’s childlike appeal, essential in attracting new generations. The film teems with characters from the DC universe, promising a comic book authenticity unseen in prior installations. A glimpse of superheroes like Guy Gardner and Hawkgirl, alongside a shadowy villain that hints at Brainiac, suggest a packed yet thrillingly diverse narrative.
However, the core of the trailer’s appeal lies in David Corenswet’s portrayal of Clark Kent. He embodies both the everyday struggles and the extraordinary feats of Superman, sharing poignant moments with loved ones, including Lois Lane, whose chemistry with Clark is undeniable. This portrayal brings out a raw humanity in the character, making him relatable and reflective of the audience’s own trials.
Why do we still want Superman? Perhaps because he represents both our flaws and our dreams, capturing the essence of what we are and what we can be. Gunn’s Superman embraces these qualities, striking a chord with audiences in need of both realism and hope.
