First ‘Superman’ 2025 Trailer: The Good, the Bad, and the Concerns

The highly anticipated Superman 2025 trailer dropped this morning, and it’s a breath of fresh air for fans of the DC Universe. With James Gunn steering the ship of the new DCU, expectations were already high, and this teaser delivers in many ways. But, as with any major comic book movie, there are a few things that raise some concerns.

Here’s a breakdown of what worked, what didn’t, and why this film could be the start of a promising new era for Superman.

The Good: A Solid Foundation for the New DCU

David Corenswet’s Casting: The New Man of Steel

First things first—David Corenswet looks the part. As both the mighty Superman and the mild-mannered Clark Kent, Corenswet nails the duality that’s so integral to the character. The casting is spot on, giving us a younger, more relatable Superman. Gone is the overly grim, muscle-bound hero from the Snyderverse. Instead, Corenswet’s Superman feels hopeful, sincere, and human—traits that many fans missed in previous portrayals. Even though some may have been hoping for Henry Cavill’s return, Corenswet is a breath of fresh air and makes the character his own without feeling like a mere replacement.

Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane: Perfect Match

Rachel Brosnahan’s casting as Lois Lane is another fantastic choice. For years, fans have debated whether Amy Adams truly embodied Lois, and while Adams did a great job, Brosnahan brings something fresh to the role. She feels much more aligned with the tough, intelligent, and determined nature of Lois, especially as we see in the trailer. Brosnahan’s chemistry with Corenswet could be the key to an engaging romantic subplot in this new Superman movie.

Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor

Casting Nicholas Hoult as the iconic Lex Luthor is an intriguing choice that shows Gunn is willing to think outside the box. Hoult’s performances in The Great (where he plays the Russian Emperor Peter III) demonstrate his ability to bring both charm and menace to a role, and I can’t wait to see how he balances the intelligence and ruthlessness of Luthor with his signature charisma. The trailer suggests Hoult will bring a fresh dynamic to the Luthor role, one that’s more complex and compelling than what we've seen before.

Krypto the Superdog Steals the Show

While the focus is on Superman, one thing that undoubtedly stands out is Krypto the Superdog. “Take me home, Krypto,” may be a simple line, but it immediately endears the audience to the character. Krypto is going to be a fan-favorite, with the trailer already showing off some of the adorable and heartwarming moments between him and Superman. Expect to see a lot of Krypto in the marketing push—he’s a potential breakout star in his own right.

Superman’s Heroic Acts: Hope and Compassion

One of the most striking elements of this trailer is its focus on Superman as a beacon of hope, compassion, and kindness. After the darker, grittier tones of previous DC films, it’s refreshing to see Superman in a more classic light—saving people, standing up for the helpless, and embodying the moral compass we’ve always known him to be. The scene with the young boy saying “Superman” like a prayer amidst chaos is powerful and highlights the heart of this new take on the Man of Steel.

The Score and Soundtrack

Another highlight is the soundtrack, which evokes the iconic John Williams score while still adding a modern, electric guitar twist. The combination of orchestral music with electric guitar creates a dynamic, heroic feel that brings Superman into the 21st century without sacrificing the essence of what makes him iconic.

The Bad: Potential Concerns with Cinematography and Overcrowded Plot

The Ensemble Cast: A Double-Edged Sword

While it’s great to see such a diverse and talented cast, there’s a concern about how many characters are introduced in this first trailer. Aside from Superman, Lois Lane, and Lex Luthor, we also get glimpses of Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, and even a Kaiju creature, suggesting that this movie may be crowded with characters, especially considering it’s the start of a new DC Universe.

Superman is often at his best when the focus is on him, with a clear and compelling conflict. Introducing too many characters, especially super-powered ones, could risk distracting from the core story. A packed roster might create confusion, and it’s possible that some characters could be reduced to mere cameos or overly brief appearances—something that would be disappointing for fans hoping for a more streamlined, focused Superman origin story.

Cinematography: Too Much Saturation and CGI

Now, let’s address one issue that stood out in the trailer: the cinematography. There are moments where it looks fantastic—Superman soaring through the skies, dramatic scenes of him saving people—but then there are parts that feel overly saturated and, dare I say, fake. The special effects, while no doubt visually striking, sometimes seem too glossy, too polished. The color grading in some shots almost feels excessive, and I can’t help but feel like it detracts from the sense of realism that a Superman film should have.

Superman has always been an iconic figure whose story can feel grounded, even when flying in space. Unfortunately, the overuse of CGI and excessive color grading gives the film a slightly artificial feel. While it’s understandable that we live in an era dominated by CGI, I had hoped this film would take a more old-school approach—perhaps leaning more on practical effects or aiming for a less hyper-realistic aesthetic.

Slow-Motion: A Holdover from the Snyderverse?

Finally, the slow-motion shots. Don’t get me wrong—slow-motion can be used beautifully in superhero films (the scene where Superman saves the girl seems like a great use of this technique). But there’s a part of me that cringes every time I see slow-motion used in superhero movies, especially with a character like Superman. Zack Snyder’s use of slow motion often felt gratuitous, and while this film’s moments of slow motion seem purposeful, I’m worried that we might be heading down a similar path. Superman deserves grand moments, but they don’t need to be drenched in style over substance.

Final Thoughts: A Promising Start with Room for Improvement

Overall, the first Superman 2025 trailer is thrilling and full of potential. James Gunn seems to be taking the DC Universe in a more hopeful, sincere direction, with Superman as a true symbol of optimism. The casting is fantastic across the board, and Corenswet truly captures the essence of the character. The action looks exciting, and the emotional beats—especially involving Krypto—are already hitting the mark.

However, there are areas of concern, particularly with the crowded cast, potential overuse of CGI, and a bit too much slow-motion. As the film develops and we see more trailers, these issues may be addressed. Ultimately, this film feels like the fresh start that the DC Universe desperately needs. Whether it can balance action, heart, and the classic Superman qualities is still to be determined, but for now, I’m cautiously optimistic.

Superman opens on July 11, 2025. As the film’s release date nears, we can expect more trailers that might provide a clearer picture of the movie’s direction.