James Gunn Unveils ‘Superman’ at CinemaCon: A Make-or-Break Moment for DC Studios

CinemaCon attendees soared to new heights on April 1, 2025, as DC Studios co-head James Gunn debuted an extended look at Superman, the highly anticipated reboot set to hit theaters on July 11. With DC’s ambitious slate riding on its success, this film could be the studio’s summer box office savior—or its kryptonite. Joined by co-chief Peter Safran and stars David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult, Gunn showcased footage that blended humor, heart, and a super-powered Krypto, signaling a fresh take on the Man of Steel.

A Glimpse of Superman’s New Era

The never-before-seen footage wowed the crowd, featuring David Corenswet’s Superman teaming up with a ferocious Krypto, who drags him to the Fortress of Solitude. A standout moment? A robot squad aids Superman, only for one to quip, “No need to thank us, sir, as we wouldn’t appreciate it.” The line drew laughs, hinting at Gunn’s signature wit infusing the iconic hero’s world. On stage, Gunn beamed, “I’m thrilled to share this film with everyone and the world. We’re still in post-production, but it’s coming together.”

The stakes are sky-high for DC Studios and Warner Bros., which desperately need a hit after recent misfires. Superman isn’t just a reboot—it’s the cornerstone of Gunn and Safran’s revamped DC Universe, with a July release poised to test whether the Man of Steel can reclaim his box office glory.

Gunn’s Journey to Superman

Gunn reflected on the film’s long gestation. “It took a while,” he admitted, recalling how Warner Bros. first approached him for Superman in 2018. Instead, he tackled The Suicide Squad, unsure how to modernize a character some deemed “outdated.” Inspiration struck through Superman’s relationships and quirky elements like pocket universes and Krypto. “I wanted to have fun with it,” Gunn said, citing his chaotic rescue dog Ozu as Krypto’s muse. “I thought, ‘What if this dog had superpowers? I’d be screwed.’ That’s when I knew what to do with Superman.”

Gunn’s personal connection runs deep. “I totally identify with Superman,” he told The Hollywood Reporter previously. “He’s an outsider who feels alien, yet the ultimate insider because he’s freaking Superman. That’s how I feel too.”

The Cast Shines On and Off Screen

David Corenswet, stepping into Superman’s cape, shared a lighthearted memory of filming with Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane. “One scene took two days, and I ate so many pancakes,” he laughed, prompting Brosnahan to tease, “Glad that’s your standout moment.” Corenswet called the role “an honor,” given its cultural weight, while Brosnahan praised the story’s universal appeal: “These tales endure because there’s something for everyone. We stand on giants’ shoulders, then crawl into their heads.”

Nicholas Hoult, playing Lex Luthor, marveled at Corenswet in action: “It felt like witnessing movie magic in real-time first-person.” Hoult jokingly recalled auditioning for Batman and Superman before Gunn pegged him for Lex. “I thought, ‘Damn, that’s the one I was meant to play all along.’”

Brosnahan prepped for Lois by begging Gunn for “flight training”—a nod to her character’s daring—and shadowing journalists. When asked about other DC roles, Corenswet pitched Batman to Gunn with a grin, “It’d be fun someday, James, if you’re up for it.”

Krypto: The Real Star?

Krypto stole the show, inspired by Gunn’s mischievous dog Ozu. “Ozu’s awful to anyone near him,” Gunn quipped, recalling adopting the pup from a shelter. “He chewed my laptop, shoes, knocked over food. I thought, ‘This dog with powers? That’s my Superman hook.’” The crowd roared, proving Krypto’s chaotic charm could be a fan favorite.

DC’s Big Bet

Superman boasts a stellar cast beyond its leads: Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen), Sara Sampaio (Eve Teschmacher), Edi Gathegi (Mister Terrific), and more, including Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner. Gunn wrote and directed, infusing his vision into a film that could redefine DC’s cinematic fortunes. Distributed by Warner Bros., it’s a critical summer tentpole after a rocky year.

Conclusion: Will Superman Soar?

James Gunn’s Superman reveal at CinemaCon has fans buzzing. With Corenswet’s charm, Brosnahan’s grit, Hoult’s menace, and a super-dog twist, it’s a bold reset for DC. Set for July 11, 2025, its box office fate will shape the studio’s future. Can the Man of Steel save the day? CinemaCon believes a man can fly—and soon, the world will find out.