Superman is one of the most recognized fictional characters in the world. And as an embodiment of truth, justice, and hope, the Man of Tomorrow is also the most inspirational superhero to have emerged from comic books. First appearing in 1938’s “Action Comics” #1, Superman has since soared to impossible heights, appearing in several films, television shows, animated projects, video games, novels, and an endless wave of DC Comics stories.
There have been numerous depictions of the Last Son of Krypton across all mediums of storytelling. Now, yet another new Man of Steel is about to take flight.
Directed by James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad), Superman (2025) stars David Corenswet as the titular Kryptonian. Produced by DC Studios and to be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, the film is a reboot of the Superman film series and also marks the beginning of the all-new DC Universe in live action (meanwhile, the new series Creature Commandos kicks off the animated side of the franchise on Max).
Here’s everything we know about the upcoming film.
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Who’s Playing Clark Kent?
The new Clark Kent/Superman is played by American actor David Corenswet (Pearl, Twisters), who follows in the footsteps of Christopher Reeve (Superman, Superman II, Superman III, Superman IV: The Quest for Peace), Brandon Routh (Superman Returns), and Henry Cavill (Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Justice League).
Superman has also been played in television by Dean Cain (Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman), Tom Welling (Smallville), and Tyler Hoechlin (Superman & Lois).
Before a Superman reboot was considered, Henry Cavill was originally set to reprise his role in a sequel to Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (2013), however, those plans changed when James Gunn and Peter Safran were appointed the new co-CEOs of DC Studios. They began work on a brand-new DC Universe and with it, a new Superman movie, that would start a new continuity unrelated to the previously established DCEU (DC Extended Universe).
The new film was initially titled Superman: Legacy but was changed to Superman earlier this year.
While anticipation for the upcoming reboot is high, the first promotional image of Corenswet in the iconic suit set the fanbase ablaze for all the wrong reasons. The teaser depicts Clark changing into his outfit while the city behind him–presumably Metropolis–is dealing with some kind of attack.
Fans criticized the image for many reasons, with the somber expression on Corenswet’s face (despite director James Gunn promising that the film features a more “positive” Superman), the loose-fitting costume, and the fact that he should be moving at super-speed rather than taking his time putting on his boots.
First look at David Corenswet as Superman.
First look at David Corenswet as Superman. pic.twitter.com/Gr5P7zPQ53
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) May 6, 2024
Related: Snyder’s Justice League Returns in New Follow-Ups: Affleck, Cavill, and Gadot Replaced
Superman Synopsis
Superman explores Clark Kent’s journey to reconcile his alien heritage with his adoptive human family. Clark is said to be around 25 years old in the film, which takes inspiration from the comic book “All-Star Superman” (2005–2008) by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, among many others.
Superman Teaser
On Monday, December 11, @dcofficial shared the first teaser for the new film to herald the arrival of the official trailer later this week. A moving image shows David Corenswet’s Superman in a sky-bound position, surrounded by a dazzling ensemble of colors (of the same pallet as his outfit) that represent the speed at which the Kryptonian flies.
Fans will be familiar with the tagline “Look Up” as the first two words in the iconic phrase, “Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s Superman!” They’ll also instantly recognize the theme tune that’s playing–it’s a repurposed version of the iconic John Williams score from the Christopher Reeve films, this time composed by John Murphy:
Related: New DCU Sets Release Dates For Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman Sequels
Superman Official Trailer
After months of anticipation, the first official teaser and first official trailer for Superman landed on Wednesday and Thursday, December 19, respectively. Watch them below, per DC and Warner Bros.
Official teaser:
Official trailer:
Related: New DC Universe ‘Superman’ Movie Arrives: Spoiler-Free Review
Cast and Characters Guide
The upcoming film features several other DC Comics superheroes in addition to the Man of Steel: there’s Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Michael Holt/Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillon as Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, Anthony Carrigan as Rex Mason/Metamorpho, and María Gabriela de Faría as Angela Spica/The Engineer.
For those in non-superhero roles: Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane (a Daily Planet reporter and friend of Clark), Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher (Lex Luthor’s assistant and love interest), Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen (a Daily Planet photographer and friend of Clark), Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor (businessman and the arch-nemesis of Superman), Terence Rosemore as Otis (Luthor’s henchman), Wendell Pierce as Perry White (the editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet), Pruitt Taylor Vince as Jonathan Kent (Clark’s adoptive human father), Neva Howell as Martha Kent (Clark’s adoptive human mother), Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard (a Daily Planet reporter), Mikaela Hoover as Cat Grant (a Daily Planet columnist), and Christopher McDonald as Ron Troupe (a Daily Planet reporter).
Related: New DC Universe ‘Superman’ Reboot Unveils AI-Generated Cape, Fans React
What Other Films Will Form Part of the New DCU?
James Gunn and Peter Safran have outlined several projects that will form part of the new DC Universe, which include animated and live-action television shows. Here’s a list of all the upcoming live-action theatrical films, collectively titled Chapter One: Gods and Monsters:
- Superman
- Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
- The Authority
- The Brave and the Bold
- Swamp Thing
- Untitled Teen Titans film
- Untitled Bane and Deathstroke film
- Sgt. Rock
- Untitled Clayface film
Superman Release Date
Superman soars into theaters on July 11, 2025.
Are you excited about James Gunn’s Superman? What do you think of the new trailer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below!
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