Look up! Into the sky! Is it a bird? A plane? No, it’s Superman! As James Gunn continues to reshape the DCCU, he unveiled his vision to an eager audience of journalists this past Monday. The atmosphere was electric as the Superman teaser trailer was revealed, filling the Steven J. Ross Theatre at Warner Brothers with palpable awe, relief, and excitement. This moment was genuinely breathtaking, and I can confidently say it ranks among the most impressive previews I’ve witnessed in recent years. My anticipation for this film has skyrocketed!

I’m fully aware that we’ve experienced hype before, often leading to disappointment. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement surrounding such a significant project. Yet, sitting among devoted fans of Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and their companions, it was evident that something truly remarkable is on the horizon. Now, you all have the chance to see what captivated a room full of journalists. As someone who has grown weary of the over-the-top portrayal of superhumans, this early glimpse has instilled a deep sense of hope that this might be one of Gunn’s finest works.

For me, Christopher Reeve is the quintessential Superman, embodying the character beautifully. However, I am genuinely convinced that David Corenswet is the hero I’ve been longing for. The casting of Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor has genuinely excited me. One highlight of this presentation was the engaging Q&A session with Gunn and his team right after the teaser reveal. While it’s a packed “teaser,” I feel it cleverly avoids revealing too much.

Following the screening, the talented Eric Davis from Rotten Tomatoes and Fandango led a vibrant discussion with Gunn, Corenswet, Brosnahan, and Hoult. Continue reading as they skillfully share their insights without spoiling the upcoming feature. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Now that the trailer is out, how are you feeling about James Gunn’s approach to Superman?

James Gunn Discusses His Vision for Reimagining Superman for Modern Audiences:

JG: My intention wasn’t to simply create a Superman film that adhered strictly to past interpretations or to cater exclusively to fans. As I crafted the script, my main focus was to tell a story that genuinely excites and moves me, while also feeling authentic. This journey took time, and the trailer showcases some of that evolution, but at its core, I wanted to present a Superman who embodies the essence of being the ultimate good guy.

This film is fundamentally about kindness and goodness. I recall discussing this with the cast during our dinner the night before we began filming. I expressed that, in a world that often feels bleak, our movie must represent goodness in its truest form. To achieve that, we needed to foster kindness among ourselves, both on set and off, ensuring authenticity in every aspect. For me, this film is all about that message.

James Gunn on the Choice of David Corenswet as Superman:

JG: David brings a depth of training and talent that echoes Christopher Reeve. I’ve never encountered an actor so dedicated to their craft. He constantly challenges me to push the boundaries of his character and the story itself. Every performance is genuine; there’s never a moment where I feel he’s not fully engaged. The remarkable aspect is that I received Rachel’s and David’s audition tapes on the very first day of casting, which was initially daunting as I searched for the right Superman. But by the end of that day, I felt confident that we had found our hero.

David Corenswet Shares His Connection to Superman’s Character Traits:

DC: I often find myself out of sync with others, not fully grasping their meanings or missing underlying tensions in conversations. Throughout my school years, I often felt disconnected from the social drama surrounding me. As a result, I tend to view people as the best versions of themselves, focusing on positive relationships. While some may label Superman as naive, I perceive it as a genuine optimism that overlooks minor conflicts and imperfections. This perspective enables Superman to remain steadfastly hopeful and focused on the good in people and the world.

Rachel Brosnahan Discusses Her Interpretation of Lois Lane:

RB: Lois Lane has always inspired me. She epitomizes ambition, courage, and determination, relentlessly pursuing the most significant stories at any cost. I’m thrilled to portray this iconic character, integrating her timeless traits while adapting her to the contemporary world. We’ve discussed how Lois can fit into today’s journalism landscape, where print media faces challenges. Lois is dedicated to her craft, embodying an unwavering tenacity. Furthermore, in our film, you’ll witness her as a character who doesn’t comprehend the meaning of “no,” driven by her passion for the truth. This aspect of her personality will shine through in our portrayal.

Nicholas Hoult Discusses His Approach to Lex Luthor:

NH: What excites me most about portraying Lex in this film is being part of a James Gunn universe that is emotionally resonant yet grand in scope. Lex is undoubtedly intelligent and ruthless, constantly strategizing to outmaneuver Superman in ways that highlight his intellect rather than raw power. However, I hope to portray a depth to Lex that allows audiences to empathize with his ideology, understanding the motivations behind his actions and why he believes his perspective might serve humanity better.

James Gunn Reveals Insights into the Trailer and Krypto’s Role:

JG: From the beginning, we’re presenting a different side of Superman, one that diverges from traditional portrayals. This film emphasizes his humanity over superhuman abilities, exploring his struggles with everyday life. The trailer introduces a unique angle, showcasing his complex relationship with Krypto. He’s not just a sidekick; there’s much more depth to Krypto than what appears in the trailer.

Additionally, we aim to embrace the full Superman mythology. Unlike previous superhero films that have separated characters from their wider universe, our story integrates Superman into a world rich with superheroes. This alternate reality blends fantastical elements with grounded storytelling, showcasing how Superman interacts with both allies and adversaries while navigating a world filled with challenges and wonders, all while retaining his classic charm and adventures.

Rachel Brosnahan Explores the Dynamic Between Superman and Lois Lane:

RB: Their relationship has always been complex, with moments of closeness. What I cherish about their dynamic, across various adaptations, is that they are true soulmates. Both share a relentless pursuit of truth and justice, yet they approach the world in fundamentally different ways. Lois, driven by her profession and innate curiosity, questions everything around her, while Superman, as David mentioned, remains deeply present, addressing challenges as they arise. Watching their contrasting perspectives collide adds layers to their interaction, making it both entertaining and profound.

David Corenswet Reflects on the Experience of Wearing the Superman Suit:

DC: Wearing the Superman suit is a unique experience, far from glamorous. It often involves being suspended by cranes and pulleys, aided by stunt performers to achieve the desired look. While the suit appears impressive, wearing it, especially on hot days, can be quite uncomfortable. The process of donning the suit is gradual; you build it piece by piece with the costume department. The first time I stepped onto set in full costume, I didn’t initially feel like Superman. However, witnessing the reactions of my castmates and crew as they saw Superman for the first time was incredibly rewarding. The most magical moments were seeing children’s faces light up when they encountered Superman on set.

Nicholas Hoult Shares His Excitement About Working with James Gunn and Seeing David in Costume:

NH: The script captivated me—it’s unique, fun, and bursting with vibrant characters and emotions. Reading it filled me with exhilaration; it felt fresh and offered a new take on familiar characters. On set, Gunn cultivates an inviting atmosphere, knowing precisely what he wants while remaining open to ideas from his team. This collaborative spirit makes it a fantastic environment for creativity. Additionally, when I first saw David in the Superman costume, I was filled with awe—it transported me back to my childhood. Witnessing him fly onto set was a magical moment; everyone around me shared the same sense of wonder. That’s the incredible effect this character has on people.

James Gunn Shares His Vision for the Film’s Score:

JG: From the outset, I had a clear vision for the film’s music. I pondered whether to create something entirely new or pay homage to the iconic Williams score, which has always been a personal favorite of mine. The music resonated with me deeply as a child, leaving a lasting impression. I aimed to balance nostalgia with a fresh perspective. Collaborating with composer John Murphy, who began crafting the score even before the script was finalized, ensured our musical approach would capture the essence of both the past and the future.

John has diligently worked on this score for nearly two years. As is my practice, I developed the foundational elements of the score beforehand, playing them during our shoots to enhance the storytelling. Our focus remains on achieving a harmonious blend of the novel and the traditional, creating a unique auditory experience that elevates the film.