James Gunn’s Superman latest Super Bowl updates leave fans split over whether it’s a bold marketing move or a missed opportunity.

James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman movie has fans buzzing, but not for the usual reasons. While many expected Warner Bros. to drop a flashy Super Bowl teaser, the studio has thrown a curveball by opting for the Puppy Bowl instead. Yes, you read that right.

David Corenswet as Superman | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

Instead of flexing its Kryptonian muscles during the biggest TV event of the year, Superman will take flight during an entirely different kind of showdown, one featuring adorable puppies playing football.

This unexpected marketing move has left fans divided, with some praising the creativity and others scratching their heads, wondering why Warner Bros. would sidestep the massive reach of a Super Bowl ad.

Is Superman not super enough for the Super Bowl?

David Corenswet in Superman | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

For decades, the Super Bowl has been the ultimate stage for blockbuster movie trailers. With over 100 million viewers tuning in, it’s an unparalleled marketing opportunity. Marvel, DC, and just about every major studio have used the event to drum up excitement, and fans expected Superman to follow suit. Instead, Warner Bros. has chosen a softer, furrier approach.

While the Puppy Bowl does have a loyal audience, it’s nowhere near the viewership juggernaut of the Super Bowl. The numbers speak for themselves, the Super Bowl attracts over 110 million viewers, while the Puppy Bowl averages around 2-3 million. That’s a colossal gap, leading many fans to question the logic behind this decision.

Let’s be real, Superman isn’t exactly the type of movie you associate with fluffy puppies and chew toys. Well… other than Krypto. The Man of Steel is all about action, heroism, and saving the world from intergalactic threats. A high-energy Super Bowl spot could have showcased the film’s epic scope, whereas the Puppy Bowl teaser might not pack the same punch.

Fans react to James Gunn’s update on the Super Bowl teaser

Krypto in Superman | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

While skipping the Super Bowl might seem like an odd call, there could be some strategic thinking behind it. First, Super Bowl ads are expensive. A 30-second spot costs around $7 million, and that’s just for airtime. According to Deadline, the last time Warner Bros. showcased a movie at the Super Bowl was The Flash in 2023.

Second, this move could be an attempt to reach a different, more engaged audience. The Puppy Bowl may not have Super Bowl-sized numbers, but its viewers tend to be highly engaged, and the event gets plenty of social media buzz. Plus, positioning Superman in a wholesome, family-friendly setting could help reinforce the film’s fun-loving tone which David Corenswet wanted.

Of course, that doesn’t mean fans are happy about it. Many took to social media to express their confusion, with some calling it a missed opportunity and others claiming that the movie should be Krypto instead of Superman.

Some fans are also justifying their intentions saying that there is no need for another trailer this early especially when the last trailer was released very recently, in December. Some even went on to say that most of us are going to be watching it online anyway.

Whether this strategy pays off remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure, it’s got people talking. Maybe this heated discussion was their marketing plan all along. The results of this move will be seen soon enough.

Superman will premiere in theaters on July 11, 2025.