With just three months until the theatrical release of Superman on July 11, 2025, the first live-action film in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s newly reimagined DC Universe (DCU) is generating unprecedented excitement. A recent sneak peek, unveiled at CinemaCon and later screened before A Minecraft Movie in theaters, offers a complete scene from the film, followed by a slightly tweaked version of the original teaser trailer that incorporates elements from prior teasers and introduces minor new details. This footage, now available online, showcases David Corenswet’s Superman in a way that has fans buzzing, with many claiming this iteration already surpasses Henry Cavill’s portrayal in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). From its heartfelt character moments to its vibrant world-building, the Superman sneak peek suggests a bold, refreshing take on the Man of Steel that could redefine the superhero genre.

A Groundbreaking Sneak Peek: The Fortress of Solitude Scene

The five-minute sneak peek, shared by DC Studios on YouTube, centers on a pivotal scene set in the Fortress of Solitude, Superman’s Kryptonian sanctuary. The sequence begins with a battered and bloodied Clark Kent (David Corenswet) crash-landing in a snowy wasteland, struggling to muster his strength. He whistles for Krypto the Superdog, who bounds joyfully to his side, unaware of his master’s injuries. Krypto’s playful antics—gnawing at Superman’s boot and pouncing excitedly—worsen Clark’s condition, drawing both laughter and empathy from audiences. The super-powered canine eventually drags Superman to the Fortress, where a team of Kryptonian robots, including one voiced by Alan Tudyk as “Robot 4,” tend to his wounds using intensified yellow sun rays. Superman, despite his pain, thanks the automatons, only to be met with a curt, “No need to thank us, sir, as we will not appreciate it.”

This scene encapsulates what makes Gunn’s Superman stand out: a blend of heart, humor, and humanity. Corenswet’s portrayal emphasizes Superman’s kindness and vulnerability, as he remains polite even to indifferent machines. The inclusion of Krypto, inspired by Gunn’s own rescue dog, adds a relatable, emotional layer, with fans on X praising the “super” relationship: “As a dog owner, Krypto jumping on Superman all excited, not realizing it hurts, is too real for me lol.” The Fortress itself, reimagined with a crystalline aesthetic but a fresh design, nods to its comic book roots while feeling distinct from prior live-action iterations.

Why Corenswet’s Superman Feels Revolutionary

The sneak peek highlights a core aspect of Superman’s character that sets Corenswet apart from Cavill: his uninhibited kindness and altruism, bordering on naivety. Drawing heavily from Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s All-Star Superman, a key inspiration for Gunn, this version of Kal-El exudes compassion in every interaction. ScreenRant notes that Superman’s politeness to the Fortress robots, despite their indifference, “highlights one of Superman’s most touching traits,” making him feel vulnerable and relatable in a way Cavill’s stoic, god-like portrayal often did not. While Cavill’s Superman was defined by epic battles and existential struggles in films like Man of Steel (2013) and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Corenswet’s version leans into the Golden Age innocence of the character, emphasizing hope and humanity over brute strength.

The decision to show Superman at his most vulnerable—bruised, bleeding, and reliant on Krypto and robots—has sparked debate. Some fans, as reported by MovieWeb, criticized the depiction as making Superman “too fragile,” with one X user lamenting, “The real Superman doesn’t need a bunch of robots to carry him over to a table to heal… and doesn’t whine like a little bit*h when the sun hits him.” Others, however, argue that this vulnerability is precisely what makes Gunn’s vision compelling. By showing Superman struggle and rise again, the film underscores his resilience and moral compass, qualities that resonate in a cynical world. Gunn himself addressed the bleeding Superman controversy, stating at a press event, “Even when Superman is stripped of his powers, he isn’t afraid to stand up for what’s right,” reinforcing that this portrayal prioritizes heroism over invincibility.

A Vibrant DCU World: New Trailer Elements

The sneak peek is followed by a tweaked version of the original teaser trailer, released on December 19, 2024, which integrates elements from prior teasers and adds minor new shots. The updated trailer retains iconic moments: Superman soaring above Metropolis, Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) kissing both Clark and Superman, and Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) looming as a formidable antagonist. New glimpses include a clearer look at the Luthorcorp building, hinting at Lex’s corporate empire, and a brief shot of Angela Spica/The Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría), suggesting ties to the upcoming Authority film. The trailer also showcases other DCU heroes, including Nathan Fillion’s Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific, Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl, and Anthony Carrigan’s Metamorpho, all working under Maxwell Lord’s shadowy squad. A kaiju-like worm creature and a massive energy orb attacking Metropolis further tease the film’s high-stakes action.

John Murphy’s score, building on John Williams’ 1978 Superman theme, enhances the trailer’s emotional weight, blending nostalgia with a modern edge. The practical sets and costumes, highlighted in behind-the-scenes footage released on Superman Day (April 18, 2025), add a tactile quality to the film, distancing it from the CGI-heavy DCEU. Fans on Reddit’s DC_Cinematic community praised the trailer’s tone, with one user noting, “It sets a good tone while divulging literally nothing,” preserving plot surprises while building anticipation.

Surpassing Cavill: A New Era for Superman

Henry Cavill’s Superman was a polarizing figure, lauded for his physicality but criticized for a darker, more conflicted portrayal that some felt strayed from the character’s optimistic core. Gunn’s decision to recast Cavill with Corenswet initially sparked backlash, but the sneak peek has shifted sentiment. Corenswet’s Superman, at 25 years old, is younger and more established than Cavill’s fledgling hero, allowing the film to skip the origin story and dive into Clark’s dual life as a Daily Planet reporter and Metropolis’ protector. Producer Peter Safran described this Superman as “the embodiment of truth, justice, and the American way” in a world that views kindness as “old-fashioned,” a stark contrast to the DCEU’s grim tone.

The ensemble cast further elevates the film. Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is poised to be a dynamic partner, while Hoult’s Lex Luthor promises a cunning, multifaceted villain. The inclusion of Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo), Perry White (Wendell Pierce), and other Daily Planet staff grounds the story in Clark’s human world. The presence of DCU heroes and villains like Simon Stagg and a potential Sun-Eater ties Superman to the broader franchise without overshadowing its character-driven focus, as Gunn emphasized: “If something’s there just to set up something else, f*** it.”

Challenges and Expectations

Despite the hype, Superman faces immense pressure as the DCU’s flagship film. Gunn has admitted that the franchise’s future hinges on its success, stating, “A lot is riding on Superman. We’re not going to just keep making movies.” The sneak peek’s divisive reception—particularly over Superman’s vulnerability—reflects the challenge of pleasing a diverse fanbase. Comparisons to Zack Snyder’s DCEU persist, with some fans citing Snyder’s Superman enduring a nuke without pain as “more accurate” to the comics. Yet, the positive buzz, amplified by Gunn’s transparency and comic-accurate approach, suggests Superman could overcome these hurdles.

The film’s practical effects, vibrant world, and focus on Superman’s compassion position it as a potential game-changer. As ComicBook.com noted, the trailer “proves” Gunn’s character-focused vision, offering “significant brushstrokes and crossovers” from the DCU. With Creature Commandos already setting the stage and Peacemaker Season 2 following, Superman is poised to launch a cohesive, exciting new era.

Conclusion: A Beacon of Hope

The Superman sneak peek and updated trailer showcase a film that dares to reimagine the Man of Steel as a beacon of hope in a cynical world. David Corenswet’s heartfelt performance, paired with James Gunn’s unique blend of humor, action, and emotion, positions this Superman as a worthy successor to past iterations—and, for many, a step beyond Cavill’s tenure. As the DCU’s first live-action venture, Superman promises to redefine the superhero landscape when it soars into theaters on July 11, 2025. Whether it’s Krypto stealing the show or Superman’s kindness winning hearts, this film looks absolutely fantastic, and the world is ready to look up.