The highly anticipated new James Gunn-directed “Superman” film is set to offer a thrilling take on the iconic superhero’s story. In this version, Superman (David Crensway) finds himself at a low point in life, crashing into the Arctic ice at high speed and left bruised in the snow, forced to turn to his most trusted ally, little Krypton, for help. Amid human doubts, he faces off against a slew of villains while also clarifying his relationship with Lois Lane.
The trailer showcases a host of other superheroes and characters from the DC universe. It features Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, Isabella Mercedes as Hawkgirl, and Eddie Gaithergy as Mr. Fantastic. Superman’s arch-nemesis Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) is also present, plotting something sinister as the power-hungry CEO of the Luthor Corporation. In less than three minutes, a whopping 17 DC characters and Easter eggs make an appearance.
Rachel Brosnahan portrays Lois Lane, Clark’s love interest and a fearless, intelligent reporter at the Daily Planet who remains unaware that Clark and Superman are one and the same. Clark Kent, Superman’s alter ego, works alongside her at the newspaper. The Daily Planet building, with its iconic globe on the spire visible at the entrance, is also shown, along with other staffers like Jimmy Olsen (Schuyler Gisando), Steve Lombard (Beck Bennett), and Kate Grant (Michaela Hoover), who are photographers and reporters there.
The alien dog little Krypton makes a grand entrance, inspired by director James Gunn’s own dog Ozu. Gunn thought about how challenging life would be if his dog had superpowers, leading to little Krypton’s inclusion in the script and a significant impact on the story’s direction.
Nathan Fillion’s Green Lantern/Guy Gardner has a unique look with an “unintelligent-looking watermelon head”. As a member of the Green Lantern Corps, he can fly and create green light structures using his ring. Hawkgirl, with her huge bird wings and metal mace, and Mr. Fantastic, a master inventor who wears a T-mask and wields high-tech equipment, also add to the diverse roster of characters.
Pruitt Tyler Vince and Neva Howell play Jonathan and Martha Kent, the loving couple who adopt the young Kryptonian when he crashes on their Kansas farm. The Kent Farm in Kansas briefly appears in the trailer as well. Anthony Carrigan’s Rex Mason has connections to the elemental powers and the Stagg Industries storyline from the comics.
The Fortress of Solitude, Superman’s private ice-block headquarters at the North Pole and a refuge away from humans, is shown. Superman’s distress over a destroyed robot, likely the comic book character Kellex, a servant droid from Krypton and the Fortress of Solitude’s guard, hints at the severing of his last link to his home planet. A giant fire-breathing monster also makes an appearance, though its origin remains unclear.
Written and directed by James Gunn, known for the “Guardians of the Galaxy” series, this “Superman” film won’t be a solo affair. Many DC Universe superheroes and related characters will grace the screen, yet Superman will remain the central protagonist. The movie will focus on the origins of Superman Kal-El as he attempts to balance his Kryptonian heritage with his Earth-based identity as Clark Kent.
Fans can mark their calendars as “Superman” is set to be released in North America on July 11, 2025, promising an action-packed and character-rich adventure in the DC universe.
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