The DCU’s first trailer for David Corenswet’s Superman teases a dynamic and action-packed narrative and uses a distinctly different style to the DCEU’s Man of Steel. The trailer for DCU’s Superman (2025) has been released, commencing the cinematic arm of the DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. Corenswet’s Superman is markedly different from the DCEU’s Henry Cavill, and the trailer immediately declares so. While both trailers introduce a fresh take on the character, their tones, visual styles, and thematic elements highlight striking differences.
When Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel trailer premiered in 2013, it introduced audiences to a somber and grounded Superman – a stark departure from previous interpretations. With Cavill’s Superman, the focus was on exploring the existential challenges of being a godlike figure in a flawed world. A decade later, James Gunn has teased a new direction with David Corenswet’s Superman in Superman (2025). This trailer hints at a tonal shift, embracing a retro, vibrant style that feels markedly different from the weighty seriousness of Snyder’s interpretation.
The First Look At David Corenswet’s Superman Is Far More Human Than Henry Cavill’s
Henry Cavill’s Superman Focused On His Godlike Status
The opening moments of Corenswet’s Superman trailer immediately establish a deeply human portrayal of Superman. It begins with a battered and bleeding Superman lying crumpled in a Yamcha pose and needing to be recused by his dog Krypto. It’s a powerful image that underscores his vulnerability and a distinctly human side to the mighty hero. This is followed by scenes focusing on his life as Clark Kent, including moments of his work life and glimpses of his relationships. By contrast, Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel trailer opts for a reflective tone, exploring Clark Kent’s childhood and his struggle with his identity.
The first image of Superman in the Man of Steel trailer comes much later and deploys majestic imagery of a godlike Superman. This builds to the iconic shot of Superman hovering in space above the Earth – a visual metaphor for the divine status of Henry Cavill’s Superman. Corenswet’s portrayal, as teased in the trailer, appears more grounded, prioritizing the humanity of the character over his mythic qualities. This shift aligns with James Gunn’s storytelling sensibilities, which often emphasize relatable, character-driven narratives.
Superman (2025) Has A More Retro And Fun Tone Than Man Of Steel
The Man Of Steel Trailer Is Very Serious And Somber
Tonally, the trailers highlight two vastly different visions of Superman and his world. Superman (2025) embraces a retro aesthetic with vibrant visuals and a lighthearted feel. It conveys a sense of optimism and fun, with moments that seem to celebrate Superman’s dual identity rather than focus solely on the burden of his powers. In stark contrast, Man of Steel takes a somber approach, reflecting on the profound difficulties of being a near-omnipotent being in a world that fears and misunderstands him.
Snyder’s film is a classic origin story, exploring Clark’s growth from a boy on a Kansas farm to a hero grappling with his place in the universe. The Man of Steel trailer lingers on Superman’s trials and tribulations, making him into a serious figure more akin to Batman. While Superman appears less like an origin story and more like a celebration of an established Superman, it also feels more accessible to a wider audience, including younger viewers. The retro tone – marked by old-fashioned clothing and the electric guitar score – sets it apart from the introspective and weighty atmosphere of Man of Steel.
Both Man Of Steel And Superman (2025) Use Sparse Music Before Transitioning Into Heroic Fanfare
Superman (2025) Adapts John Williams Superman Score
Both trailers use music as a key storytelling element, though in distinct ways. Man of Steel opens with Hans Zimmer’s hauntingly sparse score, designed to evoke the destruction of Krypton and Clark’s loneliness. This understated beginning gradually builds into a powerful heroic theme, underscoring the majesty and godlike presence of Cavill’s Superman. The music reflects the majesty of Cavill’s Superman with a serious undercurrent. In contrast, Superman employs an adaptation of John Williams’ iconic score from the 1978 Superman film.
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The trailer for Superman (2025) opens with no music, but the howling winds over Superman’s battered body. This is joined by ominous tones, highlighting Superman’s vulnerability and underscoring his moment of defeat. John William’s Superman theme then triumphantly rings out on an electric guitar. Slowed down, music evokes a nostalgic yet fresh tone. The music crescendos into John Williams’ inspirational fanfare, reinforcing the optimistic outlook of the film. While Zimmer’s score amplifies the grandeur of Snyder’s Superman, Gunn’s musical choices prioritize warmth and familiarity, reflecting a different emotional core.
Superman (2025) Is Much More Vibrant Than Man Of Steel
Man Of Steel Was Less Colorful Than Superman (2025)
Visually, the contrast between the two films and their trailers is stark. Gunn’s Superman trailer bursts with color. It features a bright and vibrant Superman suit reminiscent of the classic comics, with several DC characters boasting colorful costumes and vibrant powers. The trailer’s color palette is eye-catching and energetic, characteristic of James Gunn’s superhero films like Guardians of the Galaxy. This approach gives the film a more “cartoony” yet visually engaging style that feels fresh and modern. It suggests that Superman will have a more joyful tone than the serious Man of Steel.
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Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel leans heavily into desaturated tones. The muted colors and darker Superman suit contribute to the film’s somber mood, emphasizing realism and gravitas. It followed the success of The Dark Knight trilogy and its realistic take on superheroes. While this aesthetic aligns with the film’s introspective tone, it can come across as somewhat bland compared to the visual vibrancy of Superman. Gunn’s emphasis on bold colors signals a return to Superman’s roots as a fun symbol of hope.
James Gunn’s Superman Trailer Teases More But Reveals Less Narrative
Man Of Steel’s Trailer Set Up A Superhero Origin Story
Another notable difference lies in how much each trailer reveals about the film’s story. Superman (2025) teases several exciting elements, including glimpses of other DC characters, an alien invasion, and Superman balancing his dual identities. However, it stops short of providing a clear narrative outline. This approach builds intrigue, leaving audiences eager to discover how these elements will come together. It also presents the movie as an event, marking an exciting new chapter in the character’s cinematic history.
In contrast, Man of Steel offers a more straightforward preview of its narrative. The trailer clearly establishes that the film is an origin story, chronicling Clark’s journey from a conflicted young man to Earth’s protector. While this clarity helps set expectations, it lacks the element of surprise present in Gunn’s teaser. Gunn’s decision to hint at major events without giving away the plot reflects a more modern approach to trailer design, prioritizing excitement over exposition. These differences highlight the different tones of these movies and the change of tone in James Gunn’s Superman.
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Written and directed by James Gunn, Superman is the first movie in Warner Bros.’ rebooted DC Universe to center around the titular comic book hero. It introduces a new version of the Man of Steel after Henry Cavill’s departure from the role, honoring the character’s roots as “the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way.”
- Release Date
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July 11, 2025 - Cast
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David Corenswet
, Rachel Brosnahan
, María Gabriela De Faría
, Edi Gathegi
, Nicholas Hoult
, Frank Grillo
, Nathan Fillion
, Milly Alcock
, Sara Sampaio
, Pruitt Taylor Vince
, Skyler Gisondo
, Anthony Carrigan
, Wendell Pierce
, Beck Bennett
, Sean Gunn - Distributor(s)
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Warner Bros. Pictures
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This new take on Superman’s origin story, Man of Steel, centers on young journalist Clark Kent/Kal-El, a being who came to Earth as a child from Krypton. Though he has trouble fitting in with his secret superpowers and questions his purpose in life, Clark is forced into action when fellow Kryptonian General Zod arrives on Earth hellbent on conquest. Clark is built by the values set upon him by his parents, Martha and Jonathan Kent, who adopted him as an otherworldly orphan, inadvertently raising him to become the hero humanity needs.
- Release Date
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June 14, 2013 - Cast
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Kevin Costner
, Laurence Fishburne
, Richard Schiff
, Amy Adams
, Harry Lennix
, Antje Traue
, Michael Shannon
, Henry Cavill
, Christopher Meloni
, Diane Lane
, Russell Crowe - Distributor(s)
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Warner Bros. Pictures
