With months remaining before its theatrical release, James Gunn’s Superman has broken one Man of Steel record.

While Richard Donner’s Superman paved the way for CBMs, the character hasn’t been done justice on the big screen since the Christopher Reeve-led classic. But things are looking hopeful again, thanks to James Gunn, and the trailer for his Superman has fans convinced that this will be a return to form for one of the most iconic fictional figures of all time.

Superman | Credit: Warner Bros.

Although it can’t be said for certain if this iteration of the Man of Steel will break DC’s live-action curse of the last few years, the reception to the first trailer does paint a positive picture, as it broke Snyder’s Man of Steel‘s record.

Superman teaser has dethroned Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel

Man of Steel | Credit: Warner Bros.

One of the biggest positives from Zack Snyder‘s Man of Steel was its trailers, which, to this date, put many CBM trailers to shame. But as of now, Superman‘s teaser has crossed over 51M views, surpassing MOS‘ most-watched trailer. While it’s important to note that the internet climate has changed rapidly since then, it does reflect the general public’s interest in the character.

If anything to go by, MOS‘ box office performance wasn’t as great as it could’ve been despite the impeccable reception to its trailer. However, given Gunn’s record in the realm of CBMs so far, if he does succeed in delivering a Superman story for the ages, there’s no doubt that the film will indeed do great at the box office.

James Gunn’s Superman will be character-driven

Superman | Credit: Warner Bros.

With the Superman teaser breaking records, fans’ expectations for the first Superman film in years are at an all-time high. As for what fans can expect from this iteration of the character, Gunn expressed that it’ll be pretty character-driven, adding, “That’s a really big difference from not only other Superman movies, but superhero films”.

Even though he confessed it’ll be optimistic, which is finally a step in the right direction for the character onscreen, James Gunn shared that the film will have its darker moments. During an interview with Fandango managing editor Erik Davis, he elaborated on the trailer, adding (via GeekTyrant),

The film is optimistic, yet not without its darker moments. It’s a big science fiction movie, but at the same time, incredibly grounded. I wanted it to be something that was the essence of the Superman that I grew up with [and] loved, but also something new at the same time.

Hopefully, with seven months to go before its release, Superman will regain its glory on the big screen, as we can really use his optimistic view on mankind right now.