As the DC Universe (DCU) embarks on a fresh chapter under the stewardship of James Gunn and Peter Safran, all eyes are on Superman (2025), the first theatrical film in this rebooted franchise, slated for release on July 11, 2025. Announced as the cornerstone of the DCU’s “Gods and Monsters” phase, this film promises to redefine the Man of Steel for a new era. With test screenings already underway as of March 26, 2025, whispers of early reactions, plot details, and Gunn’s ambitious vision are swirling across the internet. From David Corenswet’s debut as Clark Kent to the inclusion of fan-favorite characters like Krypto the Superdog, here’s everything we know about Superman—the DCU’s plan, the latest test screening updates, and what it all means for the future of DC on the big screen.
The DCU Plan: A New Dawn for Superman
When Gunn and Safran took the reins of DC Studios in late 2022, they vowed to break from the uneven legacy of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Their slate, unveiled in January 2023, positioned Superman—initially titled Superman: Legacy—as the true launchpad for the DCU. Unlike its predecessor, which leaned heavily on Zack Snyder’s dark, brooding aesthetic, this iteration aims to capture the essence of Superman as “truth, justice, and the American way,” per Safran. Gunn, who wrote and directs, has cited All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely as a key influence, promising a blend of heart, humor, and heroism.
The film sidesteps a traditional origin story, focusing instead on a young Clark Kent, roughly 25 years old, navigating his dual identity as a cub reporter at the Daily Planet and Earth’s protector. This Superman is neither the inexperienced teen of Smallville nor the grizzled veteran of Henry Cavill’s DCEU run—he’s a hero finding his footing, balancing Kryptonian heritage with human values. The cast reflects this fresh start: David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and a roster of DC icons like Nathan Fillion’s Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl, and Milly Alcock’s Supergirl, who debuts here before her 2026 solo outing.
Gunn’s vision extends beyond Superman. The film is the first of a planned trilogy of theatrical releases in 2025, alongside The Authority and The Brave and the Bold, complemented by HBO series like Lanterns and Waller. This interconnected tapestry aims to rival the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) while retaining standalone integrity—each project a “chapter” in an overarching story, culminating in a massive crossover akin to The Avengers. For Superman, that means planting subtle seeds for the DCU’s future without sacrificing its own narrative, a balancing act Gunn has mastered in Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad.
Test Screening Updates: What We’ve Heard
With filming wrapped on July 30, 2024, at Trilith Studios in Atlanta, Superman entered post-production, and test screenings began late last year. As of March 26, 2025, reports from these early viewings—mostly internal, per Reddit’s r/DCU_—offer a mix of excitement and intrigue, though some conflicting rumors keep fans guessing. Here’s the latest buzz:
Tone and Style: Test screening reactions suggest Superman isn’t a comedy but features “funny moments” woven into a heartfelt, epic tale. Sources compare its tone to Captain America: The First Avenger for its earnest heroism and Guardians of the Galaxy for its emotional resonance—not its humor. One Reddit thread from r/DCUleaks noted, “The tone is closer to the first Wonder Woman film,” hinting at a balance of optimism and gravitas.
David Corenswet’s Superman: Early viewers rave about Corenswet, with Jeff Sneider on The Hot Mic podcast reporting, “They thought David delivered as the Man of Steel.” Gunn himself praised Corenswet in a December 2024 Hollywood Reporter interview, calling him “one of the best actors I’ve ever worked with.” His Clark is reportedly charming yet conflicted, a departure from Cavill’s stoic portrayal, with a runtime possibly exceeding 2 hours and 20 minutes to flesh out his journey.
Supporting Cast Highlights: Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is a standout, described as “funny and adorable” in a Maxblizz report, stealing scenes with her wit and chemistry with Corenswet. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor earns high marks for a “scary” yet nuanced performance, backed by two goons who amplify his menace. Krypto the Superdog, a surprise addition, plays a “significant role,” delighting audiences with his loyalty and antics.
Plot Surprises: Screenings hint at unexpected twists. A Reddit leak claimed, “Characters aren’t who people think they are,” and “online speculation is dead wrong,” suggesting Gunn’s subverting expectations. Toy leaks reveal a “Baby Kaiju” tied to Lex, possibly the giant creature from the trailer, and a mysterious “Baby Joe”—perhaps a young Kal-El or a red herring. Milly Alcock’s Supergirl absence from some reports raises questions about her debut’s scope.
Visuals and VFX: Feedback on CGI is mixed. Initial screenings showed “bumpy FX,” with only a third of the visual effects complete by late 2024, per Heroic Hollywood. However, a March 2025 update from X user DC da Depressão claims “superior CGI” has improved since the trailer’s muted palette sparked debate. With seven months until release, polish is ongoing.
Reception So Far: Reactions vary. Sneider initially called the film “terrible” in February 2025, citing a source, but later walked it back, saying a newer cut “performed far better.” John Campea countered on his show, insisting he’d heard it’s “tremendously good.” Gunn confirmed screenings in a press event, noting they’re “editing and making little changes,” including minor pickups in Los Angeles—think a fist hitting a face, not major reshoots. The consensus? It’s shaping up as a strong DCU kickoff, though not without growing pains.
The Bigger Picture: Stakes and Expectations
Superman carries immense weight as the DCU’s theatrical debut. After the DCEU’s highs (Wonder Woman) and lows (Justice League), Warner Bros. has rallied behind Gunn’s vision, with CEO David Zaslav likening its push to Barbie (2023). A budget rumored near $300 million underscores the investment, and marketing is ramping up—DC Japan recently shared a teaser pegging a July 9 international release, two days before the U.S. premiere in IMAX, ScreenX, and 4DX.
The film’s success could dictate the DCU’s trajectory. A hit would validate Gunn and Safran’s reboot, paving the way for Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (2026) and beyond. A flop risks derailing their six-year plan, especially with The Batman 2 delayed to 2027 and Elseworlds projects competing for attention. Posts on X reflect this tension—some fans cheer the trailer’s 250 million+ views in 24 hours, while skeptics like @CR7aig lament its “bland” aesthetic. Yet Gunn’s track record—turning obscure heroes into blockbusters—breeds optimism.
What’s Next?
As Superman nears completion, expect a second trailer soon, likely clarifying the Kaiju threat and Supergirl’s role. Gunn’s next DCU project, teased as “connected” to Superman by DCU_Direct, could deepen this universe—perhaps a Lois-centric story or Lex’s machinations. The film’s runtime, emotional beats, and surprise villains (Ultraman? A twist on Bizarro?) promise a spectacle that honors Superman’s legacy while forging a bold path.
On March 26, 2025, Superman stands at a crossroads—test screenings reveal a film evolving under scrutiny, backed by a DCU plan that’s equal parts ambitious and meticulous. Whether it soars like its hero or stumbles under pressure, one thing’s clear: James Gunn’s Man of Steel is poised to redefine DC’s cinematic future. Mark your calendars for July 11, 2025—this could be the dawn of a new superhero era.
