Superman in James Gunn's Superman

The buzz surrounding James Gunn’s Superman, the first major film in the rebooted DC Universe, has been anything but straightforward. Over the past few weeks, conflicting reports about the film’s test screenings have emerged, leaving fans wondering whether the highly anticipated movie will soar or crash upon release.

 

If you’ve been following reports of Superman test screenings, you’ll know that they’re anything but straightforward. First it was said to be the worst thing ever, a surefire bomb. Then it was said the movie is a triumph akin to Gunn’s major Marvel victories. Then a report from Matt McGloin of Cosmic Book News completely debunked that report, once again casting doubt on the upcoming film’s quality.

Here’s a breakdown of the timeline and differing accounts regarding the film’s reception so far.

The Initial Report: “Things Are Not Looking Good”

The controversy began when Hollywood insider Jeff Sneider shared some troubling updates on his podcast, The Hot Mic. According to Sneider, the initial test screenings for Superman: Legacy yielded overwhelmingly negative reactions.

“The buzz is not good. I’m hearing bad things,” Sneider stated. “I’m hearing ‘you should be worried’ things.”

Superman wounded in snow

Superman wounded in the snow in the trailer for James Gunn’s Superman – YouTube, DC

The report further suggested that these negative reactions were “franchise-killing bad.”

Sneider mentioned that James Gunn was “aware of some of the feedback” and noted that the production was heading back for additional photography. While Gunn downplayed these reshoots as standard “pickup shots,” Sneider argued there were “plenty of reasons to be nervous.”

The insider’s claims quickly caught fire, sparking speculation about whether the project could meet fans’ high expectations.

The Counterclaim: “Guardians of the Galaxy-Level Good”

Not long after Sneider’s bleak assessment, a more optimistic report surfaced.

According to sources cited by ComicBookMovie.com, early feedback from the film was overwhelmingly positive. The tone of Superman: Legacy was reportedly described as being similar to Captain America: The First Avenger and The Mummy.

Superman saves girl

Superman saves a little girl in the Superman teaser trailer – YouTube, DC

The most glowing praise came from insiders who likened the movie to Gunn’s own Guardians of the Galaxy.

“Superman was described as ‘Guardians of the Galaxy-level good,’ and while some of the VFX was unfinished, a ‘lot of the shots were polished enough with seven months to go,’” the report by Mark Cassidy stated. “Those in attendance reportedly ‘loved the movie.’”

Despite this more favorable perspective, ComicBookMovie.com cautioned that both positive and negative reactions could coexist. Films often receive mixed early feedback, and only time would tell how the finished product would resonate with audiences.

Cosmic Book News Debunks the Optimism

The pendulum swung back yet again when Cosmic Book News challenged the validity of the optimistic report. Site founder Matt McGloin argued that the supposed test screenings described by ComicBookMovie.com likely never happened.

“A fan user on Comic Book Movie wrote up a fan article claiming a test screening was held for James Gunn’s Superman movie with the reactions said to be ‘Guardians of the Galaxy-level good,’” McGloin wrote. “The site does use fan editors, but the possible bogus rumor seems to have somehow gotten past them. Anyone can post articles on the site, so for example, whenever there is a NFL game or such, someone posts pirate links to pirate sites.”
Superman

Superman grimacing by a Stagg Industries sign in the trailer for James Gunn’s Superman – YouTube, DC

McGloin then pointed to insider ViewerAnon, who claimed that any screenings of Superman: Legacy had been internal at Warner Bros., not public.

“Any and all SUPERMAN test screenings so far – I don’t know how many have taken place – have been internal,” ViewerAnon stated. “Even by test screening standards, take any leaks from internal screenings, positive or negative, with a huge grain of salt.”

ViewerAnon further explained that public test screenings, which are easier to verify, would have generated more concrete reactions. They also noted that internal screenings are often more prone to unverifiable speculation.

Lex Luthor

Nicholas Holt as Lex Luthor in Superman – YouTube, DC

To bolster his argument, McGloin reminded readers of past instances where internal screenings led to exaggerated hype, such as claims of a standing ovation for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Where Does That Leave Us?

The conflicting reports leave fans in limbo. On one hand, Sneider’s initial warning paints a grim picture for Superman. On the other, the glowing feedback cited by ComicBookMovie.com suggests a far more positive reception. Yet, with Cosmic Book News debunking the latter claim and ViewerAnon questioning the existence of public test screenings altogether, there’s little concrete evidence to confirm either narrative.

Superman and Lois Kissing

Superman and Lois Lane kiss while flying in the trailer for James Gunn’s Superman – YouTube, DC

For now, all fans can rely on is the overwhelming enthusiasm generated by the film’s trailer, which broke records with over 22.6 million views in 24 hours. As for the final verdict on Superman, audiences will have to wait until its release next summer.

Do you believe the negative reports about Superman test screenings? Did the trailer give you any hope? Sound off in the comments and let us know!