Warner Bros. Pictures co-CEO Michael De Luca shared his deep admiration for James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film, praising it as a powerful blend of emotional storytelling, stunning visuals, and classic comic book heart. With the movie set to relaunch the DC Universe’s live-action slate under Gunn and co-chair Peter Safran, De Luca described the film as nothing short of spectacular.
“I love Superman. I think James Gunn has crushed it,” De Luca said, emphasizing the filmmaker’s signature blend of “heart and humor” and calling the action “jaw dropping.” He added, “It’s the Superman I grew up with, so I get choked up when I watch it. It’s epic, visually arresting, and emotional. The performances are great. It is a five-star movie to me, and I can’t wait for the world to see it.”
When asked how the film compares to Richard Donner’s 1978 Superman starring Christopher Reeve, De Luca said the spirit of the new film aligns closely with that classic portrayal. However, he also highlighted the film’s bold embrace of science fiction, calling it “a big hunk of epic sci-fi” with shades of Guardians of the Galaxy.
“It’s true-blue Superman,” De Luca continued. “The comic book inspirations—like All-Star Superman—are in there. It’s really a love letter to what has made Superman endure for almost a hundred years. James managed to get it all in there.”
A Sci-Fi Infused Return to the Fortress of Solitude
A sneak peek shown at CinemaCon offered a closer look at these science fiction elements, including scenes featuring Krypto the Superdog and several robot assistants operating within Superman’s Fortress of Solitude. One particularly striking image previewed a scene directed by Gunn that depicts a tense interaction between Superman (David Corenswet) and his infamous nemesis Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult). While Luthor’s full motivations remain under wraps, the glimpse hinted at the layered conflicts awaiting audiences.
A Modern-Day Origin with Classic Roots
Alongside these cosmic and high-tech elements, Superman will also emphasize the more grounded aspects of Clark Kent’s double life. James Gunn previously described the film as a “workplace origin story,” and the marketing has reflected that tone by showcasing Clark’s role at the Daily Planet. The trailers have highlighted his dynamic with iconic love interest Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), and interactions with fellow reporters and superheroes alike.
The film will feature appearances from several metahuman characters, including Guy Gardner, Mister Terrific, and Hawkgirl, expanding the DCU’s character roster while grounding the story in a rich ensemble environment. This blend of superhero spectacle with workplace drama reflects Gunn’s commitment to revitalizing Superman without losing touch with the character’s humanity.
Setting the Stage for a New DC Universe
Superman will be the second official installment in the revamped DCU, following last year’s Creature Commandos. It will be followed by Peacemaker Season 2 in August. Other upcoming entries in development include Lanterns and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Notably, Supergirl will feature the return of Jason Momoa as the fan-favorite intergalactic bounty hunter, Lobo.
The film’s star, David Corenswet, brings a fresh face to the role of Superman, stepping into a legacy shaped by Christopher Reeve’s iconic performance. In one scene revealed in the footage, Superman is shown being healed by advanced automatons—another nod to the film’s sci-fi underpinnings.
Honoring a Hero’s Legacy
The upcoming film arrives in the shadow of a towering legacy. Richard Donner’s 1978 Superman remains a landmark in superhero cinema, with Reeve’s portrayal continuing to influence every iteration of the character. Reeve’s life and career, including the aftermath of his 1995 paralysis, were poignantly revisited in last year’s documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story.
Release Date
Superman flies into theaters on July 11, marking a bold new beginning for the DC Universe and a heartfelt return to the essence of one of the world’s most beloved superheroes.
