The first trailer for James Gunn’s Superman movie establishes a surprising trend for the hero, and it makes me more excited about his future in the new DC Universe. Excitement has been high for the next Superman film since James Gunn was announced to direct the project. As a fan of his Guardians of the Galaxy films, I have always thought that Gunn’s Superman movie would turn out great. After a long time with no announcements, we now have the first trailer for the DCU’s Superman, and it is perfect.
There are many exciting reveals in the Superman movie trailer, ranging from the first look at both the Clark Kent and Superman sides of Corenswet’s character to his relationship with Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane to plenty of superhero action and more. I think Superman‘s star-studded cast shines bright in the first trailer for the film, which has made my excitement for the rest of the projects in the DCU’s Chapter One go up. Interestingly, Superman does not mark the first appearance of David Corenswet’s Superman in the DCU, and the new trailer cements a trend that I like.
The DC Universe’s Two Superman Introductions Begin With His Defeat
Superman Is In The DCU’s First Two Projects
December 19, 2025, has become a very important date in the history of David Corenswet as Superman. Not only was it the day that the first trailer for James Gunn’s Superman movie was revealed, but it also saw Corenswet’s Man of Steel make his DCU debut in the franchise’s first project. Before Superman serves as the shared universe’s first film next year, the animated Creature Commandos series opened the new DC Universe. While Corenswet does not voice Superman in the show, Creature Commandos episode 4 included the DC hero in a nightmarish sequence.
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Wonder Woman’s First DCU Appearance Reveals An Exciting Connection With David Corenswet’s Superman
The DCU’s new Wonder Woman following Gal Gadot’s exit has already debuted, and the character connects to David Corenswet’s Superman in a key way.
The Wonder Woman villain Circe showed Amanda Waller a vision of a future where Princess Ilana Rostovic was revealed to be evil and had her army take over the world, killing several heroes, which included Corenswet’s Superman and the yet-to-be cast DCU versions of Batman and Wonder Woman. Following that reveal earlier in the day, the first trailer for Gunn’s Superman was released. The very first scene in the trailer sees Superman fall into the snow, badly injured and bleeding. This way, both Superman introductions in the DCU have him defeated.
Why Showing Superman Defeated In Creature Commandos & At The Start Of The Superman Trailer Makes Sense
James Gunn Is Hitting An Important Superman Criticism Head On
I’m a fan of the decision to have Superman look defeated in his two DCU introductions for a couple of reasons. No, I don’t want to see a weak Superman in the new DC Universe. However, I think that by showing the audience that Superman can bleed just like anyone else, Gunn is deconstructing the idea that the Man of Steel is unrelatable or boring, because some just see him as such a powerful character that he is nothing but a walking tank. Superman is so much more than that, and his humanity being heightened by the DCU is perfect.
Another cool factor of those reveals is that it instantly builds intrigue, as how is it possible that Superman was defeated? DC knew that, as the studio first released Superman’s Creature Commandos appearance in a trailer weeks before he actually showed up, sparking many debates. The Superman trailer is doing the same, and with multiple villains present in the film, why Superman is bleeding in the snow could have many possible answers. By showing the hero defeated, DC also shows off other characters in tandem, be it the other dead heroes in Creature Commandos or Krypto in the Superman trailer.
I’m Glad The DC Universe Chose To Introduce Superman By Showing His Defeat Twice
David Corenswet Sells The Superman Trailer Moment Well
From what James Gunn and David Corenswet have said and what the footage from the Superman movie has revealed, the goal of the new film is to go back to the classic, inspiring version of the Man of Steel. While I liked Henry Cavill’s casting as Superman in the DCEU, I don’t think the franchise ever really allowed him to be the best possible version of Superman. Thankfully, it seems like James Gunn is getting Superman right from the start. Getting thrown to the ground by villains, only to rise back up, is what Superman is all about.
The hero is a symbol of resilience, hope, and all that a human being should strive to be like. By introducing David Corenswet’s Superman through the hero being defeated twice, DC is showing that he is not a war machine, but a man who fights for the world and is not afraid of risking his life while doing so. Superman might be an alien, but I find Clark Kent’s humanity his most interesting aspect, and I’m glad that Gunn’s Superman movie and Creature Commandos make sure to establish that trait from the get-go with Superman’s defeats.
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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.”
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This animated series follows a covert team of monstrous inmates recruited for perilous missions deemed unsuitable for humans. United by secrecy and necessity, the Creature Commandos tackle extraordinary threats, serving as the ultimate option when traditional forces fall short.
