DC Studios co-head James Gunn addresses online criticism regarding Superman's seemingly unnatural facial expression during a flight sequence in a recently released TV spot.
A new 30-second promotional video showcases previously unseen footage: Lex Luthor exiting a helicopter in a snowy environment, possibly near the Fortress of Solitude, and Superman performing a barrel roll during high-speed flight over an icy landscape.
The scene sparked debate, with some viewers commenting on Superman's unusually still face contrasting with the movement of his hair and cape. While some attributed this to flawed CGI, Gunn clarified on Threads that the facial expression is entirely real, stating that the effect is due to the use of a wide-angle lens at close range. He confirmed that the Svalbard, Norway location and David Corenswet's performance were both unadulterated.
Despite Gunn's explanation, discussion continues, with comparisons being drawn to the flight scenes of Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, also directed by Gunn. Excitement for the Superman film remains high, however, overshadowing the debate surrounding this brief clip.
Superman is scheduled for theatrical release on July 11, 2025, marking the inaugural film of the DCU's "Chapter One: Gods and Monsters." Related articles include analyses of the DC heroes and villains in the trailer, Gunn's comments on Krypto's character, the film's thematic focus on hope, and more.