The second trailer for James Gunn’s Superman has officially dropped, and it’s stirring a whirlwind of reactions. From explosive set pieces to charged emotional beats, the trailer sells both scale and soul—but not without drawing criticism for Gunn’s distinct tone and sensibilities.
A Promising Start: Grounded Tension and Character
The trailer opens with an intense interview sequence between Lois Lane and Superman. It’s not a puff piece. Lois presses Superman on recent interventions—especially his decision to stop an international conflict. His answer? He just wants to help. Yet, as the trailer suggests, the world doesn’t see it that way. Superman is not just a man—he’s a symbol, and his actions carry geopolitical weight.
This character-driven moment is underscored by haunting music and quick-cut visuals of skyscrapers collapsing, war-torn cities, and Superman navigating impossible odds. Compared to the first trailer, the visuals are vastly improved. Everything from flying sequences to destruction effects look tighter, crisper, and more polished.
Lex Luthor Emerges, and the DCU Expands
The second trailer also gives us our first real taste of Lex Luthor. Played with venom and precision, Luthor doesn’t even see Superman as a person—just a “thing” that must be destroyed. His contempt sets the stage for what appears to be a major thematic conflict: humanity vs. divinity.
Fans also got glimpses of other major DCU players like Green Lantern, The Engineer, and what many suspect is Ultraman—a corrupted clone of Superman. This level of world-building shows Gunn isn’t just making a Superman movie—he’s laying down the foundation for the entire DC Universe.
Concerns: Too Much James Gunn?
Despite the awe and energy, not everyone is sold. Some fans have concerns about Gunn’s trademark humor and irreverence bleeding into the character of Superman. One moment—Clark jokingly calling Lois “Cronkite”—felt off-tone for viewers expecting a more stoic, philosophical Superman. His behavior, including sighing when asked about the president, came across as immature to some.
Even Luthor, while well-performed, risks veering into parody territory with lines that feel more “comic book villain” than truly menacing. For those hoping for a noble, idealistic Clark, this trailer hints at a version that may be too casual, too snarky, and possibly not fully formed.
Looking Ahead: DCU Potential Remains High
Still, there’s no denying the trailer is effective. The action is grand, the ensemble looks powerful, and the story feels emotionally layered. Even skeptics agree that Gunn is clearly a fan of these characters and is trying to honor the comic book legacy in his own way.
Interestingly, many fans are even more hyped for other DCU projects like Lanterns—which promises a darker, detective-style drama—and Supergirl, where Gunn’s sensibilities may fit more naturally. There’s a growing sentiment that perhaps Gunn would’ve been better suited directing the more rebellious Kara Zor-El than the stoic Kal-El.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the trailer gets a lot right, even if it doesn’t win over everyone. For lifelong Superman fans hoping for a more mythic, measured take, this might not be their ideal. But for others, this fresh, earnest, and energetic version could be exactly what the character needs in 2025.
Whatever side you fall on, the film looks visually stunning and emotionally driven, and it’s setting the stage for a bold new era in the DCU. Whether this Superman will grow into the symbol of hope fans expect—or chart a different path entirely—remains to be seen.