SUPERMAN Extended Preview Draws Mixed Response From Fans - Are The Criticisms Valid?

SUPERMAN Extended Preview Draws Mixed Response From Fans - Are The Criticisms Valid?

An extended clip from James Gunn's Superman was released during CinemaCon this week, and the response from fans was decidedly mixed. Are the criticisms being levelled at the teaser valid?

Feature Opinion
By MarkCassidy - Apr 05, 2025 11:04 AM EST
Filed Under: Superman

The extended preview of James Gunn's Superman that is currently playing in theaters ahead of IMAX screenings of A Minecraft Movie was officially released online during CinemaCon on Thursday, and the response was noticeably mixed.

The teaser begins with a 5-minute clip, showing a badly injured Man of Steel (David Corenswet) crashing into the snow near his Fortress of Solitude. Supes whistles for Krypto, and after causing the hero to call out in pain by overenthusiastically jumping all over him, the super-pooch drags him back to the Fortress.

Once inside, some robots begin to heal Superman by exposing him to the sun's rays, once again eliciting screams of agony.

Gunn's take on the material was always going to come in for criticism from those that prefer Zack Snyder's darker interpretation of the character, but this footage has also received backlash from comic book fans who feel that Superman shouldn't show such vulnerability (despite the fact that the Man of Steel has been left bruised and broken numerous times in the comics). In addition, it seems a lot of people simply can't get on board with the dog!

Here are some examples of the negative responses on social media (via THR):

— “The real Superman doesn’t need a bunch of robots to carry him over to a table to heal…and doesn’t whine like a little b*tch when the sun hits him.”

— “Snyder’s Superman literally took a nuke at point blank range and healed from the sun without feeling any pain from its radiation, which is accurate in the Comics. Gunn’s mediocre interpretation is screaming in agony.”

— “James Gunn gets it, they said. He won’t make it a stupid comedy, they said. They said he understood the assignment. That was the worst Superman clip I have ever seen. It’s an utter joke and it’s all about Krypto.”

And the positive:

— “How in the name of hell can anyone not like this preview? I’m convinced some people just like to rage hate. This looks so ‘Superman’ it’s insane.”

— “By far, far and away, the best part of this trailer is that there is ZERO cynicism, zero moral grayness, zero self loathing, zero sense that Superman is a ‘vigilante.’ It’s a romantic, idealistic, innocent vision which is pure awesome.”

— “Love the design of Fortress of Solitude and the giant double doors with the House of El symbol that lights up. We have Krypto, Kelex and the other service robots. This is very silver age and all star superman and I f*ckin’ love it!”

— “The dog being a rambunctious little sh*t jumping all over you at the worst possible time is incredibly relatable. Also, good lord, everything about the Fortress looks great. This movie is Superman as f*ck.”

How do you feel about this latest look at Gunn's Superman? Have another look at the clip below, and let us know in the comments section.

Superman also stars Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Isabel Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, and Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho.

Sara Sampaio is on board as Lex's assistant/lover Eve Teschmacher, Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell will play "Ma" and "Pa" Kent, and Milly Alcock's Supergirl has been confirmed to make her debut ahead of her own Woman of Tomorrow movie.

"And that’s a wrap," Gunn posted earlier this year when filming concluded. "God bless our cast and crew whose commitment, creativity, and hard work have brought this project to life. I set out to make a movie about a good man in a world that isn’t always so much. And the goodness and kindness and love I’ve encountered on a daily basis on the set has inspired me and thrust me forward when I felt too spent to move on my own.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. It has been an honor. The destination has been Superman, but the journey has been the toil and the laughter and the emotions and ideas and magic we’ve shared together on set - and for that I am forever grateful."

You can check out an updated synopsis for the movie below.

"In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind."

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comicfan100
comicfan100 - 4/5/2025, 11:38 AM
You would be screaming too if your bones were rapidly resetting themselves. This movie isn't even out yet and it's already being picked apart with tweezers.
supermanrex
supermanrex - 4/5/2025, 12:00 PM
@comicfan100 - these haters and toxic goons are always gonna find something. really the only way to offset them is to truck on and enjoy the stuff we get and go and have fun at the theaters. krypto alone has been in demand in true fan circles. superman has always been beaten up and battered. they give us a vulnerable relatable man of steel and people bitch. the only conclusion is [frick] them and go have fun. the general audience will buy in and krypto will steal the show for them. between this and FF July is gonna be [frick]ing AWESOME!!!
comicfan100
comicfan100 - 4/5/2025, 12:32 PM
@supermanrex - Right? The Superman in Bruce Timm's universe was notorious for always getting his cheeks clapped which is why him letting loose on Darkseid in the Justice League Unlimited finale was such a big deal. But it's still considered one of the best Superman adaptations. It's honestly just the Snyder Cult.
bobevanz
bobevanz - 4/5/2025, 12:37 PM
@comicfan100 - the Marvel shills are trying so hard lol. A dog acting like a [frick]ing dog is somehow ridiculous. He isn't a talking Raccoon
Apophis71
Apophis71 - 4/5/2025, 12:55 PM
@bobevanz - Could be wrong but sounds like the negative folk responding are Snyder fans, not Marvel ones esp as mostly Marvel leaning tend not to want OP untouchables in their supes thus taking a hammering tends to be better recieved (in my experience over the last 50yrs) than it tends to with those mostly leaning DC.

Kinda why the trope tended to be along the lines of Marvel has humans aspiring to be gods whilst DC has gods learning to be more human.

I started out as a DC fan, never stopped liking DC, just by the time I hit high school I increasingly leaned more towards Marvel (before evolving towards darker comics like 2000AD in my late teens).
CaptainFlapjaks
CaptainFlapjaks - 4/5/2025, 1:10 PM
@comicfan100 - exactly. Superman is like a turtle. Hard shell to penetrate, but his insides are gooey like ours. If his insides are messed up thats gonna hurt to rebuild his organs and bones. Especially when you take into account its the heat from the sun doing it. Remember how lois was in pain when superman had to use his heat vision to cauterize her wound in mos? That's what is happening on his insides.
lord22
lord22 - 4/5/2025, 1:17 PM
@Apophis71 - it's both actualy
Scarilian
Scarilian - 4/5/2025, 1:24 PM
@comicfan100 -
If he's in pain enough to scream insanely while his bones heal... then why is Krypto breaking his bones played for laughs with him barely reacting?

Again, they can pick one or the other. Is he in pain and seriously injured in need of a painful treatment OR is he just a rag-doll for comedy up until he gets treated and then he acts like he's in pain.

The inconsistent tone/script is the problem.

Also, according to reports, this is the opening scene of the movie. This is your first interaction with Superman. You first interaction with Krypto.
comicfan100
comicfan100 - 4/5/2025, 1:27 PM
@bobevanz - Nah, MCU fans are passionate, but they've never been about tearing down the competition unless it was warranted like The Flash or Black Adam. These are Snyder Bros. They legit hate Gunn with a passion.
comicfan100
comicfan100 - 4/5/2025, 1:29 PM
@Scarilian - I don't know if we watched the same clip, but Superman was grunting and yelling like he was in real pain. A super powered dog playing with you after you've gotten a beatdown will do that to you.
AwesomePromoz
AwesomePromoz - 4/5/2025, 1:31 PM
@bobevanz - It’s not marvel shills. It’s Snyder-whores.
Scarilian
Scarilian - 4/5/2025, 1:36 PM
@comicfan100 -
We learn after this sequence, as reported by exhibitors, that Krypto is intellectual and talks to Superman to try and convince him to stay at the Fortress due to his worry over him. I don't find that congruent with this opening scene of the movie where Krypto would intentionally break Superman's bones for fun and growl at him like its afraid of him.

What James Gunn has stated Krypto is a self-insert of his own dog, an abused dog he adopted that always used to bite him and never listened to what he said. Trying to apply that to a dog character who legitimately cares for Superman and having that character treat Superman like a ragdoll, breaking more of his bones, then trying to get Superman to stay at the Fortress to stop him getting hurt is contradictory.

The notion that a bunch of dog owners are saying "that's so dog" is terrifying when the portrayal is based off an abused dog that doesn't listen to its owner.
RipleysCurls
RipleysCurls - 4/5/2025, 1:37 PM
@Scarilian - actually there's a combat scene before this apparently. But this is very soon into the movie. You'll see what does this is what I've read.
RipleysCurls
RipleysCurls - 4/5/2025, 1:38 PM
@Scarilian - lol dude Krypto does not speak in this film. Superman tells krypto to stay before flying out of the Fortress. No idea who you are reading but you misunderstood. Krypto barks lol
Scarilian
Scarilian - 4/5/2025, 2:07 PM
@RipleysCurls -
" You'll see what does this is what I've read."
According to James Gunn this is the opening scene of the movie.

The scene continues with more robot comedy, Superman goes to leave but is confronted by Krypto who speaks asking Superman to stay. Superman decides to leave and takes flight in the snow resulting in the flying scene we saw in the trailers.

He then flies to Metropolis, we get our introduction to Lex and the other characters as he remarks 'hes back'. Unclear if it's picks back up with the fight scene or flashes back after that point.

The fight scene praise has been entirely focused on Mister Terrific fighting some Soldiers though. In terms of buzz it's taken a similar mantle to the Quicksilver scene where it seems to be all people talk about when they think of the action - so not really expecting much from the Superman fights.

"Krypto does not speak in this film"

James Gunn denied it on Twitter, like most things he has denied it is apparently in the film. It's unclear as to how it's conveyed as all they mentioned was that Krypto 'speaks to tell Superman to stay at the Fortress'

It could be translated with subtitles, translated by Superman with him relaying what Krypto is saying or legitimately words spoken by Krypto. Not sure but that's what has been relayed by same sources who provided the script leaks that have been accurate in every other regard so far.
RipleysCurls
RipleysCurls - 4/5/2025, 2:26 PM
@Scarilian - test screening folks confirmed this is a very early scene that follows Superman in combat where he gets hurt. So yes this is the beginning. But not the very beginning. And no, Krypto barks he uses no words and there are no subtitles either. What I'm telling you is from the same source who leaked the story. You need to spend more time on the DCU leaks sub. Might help
Apophis71
Apophis71 - 4/5/2025, 2:37 PM
@lord22 - What proof is there that anyone watching and critiquing this is a Marvel fan exactly?

I am not saying they are not but unsure there is anything specific in the comments listed that suggested it was hating for hates sake specificaly due to a heavy bias towards Marvel and against DC.

I mean putting aside the specific comments themselves those against are pointing to humor and displays of weakness being the negative which are things you find in a lot of Marvel films and this is made by someone who made well recieved Marvel films. Wanting a more invulnerable, OP and darker Superman is something when it comes to films/TV only started with Snyder for Superman outside those who actualy read comics and prefer runs more like that (and comic nerds tend to be a small minority of the GA).

Think ALL 'partisan' divides are dumb however, fine to not like films for whatever reasons but to hype up anything bad just cos it is part of your thing or put down anything good only due to being a rivals is stoopid if/when that is what occurs.
Scarilian
Scarilian - 4/5/2025, 2:54 PM
@RipleysCurls -
Capn_C relayed remarks that were second-hand. There's been a more recent screening that resulted in conversation on online spheres by leakers. There was the one screening where someone shouted that 'Fantastic Four was fricked' because they liked the film so much and another screening where the results were more divisive.
KennKathleen
KennKathleen - 4/5/2025, 5:29 PM
@comicfan100 - im pretty certain you don't understand how bad that reads... well, somewhat sure.. aliright, I hope you don't understand...

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OrionPax
OrionPax - 4/5/2025, 6:32 PM
@comicfan100 - EXACTLY. Superman is a tough s.o.b, but it’s been shown MANY times that he feels pain.
RipleysCurls
RipleysCurls - 4/5/2025, 8:03 PM
@Scarilian - I'm aware of both. Krypto does not speak in either of the reports. He just barks like you see it the trailer. You must have seen a fake one. The one regarding FF is from Chris Gore.
Imdewback
Imdewback - 4/5/2025, 9:57 PM
@supermanrex - the haters must be really young because I grew up in the 70’s and 80’s and Reeves was the only one we knew. I appt any new comic book movie , yes some are bad but give them a chance at least . Lived this sneak peek. F the Gaters grow up!!!
TheBlueMorpho
TheBlueMorpho - 4/5/2025, 11:42 AM


I liked it.
JustAWaffle
JustAWaffle - 4/5/2025, 12:48 PM
@TheBlueMorpho - Me too. I want to see the rest.
THEKENDOMAN
THEKENDOMAN - 4/5/2025, 11:42 AM
[frick] off

For [frick]s Sske
TheJok3r
TheJok3r - 4/5/2025, 11:47 AM
@THEKENDOMAN - Fans will find anything to complain about. This movie is very likely going to be a hit with the general audience, which is honestly all that matters.
THEKENDOMAN
THEKENDOMAN - 4/5/2025, 4:46 PM
@TheJok3r - Nuff said👍🏾
Arthorious
Arthorious - 4/5/2025, 11:43 AM
At first I was kind of like “hmmm not sure” but then when I watched it a second time it instantly grew on me. I’m excited to check it out. July is gonna be a fun month for movies
dandare
dandare - 4/5/2025, 11:48 AM
@Arthorious - That does sound like "instantly" if the first time was "hmmm not sure"
IronSpider101
IronSpider101 - 4/5/2025, 11:16 PM
@dandare - He said instantly on the second watch. Not that it was instantly good. Way to be uselessly pedantic
ZaphodDent42
ZaphodDent42 - 4/5/2025, 11:44 AM
Random negative idiots say random negative things and boom!!! Article. Isn't it great how hate sells?! What a world we're living in!
MarkCassidy
MarkCassidy - 4/5/2025, 11:51 AM
@ZaphodDent42 - negative and positive comments are included.
MisterDoctor217
MisterDoctor217 - 4/5/2025, 11:47 AM
I think it was mid.
The clip itself was cool, krypto being a jerk aside.

But idk the rest of the trailer looks CW ish.


But hopefully people enjoy it.

Might be the year DC wins the box office.

I don’t see Thunderbolts being a big hit (even tho I’m really excited about it) and Fantastic 4 looks so empty to me and miscast lol I think it’ll do Thor 4 numbers.

McMurdo
McMurdo - 4/5/2025, 12:38 PM
@MisterDoctor217 - bro you like Agatha.
MisterDoctor217
MisterDoctor217 - 4/5/2025, 1:13 PM
@McMurdo -

Yes, and ?

What’s wrong with that 🤔

I don’t like some movies that some people do , it’s called different preferences.
It’s a thing lol

Doesn’t mean I’ll call you names and insult you just because you like something I don’t or viceversa
KwisatzHaderach
KwisatzHaderach - 4/5/2025, 11:54 AM
No . The movie looks perfect
hue66
hue66 - 4/5/2025, 11:55 AM
Like everything about the preview
GodHercules20
GodHercules20 - 4/5/2025, 11:55 AM
Whining is the new trend these days
supermanrex
supermanrex - 4/5/2025, 12:03 PM
@GodHercules20 - its time to turn that around man. let them whine while the rest of us win. dont let their dark bitching ruin your experience. we are in a truly golden awesome age of geek culture. its not all perfect but you know what its still all fun.
Highflyer
Highflyer - 4/5/2025, 11:56 AM
I hate every singe person who contributes to this stupid rivalry between fandoms. I wouldn't want Snyder's version (I'm a fan) 24/7 just like I wouldn't want Gunn's 24/7. Why? I feel like both keep it fresh and adds diversity when it comes to lore. You want a darker or grounded version, there's something for you. Want something lighter? Got just the thing now.
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