James Gunn’s Superman Debuts First Trailer: Divided Opinions and the Krypto vs. Lois Lane Fan Showdown

The much-anticipated teaser trailer for Superman, crafted by James Gunn, is finally here, and as expected, it’s sparking a lot of chatter online, both positive and negative. Let’s take a quick look at what people are saying.

From my perspective, this initial glimpse feels both timeless and uplifting. It’s refreshing to see a trailer that doesn’t spill too many details about the plot or character interactions. While this preview relies heavily on vibes, we anticipate future promotions will dive deeper into the narrative and characters. This hopeful and encouraging tone is what fans need right now, particularly as it contrasts starkly with the now-defunct DCEU’s take on Clark Kent, aka Superman.

Let’s check out the applause first. The buzz online leans predominantly positive, largely due to Gunn’s proven track record with audiences over the past decade. Films like the Guardians of the Galaxy series, The Suicide Squad, and Peacemaker have established him as a trusted name. Even when delving into darker themes, Gunn manages to weave in hope and emotion, a streak he seems to continue with this Superman reboot. This new venture could be a welcome shift for the director after his recent bloodier projects with the DC lineup, which he co-leads with Peter Safran.

Twitter user ClarkQuill97 enthusiastically tweets, “This is straight-up a comic book come to life. Superman nation, we won.” It’s evident that die-hard Superman fans like ClarkQuill97 had high expectations, and they seem pleased so far.

Rachel Brosnahan’s portrayal of Lois Lane is already garnering her a fan base, a good sign from just one trailer. Comic book aficionados like PridefulSin are particularly impressed by the emphasis on Superman as a savior and source of inspiration—exactly the kind of reaction you hope for with a sneak peek.

Renowned illustrator Dan Veesenmeyer predicts, “Krypto is gonna put asses in seats.” He’s likely correct; everyone loves a heroic dog. Gaming personality Ultima adds, “I have got the biggest smile on my face right now,” highlighting how the inclusion of a super dog can set the stage for a captivating superhero universe.

On the cinema connoisseurs’ side, the response is mostly favorable, with many appreciating the return of Superman as a wholesome hero rather than a conflicted extraterrestrial. Though Zack Snyder’s version had its merits, this is where the adaptation journey should have started, not ended. Agreeing with this sentiment, ‘Out of Context Simpsons Couch Gags’ tweeted about their surprise at seeing a truly optimistic Superman movie.

But not everyone is onboard with this brighter take. Some critics feel certain scenes appear too much like a TV production, which is understandable since the film has just entered post-production stages. ComicAccuracy shares a mild critique, saying, “I’m not going to be an idiot and claim it looks like a ‘fake movie’ but this is not matching the quality level I was expecting.”

Eric Italiano from BroBible is hopeful despite some concerns, noting, “extremely into it tonally but am certainly concerned by its aesthetic,” and likens the cinematic quality to something more akin to an HBO Max special than a feature film.

There’s also a harsher take from others who aren’t quite sold:

“Superman diehards are like 50+ year old men acting like kids, so this looking for 5-year-olds is spot on,” writes a critic on Twitter, emphasizing their perceived shortcomings in casting and visual flair.

It’s clear by now that opinions are mixed. Some viewers are embracing the nostalgic vibes, while others cling to a wish for a more mature interpretation. The versatility of comics, especially with iconic characters like Superman, allows for numerous valid interpretations. Gunn’s approach is a nod to the old-school charm of the Silver Age, and if his vision for the DC Universe succeeds, the tone and characters are expected to evolve over time.

Regardless of differing opinions, we can all agree that Krypto could very well be the crowd-puller and hope that he escapes the clutches of villainous Lex Luthor. Until the film’s release on July 11, 2025, everything else remains a question mark.