The first official teaser trailer for Superman embraces the character’s prevailing hope amid adversity, fully cementing DC Studios’ new era under James Gunn.

The trailer shows David Corenswet as the titular character, battered and bruised on the ice. Instead of giving up, he whistles for Krypto the Superdog to take him back home. The sight of Krypto is just one of the film’s many deep DC Comics cuts. Other notable characters include Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane, Edi Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific, a glimpse of Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl, Nathan Fillion as a bowl cut-wearing (and comics-accurate) Green Lantern member Guy Gardner, and, of course, Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult.

A previous teaser to the teaser trailer also saw Brosnahan accompanied by Daily Planet co-workers Jimmy Olson (Skyler Gisondo), Steve Lombard (Beck Bennett), Cat Grant (Mikaela Hoover) and Ron Troupe (Christopher McDonald).

Not pictured in the trailer is Wendell Pierce, but he is set to play a major role in the film as Clark Kent’s boss at The Daily Planet, Perry White.

The film also seems to prove that the DC catalog of characters and stories may be in the right hands. DC Studios has become known for its darkness in pursuit of “realism.” But the best part about comic books is that they aren’t real–they’re fantasy. Gunn is clearly embracing the fantastical side of comic book stories with how he’s approaching Superman. Yes, there still seems to be a lot of heart, but Gunn knows that what makes a comic book film a theatrical spectacle is how it can inspire audiences to dream.

When does ‘Superman’ come to theaters?

Check out the trailer below. Superman comes to theaters on July 11, ushering in the 2025 summer blockbuster season.

Isabela Merced

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week