I’m So Glad The Recent Sneak Peek At 2025’s Superman Movie Highlights A Core Part Of What Makes The Character Work

By Ollie Bradley

Published Apr 7, 2025

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The sneak peek of Superman trailer footage and promotional images have already stirred up some controversy among fans - but it's fair to say that the general sentiment is positive.

This is largely thanks to DCU co-CEO and Superman director James Gunn's approach. Gunn has repeatedly proved his adoration of the IP while remaining open and honest about his core inspirations and the processes behind making Superman. While his decision to re-cast Henry Cavill was largely where kickback began, I am confident that his choice of replacement, David Corenswet, is about to show us why he is the ideal candidate to carry the torch. Aside from looking the part, the Superman sneak peek demonstrated one key component of Superman's characterization that Corenswet seems to have nailed.

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While some intricacies of Superman's personality can vary across adaptations, certain virtues, like his strong moral com and drive to protect humanity, are sacrosanct. Another core aspect of Superman's persona from DC Comics is his uninhibited kindness and altruism, with his desire to do good sometimes even edging towards naivety. This kindness is enshrined in one moment in the Superman sneak peek that I think shows how David Corenswet's rendition of the Man of Steel will be one of the most heartwarming in Superman's long cinematic career.

superman played by christopher reeve henry cavill tyler hoechlin

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After being dragged to the Fortress of Solitude by Krypto (not before Krypto rambunctiously worsens his injuries by attempting to play), Superman is swiftly attended to by a group of numbered automatons. Superman, battered and bruised, then thanks the Superman Robots before he is reminded by Superman Robot #4 that they cannot appreciate his thanks, as they don't have consciousness. Nevertheless, Superman continues to acknowledge the automaton attendants, causing another to fly in the face of #4's suggestion by gleefully exclaiming he looked at her.

Why The DCU's Superman Mirroring The Classic Comic Superman In This Way Is So Important

Superman's Kindness Makes Him More Relatable

Superman continuing to be polite in the face of his grievous injuries, and despite being informed of their inherent indifference, highlights one of Superman's most touching traits. It seems to be impossible for him to refrain from expressing kindness, even if those he is extending his good nature towards are unfeeling automatons merely carrying out their purpose. I think leaning into this particular facet of his personality will help to set Corenswet's Kal-El apart from his predecessors.

Jameds Gunn's primary inspiration for Superman is "All-Star Superman," which depicts a particularly comionate version of Superman.

Corenswet's Superman is already exhibiting a kind of innocence that closely reflects the golden age era of Superman. While Henry Cavill's Superman was both kind and innocent in a certain way, I think Corenswet's characterization could make him feel more vulnerable, distancing Superman from the typical allegations of being too strong to be relatable. Introducing this kind of vulnerability to a character that could wipe out humanity on a whim helps to make him infinitely more lovable and trustworthy, and I can't wait to see how Corenswet develops this further in Superman.