Summary

  • The DCU's new Superman costume features some modern stylization with classic red boots and trunks.
  • David Corenswet's Superman retains the iconic hair curl, classic gold belt, as well as some New 52 nods.
  • Teases in the image hint at Superman's potential villain as well as Guy Gardner's Green Lantern over the Metropolis skyline.

James Gunn has revealed the first full look at the this new image features Superman suiting up as Metropolis' resident superhero and one of the world's greatest protectors. As such, it's very exciting to finally see what the next Superman will look like ahead of his movie set to kick off the brand-new DC Cinematic Universe.

Set to release in 2025, James Gunn's Superman has a lot of anticipation behind it as David Corenswet's Superman takes on the Superman mantle from the DCEU version played by Henry Cavill. It's also the first movie in the new DCU which is set to reboot the universe with brand-new interconnected stories and projects. To that end, here are the top 10 biggest reveals and teases from James Gunn's new DCU Superman image.

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10 Superman's New Red Boots

Modern And Stylized

Superman's new boots are classically red in contrast to his predominantly blue suit. They also have the established divots at the top of the boots, though they're less pointed as seen with past Supermen. Instead, they're more like upside-down trapezoids (sort of the opposite of Tyler Hoechilin's Superman). Overall, the boots feature additional modern stylization with lines running down the length of each one, somewhat matching those featured on the suit itself. That said, the stylization doesn't feel over the top as can happen with many live-action superhero suits.

9 Superman's Red Cape

Darker Than Reeve But More Vibrant Than Cavill

Superman is sitting down in this new DCU image as he puts on one of his boots. As such, it's hard to see that cape in full, though the cape appears to be a darker shade of red than Christopher Reeve's Superman from the 1978 film. At the same time, it does look to be more vibrant than Henry Cavill's was in the more recent DCEU, as his suit's colors were less bright for the sake of realism and to better match the visual aesthetic of DCEU director Zack Snyder.

8 Classic Red Superman Trunks

Always A Big Debate With New Superman Costumes

While Henry Cavill's Superman went without, David Corenswet's Superman costume does include the traditional red trunks over the blue suit. This is always hotly debated whenever a new costume is in the works, be it in the comics or on the screen. While some argue that the trunks make Superman feel dated, others argue that the costume feels incomplete without them as they've become an iconic part of his look since 1938. While it's hard to see anything more about the trunks from this first image, it does confirm that they are indeed a part of the new Superman suit.

7 David Corenswet's Superman Has His Hair Curl

An Iconic Part Of Kal-El's Look

James Gunn's newly released Superman image also confirms that David Corenswet's Clark Kent will also have the signature split hair curl in the DCU. While Henry Cavill's Superman didn't have a hair curl until his post-credits scene in Black Adam, it's often a classic part of Superman's hairstyle both on the page and on the screen. Both Christopher Reeve and Superman Returns' Brandon Routh sported the curl, though Tyler Hoechlin's Kal-El seen in the CW's Superman & Lois followed suit with the DCEU's Man of Steel and opted out. As such, Corenswet having the classic Superman hair curl feels like a strong nod to the DC hero's long legacy.

6 Superman's Classic Gold Belt

Works Well With The Red Trunks

The new Superman image confirms Corenswet's Man of Steel will also be wearing a gold belt as well. It can just be made out between his arm and knee, so this image doesn't do much but confirm that he'll have one. That said, it does look as though the belt might be segmented rather than being one continuous band as seen with some versions of Superman's costume in the comics. However, adding the belt will likely help the trunks look better as a more natural part of the costume as it's depicted in live-action. Some versions even have a smaller 'S' logo as a belt buckle.

5 Superman's New Costume Has New 52 Nods

Stylized Textures and a Collar

While several elements of the new costume call back to Supeman's classic roots, there are also some nods to his more modern style as well. This includes the new boots, as well as the various lines/piping running down and across the blue sections of the suit. This feels like a nod to DC Comics' New 52 reboot from 2011 and the black lines that covered several of the Justice League's new costumes. Although the lines on this new Superman costume are certainly more reserved, they do help convey the same kind of modern feel while also blending rather well with the more classic elements.

Corenswet's Superman costume is also one of the first live-action suits to feature a collar. This feels like a nod to Superman's New 52 costume as well, featuring a more pronounced collar compared to past costumes on the page. As such, it certainly helps this new Man of Steel look more unique compared to prior iterations.

4 Superman's New 'S' On His Chest

A New Style Logo For A New Superman

Although James Gunn did reveal the DCU Superman logo in March of 2024, it's very exciting to see the full Superman logo with the new context of Kal-El's entire costume. The new design has been compared to the comics' Kingdom Come version of Superman, and many have praised its appearance as a Kryptonian house sigil that is then construed by humanity as a letter 'S' on their new hero's chest, rather than essentially being a big 'S' to begin with. It's also worth noting that the logo appears worn, as if Superman has already taken a big hit while saving the world.

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3 First Look At Metropolis

Superman's Home City

Seen through the window as Superman finishes putting on his boots, the city skyline of what is presumably Metropolis is featured. However, major landmarks such as the Daily Planet or Lex Tower are nowhere to be found in this particular view. That said, it should be pretty exciting to see more of Superman's city when the first trailer for Superman is eventually released ahead of its 2025 release.

2 Superman's Villain Is Teased With Giant Laser

Who Does It Belong To?

More important than Metropolis at night is the giant orb in the sky firing a giant laser that can be seen right outside Superman's window. Potentially being the reason why his chest already appears battle-damaged, it will be fascinating to learn who this giant laser belongs to. After all, Lex Luthor is confirmed to appear in 2025's Superman, played by Nicolas Hoult, though this giant weapon almost appears to be more alien in nature. However, purple is one of his signature colors in the comics.

This giant laser being teased could also belong to the DCU's version of Brainiac, a classic Superman villain whom many fans have wanted to see in live-action for years. Angela Spica's The Engineer and her ability to create nearly anything using nanites shouldn't be discounted either as the weapon's builder. A member of The Authority, The Engineer will be played by María Gabriela De Faría in the new Superman movie.

1 Green Lantern Is Teased In New Superman Image

Is Guy Gardner Already On The Scene?

It's also important to note that there looks to be a green beam of light being fired at the back of this giant flying laser. However, its source is conveniently hidden right behind the window just above Superman's head in this new image. Regardless, it's more than safe to assume that this is an exciting tease for the DCU's first confirmed Green Lantern, Guy Gardner.

It's already been confirmed by DC Studios and James Gunn that Nathan Fillion will be playing Guy Gardner in 2025's Superman, ing other heroes such as Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, and Element Man as established heroes the Man of Steel will likely encounter in his new movie. To that end, they may give Superman a hand to face whatever this new threat might be. Judging by the wear his costume had already taken in this image, perhaps they're buying him time to recover, a sign that whatever's attacking Metropolis will likely rival the DCU's Superman in power levels.

James Gunn's Superman releases in theaters July 11th, 2025

Superman 2025 poster
Superman
Release Date
July 11, 2025
Director
James Gunn
Writers
James Gunn, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster

Superman: This film follows Clark Kent, a cub reporter in Metropolis, as he navigates the complexities of his dual identity, struggling to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing while embracing his role as Superman.

Cast
Alan Tudyk, Stephen Blackehart
Franchise(s)
DCU
Distributor(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures

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