DC Studios co-chief James Gunn has addressed the online buzz surrounding Superman's flying face in a newly released TV spot for the upcoming Superman movie. The 30-second clip features two new scenes: Lex Luthor disembarking from a helicopter in a snowy wilderness, possibly on a quest to find the Fortress of Solitude, and Superman performing a barrel roll as he flies over an icy landscape toward an unknown destination.
The internet quickly chimed in with observations about David Corenswet's portrayal of Superman during the flight sequence. Some viewers pointed out that Superman's face appeared unnaturally still amidst the billowing of his hair and cape, attributing it to "wonky CGI." However, Gunn took to Threads to clarify that no CGI was used on Superman's face in the shot.A Threads user praised the TV spot, saying, "Looks dope. Great camera angle of Superman flying! Except there's something with his face that looks a little off. I know there's plenty of time to refine the CG." In response, Gunn stated, "There is absolutely zero CG in his face. People’s faces can look different when you put a wide angle lens up close. The background plate in Svalbard is 100% real as is David." Svalbard, the Norwegian archipelago, served as a filming location for parts of the movie.
This clarification confirms that the expression on David Corenswet's face—a knowing smirk—as Superman speeds toward the camera is entirely natural, possibly enhanced by a fan blowing on his face during filming.
Despite Gunn's explanation, fans continue to discuss and compare the shot to scenes featuring Adam Warlock flying in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which Gunn also wrote and directed. Alongside the debate, there's a significant buzz about the Superman movie itself, set to premiere on July 11, 2025. It marks the first film in the DCU's Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.
For more insights, IGN offers an explainer on all the DC Heroes and Villains in the new trailer, comments from James Gunn on Krypto actually being a pretty terrible dog in the movie, thoughts on how Superman is about hope, and more.
