James Gunn’s Superman: Action-Packed Trailer Drops, Krypto Shines

DC Studios is finally ushering in its new era. Next month, they will release their rebooted take on the world’s favorite superhero in the form of Superman, from writer-director James Gunn. Ever since the announcement months ago, the film has had its fair share of buzz. Now that a full trailer is out, it’s safe to say that audiences have more than enough reasons to look forward to it. Packed with a new Clark Kent, sassy Lois Lane, a host of DC heroes and villains, and an objectively adorable superdog, the Superman trailer is, indeed, everything we wanted and more. A fresh, grounded reboot for a new DC Universe.

Not a Who, But a What

Superman is not an origin story. Gunn has previously made it clear that it will not be a traditional retelling of Kal-El’s early days. Instead, the movie will focus on the internal struggles of Clark Kent as he lives up to his title as a member of Krypton’s royal family while still being a simple Kansas boy. In other words, it is Clark’s journey to determine where he should truly belong.

Pearl and Hollywood actor David Corenswet star as Clark Kent/Superman at 25 years old. A marked difference from the “corn-fed” iteration of Superman introduced by Richard Donner in 1978, this one is older and more experienced. He is less wide-eyed and seemingly more jaded. He does have a dual identity to play, however, in his interactions with Lois Lane.

Rachel Brosnahan, best known for her starring role in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, stars as Lois Lane. A sharp-tongued newspaper editor who is both conniving and unyielding. The trailer starts with an interesting twist, as we see Lois running through her lines for an interview with none other than “Superman” (played by Clark Kent, of course). Lois and Clark’s dynamic is one for the books, with both characters teasing and flirting with each other. However, it is left ambiguous as to whether Lois Lane figured out Superman’s identity or not. Some fans claim she already has. This writer is of the other opinion, based on the expression of the two actors, as well as other subtle hints. For now, we can all just look forward to what Lois and Clark’s relationship will bring to this new version of the film.

Nicolas Hoult, another key acquisition in Gunn’s Superman roster, stars as Lex Luthor. He gets to showcase his brand of suave evil corporate villainy that we have all come to know, and probably hate, in the trailer. Luthor has his fair share of lackeys, with Sara Sampaio playing Eve Teschmacher and Terence Rosemore as Otis, Lex’s right and left hands.

Krypto, Kaiju, and Introducing the Extended DC Universe

A bonus standout? Superman’s sidekick, white doggo Krypto. Fans were introduced to the big, furry canine in the teaser trailer that the studio dropped back in December. As expected, the adorable mutt steals the spotlight in one of the trailer’s key scenes as he drags a heavily injured Superman into the Fortress of Solitude. The full trailer goes full force on Krypto’s antics in one particular scene, with the doggo going paw-to-paw with Luthor, and his metallic intergalactic villainess ally Angela Spica, also known as The Engineer (played by Maria Gabriela de Faria). Donning a skin-tight black spandex bodysuit, a jetpack on her back, and weaponized rotating blades on each arm (nanotechnology, of course), Spica is leading an all-out assault on the fortress.

Of course, the trailer is not short on action, explosions, intense set-pieces, kaiju cameos, and a promised team-up. Fans were also treated to a lineup of lesser-known but no less interesting DC characters. Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner (sporting the green lantern and signature bowl-cut), Anthony Carrigan as Rex Mason/Metamorpho (powered by elemental transmutation, can compress, liquefy, or gaseify his body), Isabela Merced as the winged warrior Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi as the inventor turned hero Michael Holt/Mister Terrific.

Supergirl, played by Milly Alcock, is also present, signaling another shared origin tale with Superman as his cousin Kara Zor-El. Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell join the film’s main cast as Clark’s adopted, earthbound parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent.

Fans also get a crossover nod from the shape-shifting mite Wally West, as well as two familiar faces. Frank Grillo is returning as Rick Flag Sr., reprising his role in the animated series Creature Commandos, and Sean Gunn is also on board as Maxwell Lord.

A Matter of Heart

With a powerhouse ensemble, a refreshed tone, and a focus on Clark Kent’s internal struggle, Superman’s main appeal in this trailer comes from its emotionality. Balancing the heroics and heroic stunts, which, while impressive, are nothing new in superhero films, Gunn has also thrown in a mix of Clark being questioned on his ideals and belief in justice. After Lois fires off her questions regarding his absence in various high-profile cases (such as with the Secretary of Defense), Clark bellows, “People were going to die!” That pivotal moment, almost comical in hindsight, summarizes Clark Kent’s battle between doing what is right and how the world at large perceives those actions, and will likely be a significant theme of the movie.

While there is a great deal of dark material in there as well, the trailer does not shy away from a more lighthearted tone. The very last frame of the trailer has one of the most endearing moments of the film: Superman, after a rare break, sleeping on his bed in peace as a satisfied Krypto lies, full-chested, on him. It’s not the first moment we see them bonding, and based on the looks of the pet-sitter (played by Iffy Adenuga) that Superman was about to meet with, we can only assume that Clark and Krypto will have more bonding moments in the film.

With a stacked cast and compelling reboot of a much-loved hero in a modern age, Superman is setting its bar as more than just a reboot—it’s a reset. Judging from this trailer, DC fans will have something to look forward to this July.