James Gunn’s Superman is set to usher in a brand-new era for the DC Universe this summer.

It’s the first major step in the rebooted DCU—one that promises a brighter, more cohesive world, quite unlike the dark and divisive Snyderverse that came before it. And as a longtime DC fan, I want nothing more than for this to work.

But after watching the latest trailer—officially the third and most detailed one so far—I can’t shake a familiar feeling of unease. The movie looks promising in some ways, but there are still several red flags that have me concerned all over again.


The Stakes Are High for DC

There’s a lot riding on Superman. It’s not just another superhero flick—it’s the film meant to kick off an entirely new shared universe. After years of inconsistent storytelling, canceled projects, and missed opportunities, this is DC’s shot at redemption.

Frankly, comic book movies in general could use a comeback. Marvel has been on shaky ground lately, and DC has mostly struggled to gain momentum. So yeah, expectations are high—and understandably so.

I want to believe James Gunn has the vision and the team to pull this off. But this latest trailer didn’t exactly put all my fears to rest.

Too Many Characters, Not Enough Focus?

Let’s start with the cast. Gunn insists this film is about the core trio: Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Lex Luthor. He even said in an Instagram Live, “At the middle of everything is Clark, Lois, and Lex.”

Great. That’s what it should be.

But if you look at the confirmed cast list, it tells a different story. We’re talking a staggering number of characters beyond the main three:

  • Mister Terrific

  • Guy Gardner

  • Hawkgirl

  • Metamorpho

  • The Engineer

  • Rick Flag Sr.

  • Supergirl

  • Maxwell Lord

  • Krypto the Superdog

  • Kryptonian robots

  • Ultraman

  • Jonathan and Martha Kent

  • Perry White

  • Jimmy Olsen

  • Steve Lombard

  • Eve Teschmacher

  • Otis

  • And more...

This isn’t an ensemble movie—so why does it feel like one?

Yes, Gunn has juggled big casts before. Guardians of the Galaxy worked because it built its ensemble over time. But look at The Suicide Squad. It had funny moments and emotional beats, but it also felt bloated and uneven. I worry Superman might go the same route: too much happening, not enough depth.

Visuals That Feel Off

Another lingering concern is the overall look of the film. The CGI and color grading feel oddly polished—like something between overly glossy and slightly cheap. It’s hard to explain, but Superman flying just doesn’t look right to me in the trailer.

And yes, that may sound nitpicky. But for a character who literally flies through the skies, that visual fluidity matters. If flying scenes feel weightless or awkward, it pulls viewers out of the experience. When you’re dealing with an icon like Superman, every detail counts.

Casting Choices That Do Work

Let me be clear: Not everything in the trailer worried me. Some things worked really well—especially the casting.

David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman is already winning people over. In the trailer, we see a brilliant moment where his voice subtly shifts during an interview with Lois Lane—nervous and fluttery as Clark, then steady and bold as Superman. It’s a small detail, but it speaks volumes.

Rachel Brosnahan seems like a perfect fit for Lois Lane—sharp, confident, and completely in charge of the room. Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor is still a bit of a question mark for me (mainly because he feels a bit young), but I don’t doubt his talent. If anyone can make it work, it’s him.

Hopeful Tone, But Will the Story Hold?

One thing I do appreciate is the tonal shift. The trailer leans into optimism—a welcome change from the brooding, grim atmosphere we’ve seen far too often in superhero films lately. There’s a sense that this Superman represents hope, even in the face of hostility.

We see people turning on him, throwing things at him… and then someone helps him up. That’s the kind of emotional beat that Superman stories should hit.

Still, I can’t help but wonder: can the story hold up with this much going on?

What I Hope to See

At its heart, Superman needs to be about character—not just spectacle. I want to see the tension between Clark Kent and Lex Luthor, the chemistry with Lois Lane, and the burden of being a symbol of hope in a complicated world.

Gunn says the film will focus on that triangle, and I want to believe him. I just worry that too many subplots and side characters could dilute that emotional core. The trailers are trying not to give away too much, which is smart, but they also haven’t shown enough to fully reassure  me

July 11 Can’t Come Soon Enough

I truly hope I’m wrong. I hope that when Superman hits theaters on July 11, I’ll walk out thinking it’s the best DC film in years. That it gave us a Superman we can believe in again.

Because honestly, we need that.

But for now, I’m keeping my expectations in check. The trailer didn’t ruin anything, but it didn’t silence my concerns either. There’s still that little nagging voice in my head asking, Is this going to be another missed opportunity?

Fingers crossed that it’s not.