DC Studios co-chief James Gunn has addressed the online buzz surrounding Superman's flying face after a new TV spot for the upcoming Superman movie sparked widespread discussion. Released over the weekend, the 30-second video features two new scenes: Lex Luthor exiting a helicopter in a snowy wilderness, potentially on a quest to find the Fortress of Solitude, and Superman executing a barrel roll over an icy landscape as he races toward an unknown destination.
Viewers were quick to comment on David Corenswet's portrayal of Superman, particularly his facial expression during the flying sequence. Some criticized the shot, noting that Superman's face appeared unnaturally static while his hair and cape fluttered in the wind. Speculation about "wonky CGI" circulated until Gunn himself responded on Threads to clarify the situation.A fan on Threads praised the TV spot but pointed out that Superman's face seemed "a little off" and suggested it might be due to CGI that needed refinement. Gunn swiftly corrected this misconception, stating, "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, a Norwegian archipelago, served as one of the filming locations for the movie.
This revelation confirms that David Corenswet's seemingly knowing smirk as Superman speeds toward the camera is entirely natural, likely enhanced by the use of a wide-angle lens and perhaps a powerful fan to simulate wind effects.
Despite Gunn's clarification, fans continue to debate the shot, drawing comparisons to the flying scenes of Adam Warlock in Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Meanwhile, anticipation for the Superman movie remains high. Set to premiere on July 11, 2025, it will kick off the DCU's Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. IGN provides detailed coverage on the film, including an explainer on all the DC Heroes and Villains in the new trailer, insights from James Gunn on Krypto being a rather mischievous dog in the movie, discussions on how Superman embodies the theme of hope, and more.
