First Trailer for James Gunn’s Superman Sparks Mixed Reactions: Krypto vs. Lois Lane Fan Showdown

The much-anticipated teaser for Superman, penned and directed by James Gunn, has finally hit the screens, and as expected, it’s stirring up all kinds of chatter online—both glowing and critical. Let’s dive into the chatter and see what’s being said.

From my own perspective, the trailer gives off a classic and uplifting vibe. It’s one of those rare glimpses that doesn’t spoil much about the storyline or character interactions. However, I’m pretty sure future promotional material will bring more heat when it comes to showcasing the plot and the people in it. This kind of hope-filled preview is exactly what fans needed, especially as it steers away from the darker tones of the old DCEU’s vision for Kal-El, otherwise known as Clark Kent.

Starting with the praise, it’s no surprise most of the audience seems positive about this initial glimpse. James Gunn has built a solid reputation over the years with projects like Guardians of the Galaxy, both the trilogy and the holiday special, along with The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker, and Creature Commandos. Even when delving into darker themes, Gunn manages to weave in hope and poignancy, which seems to continue with this new Superman reboot. It marks a fresh exercise for Gunn after handling more intense storylines in his recent DC ventures, where he now shares leadership with Peter Safran.

A Twitter user going by ClarkQuill97 celebrates, “This is straight up a comicbook come to life. Superman nation, we won,” clearly indicating a deep satisfaction. With such a username, it’s evident they had high expectations for this adaptation.

Rachel Brosnahan’s take on Lois Lane has quickly won her a hoard of supporters, even after only this initial sneak peek. Meanwhile, a fan account called PridefulSin, enthusiastic about comic book adaptations, is impressed by the emphasis on Superman being portrayed as a savior and inspirational figure. Garnering approval from such influential voices is exactly what a first look aims to do.

“I’ve got the biggest smile on my face right now,” shared gaming personality Ultima, echoing excitement that the inclusion of Krypto in the film seems to generate. The illustrator Dan Veesenmeyer also predicted, “Krypto is gonna put asses in seats.” Indeed, the choice to include Superman’s trusty super dog definitely makes a bold statement in the world of comic adaptations.

On the flip side, cinephiles have largely welcomed the return to a more traditional Superman as an optimistic and pure-hearted hero, steering away from the complex portrayal seen in Zack Snyder’s take. While Snyder’s version had its merits, many argue it should follow the classic narrative rather than precede it. Even ‘Out of Context Simpsons Couch Gags’ joined in with, “Oh, so this is an actual Superman movie and not an edgy mess,” capturing the relief some fans feel.

However, not everyone is thrilled about the lighter tones, both in theme and visual style. Some critics have raised concerns about parts of the trailer looking a bit too much like TV productions. It’s important to remember that the film is still in post-production. ComicAccuracy voiced a mild critique, stating, “I’m not going to be an idiot and claim it looks like a ‘fake movie’ but this is not matching the quality level I was expecting.”

BroBible’s Eric Italiano seemed torn, enjoying the tone but worried about the visual presentation, expressing, “The action looks good, but everything else looks… cheap?” Some have been far less forgiving, like one Twitter user who bluntly commented on the childish appeal and aesthetics.

It’s apparent that reactions are mixed—some are on board with the hopeful vibe, while others cling to the grittier ‘SnyderVerse’ or want a more mature take on Superman. That’s the beauty of comic book lore—there’s room for diverse interpretations of characters like Superman, who have stood the test of time. Gunn seems to be reviving elements of the Silver Age, and if the new DC Universe takes off, there’s a good chance the characters and tone will evolve too.

Whether you’re sold on the trailer or not, one thing’s for sure—Krypto might just steal the show and drive the movie’s box office success. Let’s hope he’s kept safe from any dastardly plans by Lex Luthor. Everything else remains to be seen until the movie hits theaters on July 11, 2025.