Entertainment
James Gunn’s Superman Trailer Breaks Man of Steel Record
The first trailer for James Gunn‘s upcoming Superman movie has shattered a major record previously held by Henry Cavill‘s Man of Steel. Released in June 2025, the trailer for the DC Universe (DCU) film garnered 51.3 million views on YouTube within its first month, surpassing the 51.1 million views accumulated by Man of Steel over 11 years.
Directed by James Gunn, the new Superman film stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent, alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. The trailer, which debuted to widespread acclaim, also became DC and Warner Bros.’ most-viewed trailer ever, with 250 million views and over 1 million social media posts in just 24 hours.
Gunn’s Superman aims to bring a hopeful tone back to the iconic character, drawing inspiration from Christopher Reeve‘s portrayal. The film follows Clark Kent as he reconciles his Kryptonian heritage with his human identity, blending epic action, humor, and heartfelt storytelling. The trailer also teases appearances from other DC heroes, including Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl and Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner.
The success of the trailer has raised expectations for the film’s box office performance. Man of Steel grossed $670.1 million worldwide in 2013, and industry analysts believe Gunn’s Superman has the potential to surpass that figure. The film’s strong reception is seen as a crucial step in establishing the new DCU, which has faced challenges in recent years.
James Gunn has emphasized the importance of Superman’s success for the future of the DCU. In a recent interview, he stated, ‘A lot. I mean, we’re not just going to keep making movies.’ The director’s comments highlight the high stakes for the franchise, which is banking on Superman to revitalize its cinematic universe.
Superman is set to premiere in theaters on July 11, 2025, marking the official launch of Gunn and Peter Safran‘s DCU. Fans and critics alike are eagerly awaiting the film, which promises to redefine the Man of Steel for a new generation.
