The 2025 box office has been struggling, but filmmaker James Gunn believes that Superman could help turn things around.
According to a report by the Associated Press (AP), Gunn called this period the “summer of Superman” and expressed confidence that the upcoming film would attract audiences back to theaters.
Warner Bros. unveiled several upcoming films at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, but Superman was the highlight of the event. Gunn, who is directing and writing the film, spoke about his hopes for the movie, emphasizing its theme of kindness. He stated that he truly believed in this project and felt that there was a decline in human kindness in the world. According to him, Superman is a film that celebrates kindness and love.
Actor David Corenswet, who will be portraying Superman, shared his thoughts on playing such an iconic character. He mentioned that Superman is a symbol recognized by people everywhere, even those who have never watched a film or read a comic book. Corenswet expressed his excitement about bringing something fresh to the role while also staying true to what fans love about the character.
He was joined on stage by co-stars Rachel Brosnahan, who plays Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult, who takes on the role of Lex Luthor. Brosnahan spoke highly of Gunn’s working style, saying that he creates a family-like atmosphere on set, making it an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. She noted that not every film set has the same positive energy.
Gunn was selected to direct the film in 2023 after he and Peter Safran were appointed as co-chairmen and co-CEOs of DC Studios. At CinemaCon, Safran addressed theater owners, acknowledging their dedication to cinema. He explained that Superman is a key part of DC’s vision and that Gunn went to great lengths to film in different locations worldwide and use advanced technology to create an immersive experience for moviegoers.
'Superman' is scheduled to hit theaters in July 2025, during a summer packed with superhero films. Other major releases during this time include 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' and 'Thunderbolts.'
In addition to Superman, Warner Bros. showcased some of its other upcoming films at the event. They highlighted April releases like Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, and A Minecraft Movie. The studio also gave audiences a sneak peek into projects slated for later in 2025.
As part of the presentation, acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson introduced his next film, 'One Battle After Another,' which is set to premiere in September. The event featured appearances by actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Regina Hall, who star in the film. DiCaprio shared that he had wanted to work with Anderson for nearly 20 years and admired his unique storytelling approach. He described the film as both politically and culturally relevant while also being an epic cinematic experience.
Fans of high-speed action also got a glimpse of F1, an upcoming 'Formula One' racing drama starring Brad Pitt. Director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer presented an extended preview of the film, which is scheduled to be released in June.
CinemaCon is not just a place for Hollywood studios to promote their upcoming films; it also serves as a platform to discuss important industry topics. This year, conversations centered around how long movies should remain in theaters and the impact of streaming services on traditional film production.
With a lineup of highly anticipated films, particularly Superman, Warner Bros. and other studios are hoping for a strong summer at the box office. Gunn and his team believe that audiences will connect with the film’s message, bringing excitement and renewed interest in the theater-going experience.