James Gunn’s new ‘Superman’ clip of hero 'crying out in pain' sparks online fan wars

James Gunn’s upcoming 'Superman' reboot has ignited a fierce online debate after a five minute teaser clip surfaced this week, showing a more emotionally open and physically vulnerable version of the Man of Steel. The a creative decision has seemingly won both praised and criticism by fans in equal measure.
In the preview that debuted on Thursday, showcased David Corenswet as Clark Kent battered and bruised, lying in the snow as his loyal canine companion, Krypto tries to help. The dog eventually drags him to the Fortress of Solitude, where a group of robotic aides attempts to restore his strength using concentrated solar energy. The treatment scene causes Superman to writhe in visible agony, which some viewers found jarring compared to previous depictions of the invincible hero.
Reactions quickly flooded social platforms like X, Reddit and YouTube, splitting viewers down the middle. Some fans took issue with Superman being portrayed as physically and emotionally overwhelmed. “This version of Superman doesn’t stand up to previous iterations,” one viewer wrote. “He’s supposed to be a symbol of strength not someone crying out in pain as robots patch him up.”
All the supporters of Gunn’s direction, however, see the shift as refreshing and authentic. “This isn’t weakness, it’s humanity,” a fan responded. “Finally, a Superman who feels real -idealistic, optimistic and not weighed down by grim cynicism.”
Gunn, best known for his work on 'Guardians of the Galaxy,' is now co-leading DC Studios alongside Peter Safran. The stakes are high as the July 11 release of 'Superman' aims to reset DC’s troubled cinematic universe after a string of box office flops, including 'The Flash,' 'Black Adam,' and 'Aquaman' and the Lost Kingdom. Gunn assured fans that the film is still deep in post-production and expressed excitement for its premiere, saying, “I can’t wait to share this film with the world.”
The trailer’s tone clearly distances itself from Zack Snyder’s darker more brooding Superman, instead embracing the spirit of classic comic runs like 'All-Star Superman' and the Silver Age.
In addition to David as Superman, the ensemble cast features Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl and María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer.
Whether this new take on Superman will soar or stumble remains to be seen.