Why James Gunn’s Superman Sneak Peek Was a Huge Mistake

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The upcoming production by DC Studios is a delightful prospect for fans of Superman. So far, we’ve had short two-minute trailers and 30-second commercials, which have been fantastic. The sneak peek of Krypto rescuing Superman from the jaws of death, along with the initial glimpses of numerous characters (particularly Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner), has already convinced me about this significant reboot of the DC Universe. To be straightforward, I have no intention of watching the preview for Superman.

On April 3rd evening, Warner Brothers unveiled a nearly five-minute long preview to the public and various media outlets, which is packed with fresh footage. This move by Warner Brothers might be their all-out effort to resurrect the DC universe on the big screen. However, the extensive release of this footage could be due to a significant drop in WB’s stock value. It could also be the result of Gunn’s urgent response following the reported negative feedback from recent test screenings.

If Superman proves successful, it could mark the start of a whole cinematic universe. I’m totally open to rivalry in the comic-book film market. In truth, most recent Marvel films either barely cover their production costs or flop at the box office. This appears to be an opportune moment for a fresh start.

The Superman “Sneak Peek” Is Not for Me

Instead of saying the new “Superman” video isn’t the correct approach to draw an audience, it might be more engaging to express it this way: “Watching the freshly unveiled Superman trailer left me speechless, as if I were in a real theater witnessing Lex Luthor’s grand entrance reminiscent of a James Bond villain, Superman battling a kaiju, and the heart-wrenching moment when Kelex perished. Metamorpho’s revealing face only added to the excitement. I bet you, just like me, have replayed that short teaser trailer numerous times. Yet, am I eager for more of those identical sequences that might further diminish an already scarce cinematic experience? Absolutely not.

Growing up, I developed a strong passion for comic books, thanks to my dad (he’s a superhero in his own right!). Now, I yearn to extend that childhood enthusiasm for captivating narratives and iconic superheroes onto the silver screen. In July, when I step into the cinema, I long for an intense emotional response similar to what I felt when reading about Superman’s epic fight with Doomsday years ago. I aspire to experience goosebumps and a rush of excitement. After leaving the theater, I hope to be left pondering the promising future of the DC Universe.

In simpler terms, Superman might appear as just another character in the DC Comics universe when you look at him surface-level. He shares the stage with Batman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash. However, there’s a particular reason why filmmaker James Gunn updated the classic slogan – “up, up and away” – for the movie poster. Witnessing this hero soaring through the sky with his red cape, heading straight towards danger to protect others, is a captivating cinematic moment that resonates with people of all ages.

For every battle between good and evil, the city of Metropolis and its inhabitants (Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Lex Luthor, Jonathan Kent, Martha Kent) create a world that sometimes seems like an ideal escape. I wouldn’t want this fresh take on escapism to be overshadowed by an overly lengthy trailer.

I prefer not to invest in tickets for advance previews since they often leave me feeling like I’ve already seen parts of the movie. It’s puzzling how a trailer can spoil a film, but it seems many agree with this sentiment. A quick internet search reveals that publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, Vox, Screen Rant, Collider, and CBR all share this view: sometimes less is more. I can’t help but wonder how they would react to a five-minute trailer. To put it another way, I don’t want any more of the movie’s theater magic to be spoiled for me in advance. That’s why I politely decline James Gunn’s invitation to the Superman sneak peek. Superman will take flight into cinemas on July 11, 2025.

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2025-04-05 04:02