Behind-the-Scenes Video Revealing How SUPERMAN’s Most Criticized Flight Shot Was Filmed
James Gunn has cleared the air on one of Superman’s most talked-about moments, revealing exactly how the controversial barrel-roll flying shot was pulled off.
In a new behind-the-scenes video shared on Instagram, Gunn shows David Corenswet strapped into a practical rig on a soundstage at Trilith Studios. The actor is being physically spun by a crew member to simulate the dynamic mid-air roll, while massive LED screens project a snowy mountain backdrop filmed on location in Svalbard, Norway.
“On the stage at Trilith shooting the barrel roll through the mountains. All the plates were shot previously in Svalbard. 7.26.24,” Gunn wrote in the caption.
The footage confirms a mix of old-school practical work and cutting-edge digital environments, shutting down earlier theories that the shot was entirely CG.
This moment became a flashpoint back when it debuted in a Superman TV spot earlier this year. Some fans criticized the sequence for looking “off,” even claiming Corenswet’s face had been digitally replaced.
Gunn addressed those claims head-on months ago, writing, “There is absolutely zero CG in his face. People’s faces can look different when you put a wide-angle lens up close. The background plate in Svalbard is 100% real, as is David.”
Now, the new video offers proof. What looked like pure CGI to many was actually Corenswet on a practical rig with real-world elements integrated into the shot. Gunn’s reveal highlights the creative process behind bringing Superman’s flight to life in a way that feels tangible.
It’s a fascinating look at how the film blends practical effects with advanced tech, staying true to the cinematic ambition Gunn promised from the start.