SUPERMAN Test Screening Report Reveals Surprising Story Choices, Krypto’s Role, and Some Bumpy FX

Some new Superman test screening details recently dropped online, offering a clearer, though still unconfirmed, snapshot of what James Gunn has in store for the DCU’s big launch film.

The information was shared by the moderators of r/DCULeaks. This report doesn’t offer massive spoilers or wild cameos, but it does give us a few eyebrow-raising insights into what we might be able to expect from this movie.

Let’s be clear: None of this is officially verified. Still, the notes offer a peek at how this reboot plays to at least one casual viewer.

Here are the most notable details:

"The film wasn't a comedy, but did have funny moments in it." So, expect Gunn’s signature humor to be sprinkled in without hijacking the tone. That should ease some nerves for fans fearing a full-blown MCU-style quip-fest.

"Characters aren't who people think they are." That's cryptic, but it seems like a few character twists might surprise fans.

"Online speculation is dead wrong." That’s not really surprising. The Internet get a lot of stuff wrong. Jame Gunn also has debunked a lot of rumors.

"Most of the trailer scenes are from early in the film." That’s refreshing in a time when trailers often give away too much.

"Krypto plays an important role, but it felt a little tacked in. That part felt artificial." That’s a bit of a letdown. Krypto’s involvement has teased as playing an important role, and it’s been a fun idea since it first leaked.

The report also makes it clear this isn’t a cameo-loaded launchpad for future DCU projects:

"There is no after credits scene. At least not that they were shown, one could be there, but [their source] can't confirm."

"While Rick Flagg Sr. is in the film, and he plays a rather short role, there were no nods to Creature Commandos that [their source] noticed. Note: [Their source is] not a DC-phile so [they] could've missed something."

"There was a nod to [Amanda] Waller, though it wasn't an audience wink and it's a blink and you'll miss it."

So, no heavy-handed setup for future spin-offs or crossovers, just a mostly self-contained Superman story. That’s in line with Gunn’s promise of telling full, standalone tales within a larger universe.

As for the characters:

"[The source's] impressions were that the film is good from a person who doesn't follow DC films. [The source's] not a comic book buff (DC or Marvel) but [they] enjoyed it."

"The secondary plot of the film focused primarily on Lois and Clark. Brosnahan stole every scene she was in. ([Their source] loves Ms. Maisel though, so [they] could be biased.)" Of course, Rachel Brosnahan was going to kill it as Lois Lane!

"Nicholas Hoult was good as [Lex] Luthor, but he overacts a bit. He does anger very well but he was a bit much in other scenes."

"His two goons were delightful and worked well with Lex's energy. [The source] felt they helped, but weren't absolutely necessary."

Lex might be one of the more divisive elements based on this. Hoult’s going big, which could work… or feel out of place, depending on the tone. But, every actor that played Lex in the movies has overacted, so it just goes with the territory.

On the technical side:

"Some of the effects don't work super well, though [their source] doesn't know if it was an early cut, the scenes at the ice palace were a little rough."

"Some of the effects with the big monster (I'm assuming she's talking about Kaiju) were rough and [their source] thought his face looked a little goofy."

There’s still time to fine-tune the VFX, assuming this was an early cut. But if those monster sequences end up being a major set piece, they’ll need to land better visually.

"[Their source] said that it had a lot of characters but didn't feel like they took away from the main plot."

So it sounds like Gunn struck a solid balance.

This report doesn’t paint a picture of a perfect Superman film, but it does suggest we’re getting a solid, character-driven Superman story.

We’ll likely get a new look at the film soon, most likely at CinemaCon next week. Until then, take these details with the usual grain of salt. But if you're a fan hoping Gunn delivers something fresh, there’s reason to be cautiously optimistic.

Superman will tell the story of “Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas.

“He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned.

"It's set in a world very different from ours and far removed from the DCEU. Heroes have been around for ages, and we'll see how it affected this world's history and has shaped the DCU."

Superman is set to fly into theaters on July 11, 2025.