That First SUPERMAN Movie Image Was Cool, But Should It Have Set a Brighter, More Optimistic Tone?

James Gunn recently shared a first look image from his Superman movie featuring David Corenswet suiting up as the Man of Steel.

For the most part, fans liked the image, but the suit is definitely being debated among fans. There’s also another interesting debate that’s been sparked.

Gunn has been teasing for a long time that this movie will give fans a brighter and more optimistic take on the Man of Steel, and some fans believe that’s the tone the first photo should’ve had.

One of our readers said in the comments: “I thought he'd debut with like an All Star pic, bright, vibrant, and optimistic. This is supposed to set the tone and it looks just as dark as MOS.” Superman also looks completely unconcerned as the city is being attacked.

I’ll be honest, I was expecting the same thing from the first look at Superman. While I have no doubt this movie is going to be vibrant, hopefully, bright, and optimistic, it would’ve been great to see that version of Superman that fans have been waiting for in the first look.

That image will come in time, though. In the meantime, we know what the Superman suit is going to look like, and this also captures another tone of the film, something a bit on the darker side, but at the same time it’s vibrant.

Again, I like the photo! But, I’m waiting to see that money shot of Superman that captures everything we love about the character. This one doesn’t do that.

What are your thoughts on the first look photo? Would you have liked to see Superman in a brighter more optimistic manner?

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.”

Superman stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent / Superman; Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane; Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor; Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern; Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl; Edi Gathegi as Michael Holt / Mr. Terrific; Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen; María Gabriela de Faría as Angela Spica, aka The Engineer; Sara Sampaio, as Eve Teschmacher; and Terence Rosemore as Otis.

Superman is scheduled for a theatrical release on July 11, 2025.