Anna Daniels
“You Haven’t Even Seen 1.0 Yet”
James Gunn has been secretive, but the Times Square billboards reveal that the first full trailer for his Superman reboot is set to drop on Wednesday. According to Gunn’s post, “You haven’t even seen 1.0 yet”, indicating that this won’t be your typical superhero fare.
The Teaser: A Hopeful Preview
The recent teaser, showcased throughout NYC, offers a brief glimpse of David Corenswet as Superman taking flight—showing optimism rather than gloom or destruction. This choice signals that Gunn’s Superman will diverge from Zack Snyder’s troubled take and Richard Donner’s nostalgic hero. According to the official description, he embodies “compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind.”
In short, Gunn is leaning on heart instead of just spectacle.
The Gunn Element: Potential Success and Pitfalls
The history of Superman in DC has been turbulent. Man of Steel divided opinions, Justice League was a failure, and The Flash performed poorly. Yet, Gunn’s strategy seems to have a fresh take:
- No Origin Story: We’re entering an established world with characters like Hawkgirl and Metamorpho already in play.
- The Cast: Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane might be the franchise’s key player, blending dynamics from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel with investigative edge.
- The Tone: Combining Gunn’s humorous style from Guardians with Superman’s optimism is a bold move. But if anyone can balance wit and seriousness, it’s Gunn.
The Key Question: Can Superman Be Relevant Again?
With superhero fatigue setting in, as seen with the failures of The Marvels and Aquaman 2, Gunn’s narrative—“a good man in a world that isn’t always so much”—offers a refreshing perspective. If the trailer prioritizes authenticity over cynicism, it might provide the revitalization that DC needs.
However, it risks being yet another Green Lantern.
Save the Date
The trailer set for Wednesday could be a turning point in building excitement. Will it impress, or will it fall flat like Kryptonite? Regardless, Gunn is fully invested: “The journey has been the toil and the laughter… and for that I am forever grateful.”
The spotlight is on you, DC.
