DC Studios co-chief James Gunn addressed online criticism regarding Superman's seemingly unnatural facial expression in a recent TV spot for the upcoming film.
The 30-second spot features new footage: Lex Luthor exiting a helicopter in a snowy wilderness, possibly searching for the Fortress of Solitude, and Superman performing a barrel roll while flying over an icy landscape.
Online discussion centered on Superman's face appearing unusually still while his hair and cape billowed in the wind. Some attributed this to CGI issues. However, Gunn clarified on Threads that the shot contains no CGI on Superman's face. He explained that the effect is due to the use of a wide-angle lens close to the subject, coupled with the real-world location of Svalbard, Norway, where filming took place. Gunn stated: “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.”Despite Gunn's clarification, debate continues regarding the shot itself, with comparisons drawn to the flying Adam Warlock scene in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, also directed by Gunn. Regardless of this specific scene, excitement for the Superman movie remains high. Superman premieres in theaters July 11, 2025, and marks the first film in the DCU's Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. IGN offers further insights, including details on DC heroes and villains in the new trailer, Gunn's comments on Krypto's canine personality, and discussions on the film's themes of hope, and more.
