DC Studios co-chief James Gunn has addressed the online buzz surrounding Superman's flying face after a new TV spot for the upcoming Superman movie sparked debate.
Over the weekend, DC Studios unveiled a 30-second TV spot featuring two new clips: Lex Luthor exiting a helicopter in a snowy wilderness, possibly in search of the Fortress of Solitude, and Superman performing a barrel roll as he flies over an icy landscape.
The internet quickly reacted to the shot of Superman, portrayed by David Corenswet, with some fans noting that his face appeared unnaturally still while his hair and cape billowed in the wind. Speculation arose about the use of "wonky CGI," but Gunn took to Threads to clarify that no CGI was used on Superman's face in the shot.A fan commented on the TV spot, saying, "Looks dope. Great camera angle of Superman flying! Except there's something with his face that looks a little off. I know there's plenty of time to refine the CG."
Gunn responded, "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." Svalbard, the Norwegian archipelago, served as a filming location for parts of the movie.
This means that David Corenswet's seemingly knowing smirk while speeding towards the camera—or perhaps while a fan was blowing on his face—is entirely natural.
Despite Gunn's explanation, fans continue to discuss and compare the shot to that of flying Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, another project written and directed by Gunn. Alongside this debate, excitement for the Superman movie remains high. Set to hit theaters on July 11, 2025, it marks the first film in the DCU's Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.
For more on the film, IGN offers an explainer on all the DC Heroes and Villains in the new trailer, insights from James Gunn on Krypto being a rather terrible dog in the movie, reflections on how Superman is about hope, and more.
