DC Studios co-chief James Gunn has addressed the online debate surrounding Superman’s flying face, sparked by a new TV spot for the upcoming Superman movie featuring David Corenswet.
The 30-second advertisement, showcased below, includes two fresh scenes: Lex Luthor exiting a helicopter in a snowy expanse, possibly on the hunt for the Fortress of Solitude, and Superman executing a barrel roll over an icy terrain as he races toward an undisclosed location.
The clip ignited discussions on social media, with some viewers noting that Superman's face appears unnaturally static while his hair and cape flutter in the wind. Speculation about "wonky CGI" circulated, but Gunn set the record straight on Threads, responding to a fan's comment about the CGI needing refinement.Gunn clarified, "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 revelation confirms that David Corenswet's portrayal, including what seems to be a knowing smirk as he flies towards the camera, is entirely natural, perhaps assisted by a fan to simulate wind effects.
Despite Gunn's explanation, fans continue to debate the shot, often drawing comparisons to the flying Adam Warlock from Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Meanwhile, anticipation for the Superman film remains high. Scheduled for release on July 11, 2025, it marks the inaugural entry in the DCU's Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. IGN offers comprehensive coverage, including an analysis of all the DC Heroes and Villains in the new trailer, insights from James Gunn on Krypto's mischievous behavior in the movie, reflections on Superman embodying hope, and more.