How David Corenswet"s First Superman Trailer Compares To Henry Cavill"s Man Of Steel Trailer
The DCU’s first trailer for David Corenswet"s Superman teases a dynamic and action-packed narrative and uses a distinctly different style to the DCEU’s Man of Steel. The trailer for DCU’s Superman (2025) has been released, commencing the cinematic arm of the DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. Corenswet’s Superman is markedly different from the DCEU’s Henry Cavill, and the trailer immediately declares so. While both trailers introduce a fresh take on the character, their tones, visual styles, and thematic elements highlight striking differences.
When Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel trailer premiered in 2013, it introduced audiences to a somber and grounded Superman - a stark departure from previous interpretations. With Cavill’s Superman, the focus was on exploring the existential challenges of being a godlike figure in a flawed world. A decade later, James Gunn has teased a new direction with David Corenswet’s Superman in Superman (2025). This trailer hints at a tonal shift, embracing a retro, vibrant style that feels markedly different from the weighty seriousness of Snyder’s interpretation.
The First Look At David Corenswet's Superman Is Far More Human Than Henry Cavill's Henry Cavill’s Superman Focused On His Godlike Status Close The opening moments of Corenswet’s Superman trailer immediately establish a deeply human portrayal of Superman. It begins with a battered and bleeding Superman lying crumpled in a Yamcha pose and needing to be recused by his dog Krypto. It’s a powerful image that underscores his vulnerability and a distinctly human side to the mighty hero. This is followed by scenes focusing on his life as Clark Kent, including moments of his work life and glimpses of his relationships. By contrast, Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel trailer opts for a reflective tone, exploring Clark Kent’s childhood and his struggle with his identity.
The first image of Superman in the Man of Steel trailer comes much later and deploys majestic imagery of a godlike Superman. This builds to the iconic shot of Superman hovering in space above the Earth - a visual metaphor for the divine status of Henry Cavill"s Superman. Corenswet’s portrayal, as teased in the trailer, appears more grounded, prioritizing the humanity of the character over his mythic qualities. This shift aligns with James Gunn’s storytelling sensibilities, which often emphasize relatable, character-driven narratives.
Superman (2025) Has A More Retro And Fun Tone Than Man Of Steel The Man Of Steel Trailer Is Very Serious And Somber![]()
Tonally, the trailers highlight two vastly different visions of Superman and his world. Superman (2025) embraces a retro aesthetic with vibrant visuals and a lighthearted feel. It conveys a sense of optimism and fun, with moments that seem to celebrate Superman’s dual identity rather than focus solely on the burden of his powers. In stark contrast, Man of Steel takes a somber approach, reflecting on the profound difficulties of being a near-omnipotent being in a world that fears and misunderstands him.
Snyder’s film is a classic origin story, exploring Clark’s growth from a boy on a Kansas farm to a hero grappling with his place in the universe. The Man of Steel trailer lingers on Superman’s trials and tribulations, making him into a serious figure more akin to Batman. While Superman appears less like an origin story and more like a celebration of an established Superman, it also feels more accessible to a wider audience, including younger viewers. The retro tone - marked by old-fashioned clothing and the electric guitar score - sets it apart from the introspective and weighty atmosphere of Man of Steel.
Both Man Of Steel And Superman (2025) Use Sparse Music Before Transitioning Into Heroic Fanfare Superman (2025) Adapts John Williams Superman Score![]()
Both trailers use music as a key storytelling element, though in distinct ways. Man of Steel opens with Hans Zimmer’s hauntingly sparse score, designed to evoke the destruction of Krypton and Clark’s loneliness. This understated beginning gradually builds into a powerful heroic theme, underscoring the majesty and godlike presence of Cavill’s Superman. The music reflects the majesty of Cavill’s Superman with a serious undercurrent. In contrast, Superman employs an adaptation of John Williams’ iconic score from the 1978 Superman film.
When Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel trailer premiered in 2013, it introduced audiences to a somber and grounded Superman - a stark departure from previous interpretations. With Cavill’s Superman, the focus was on exploring the existential challenges of being a godlike figure in a flawed world. A decade later, James Gunn has teased a new direction with David Corenswet’s Superman in Superman (2025). This trailer hints at a tonal shift, embracing a retro, vibrant style that feels markedly different from the weighty seriousness of Snyder’s interpretation.
The First Look At David Corenswet's Superman Is Far More Human Than Henry Cavill's Henry Cavill’s Superman Focused On His Godlike Status Close The opening moments of Corenswet’s Superman trailer immediately establish a deeply human portrayal of Superman. It begins with a battered and bleeding Superman lying crumpled in a Yamcha pose and needing to be recused by his dog Krypto. It’s a powerful image that underscores his vulnerability and a distinctly human side to the mighty hero. This is followed by scenes focusing on his life as Clark Kent, including moments of his work life and glimpses of his relationships. By contrast, Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel trailer opts for a reflective tone, exploring Clark Kent’s childhood and his struggle with his identity.
The first image of Superman in the Man of Steel trailer comes much later and deploys majestic imagery of a godlike Superman. This builds to the iconic shot of Superman hovering in space above the Earth - a visual metaphor for the divine status of Henry Cavill"s Superman. Corenswet’s portrayal, as teased in the trailer, appears more grounded, prioritizing the humanity of the character over his mythic qualities. This shift aligns with James Gunn’s storytelling sensibilities, which often emphasize relatable, character-driven narratives.
Superman (2025) Has A More Retro And Fun Tone Than Man Of Steel The Man Of Steel Trailer Is Very Serious And Somber
Tonally, the trailers highlight two vastly different visions of Superman and his world. Superman (2025) embraces a retro aesthetic with vibrant visuals and a lighthearted feel. It conveys a sense of optimism and fun, with moments that seem to celebrate Superman’s dual identity rather than focus solely on the burden of his powers. In stark contrast, Man of Steel takes a somber approach, reflecting on the profound difficulties of being a near-omnipotent being in a world that fears and misunderstands him.Snyder’s film is a classic origin story, exploring Clark’s growth from a boy on a Kansas farm to a hero grappling with his place in the universe. The Man of Steel trailer lingers on Superman’s trials and tribulations, making him into a serious figure more akin to Batman. While Superman appears less like an origin story and more like a celebration of an established Superman, it also feels more accessible to a wider audience, including younger viewers. The retro tone - marked by old-fashioned clothing and the electric guitar score - sets it apart from the introspective and weighty atmosphere of Man of Steel.
Both Man Of Steel And Superman (2025) Use Sparse Music Before Transitioning Into Heroic Fanfare Superman (2025) Adapts John Williams Superman Score
Both trailers use music as a key storytelling element, though in distinct ways. Man of Steel opens with Hans Zimmer’s hauntingly sparse score, designed to evoke the destruction of Krypton and Clark’s loneliness. This understated beginning gradually builds into a powerful heroic theme, underscoring the majesty and godlike presence of Cavill’s Superman. The music reflects the majesty of Cavill’s Superman with a serious undercurrent. In contrast, Superman employs an adaptation of John Williams’ iconic score from the 1978 Superman film.
