DC Studios co-chief James Gunn has addressed the online debate surrounding Superman's flying face after a new TV spot for the upcoming Superman movie sparked discussion. The 30-second clip, released over the weekend, features two previously unseen scenes: Lex Luthor disembarking from 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 towards an undisclosed destination.
The internet was quick to comment on the appearance of David Corenswet’s face while Superman flies, with some noting that it looks "a little off" due to its stillness amidst the billowing hair and cape. Speculation about "wonky CGI" circulated, but Gunn took to Threads to clarify that no CGI was used on Superman’s face in the shot. Responding to a fan's comment praising the TV spot but questioning the CGI, 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.” Svalbard, the Norwegian archipelago, served as a filming location for parts of the movie.This revelation means that the apparent smirk on David Corenswet's face as Superman speeds towards the camera is entirely natural, possibly enhanced by a fan blowing on his face during filming. Despite Gunn's explanation, fans continue to debate the shot, drawing comparisons to the flying Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, another film written and directed by Gunn.
Amidst the discussion about this brief clip, there remains significant excitement for the Superman movie. Set to premiere on July 11, 2025, it marks the first film in the DCU's Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. For more details, IGN provides an in-depth look at all the DC Heroes and Villains in the new trailer, insights from James Gunn on Krypto's mischievous nature in the film, reflections on how Superman embodies hope, and more.
