DC Studios co-chief James Gunn has addressed the online debate surrounding Superman's flying face, which was sparked by a recent TV spot for the upcoming Superman movie. The 30-second clip showcased two new scenes: Lex Luthor exiting a helicopter in a snowy environment, potentially on a quest for the Fortress of Solitude, and Superman performing a barrel roll over an icy landscape as he races toward an unknown destination.
The internet quickly buzzed with opinions about David Corenswet's portrayal of Superman, particularly focusing on his facial expression during the flight sequence. Some viewers felt that Superman's face appeared unnaturally still, despite his hair and cape fluttering in the wind, leading to speculations about "wonky CGI." However, Gunn took to Threads to clarify that no CGI was used on Superman's face in the shot.In response to a fan's comment praising the TV spot but noting a slight oddity with Superman's face, Gunn explained, "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, a Norwegian archipelago, served as a filming location for parts of the movie.
This clarification confirms that David Corenswet's facial expression, which some perceived as a knowing smirk, was entirely natural, likely captured with the aid of a fan to simulate wind effects.
Despite Gunn's explanation, fans continue to discuss the shot, drawing comparisons to the flying scenes of Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, another film written and directed by Gunn. Alongside this debate, there is significant excitement for the Superman movie, set to premiere on July 11, 2025. As the first film in the DCU's Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, it has generated considerable anticipation.
For more details on the film, IGN provides an in-depth look at all the DC Heroes and Villains in the new trailer, James Gunn's comments on Krypto being a less-than-ideal dog in the movie, insights into how Superman embodies hope, and more.
