Leaked Buzz from "Superman" Test Screenings: Gunn’s Take Soars High
Whispers from test screenings of James Gunn’s Superman have slipped out, and the buzz is electric. Word has it viewers are likening the film to Gunn’s Marvel hit Guardians of the Galaxy, while David Corenswet’s take on the Man of Steel echoes Brandon Routh’s turn in Superman Returns.
Late 2024 brought rumors of sour notes from early Superman screenings. Now, fresher leaks paint a brighter picture. According to the Portuguese outlet DC da Depressão, audiences are smitten with this cornerstone of the new DC cinematic universe. They’re raving about its hefty dose of laughs and tender moments, calling it “downright spectacular.” Comic Book Movie chimes in, noting the film leans harder into sci-fi than fans had bargained for.
The vibe, they say, harks back to the first Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy (2014, 2017, 2023) and the original Wonder Woman (2017, 2020) from DC’s old guard. Visual effects, too, outshine the initial teaser’s promise, with some surprise villains stealing scenes. As for the cast, Corenswet’s Clark Kent conjures memories of Routh’s Superman Returns (2006), Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor dazzles as sheer brilliance, and Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane charms with wit and warmth.
Superman marks the first big-screen splash in the rebooted DC universe, kicked off by the animated series Creature Commandos (2024–present). Helming this fresh era are DC Studios chiefs James Gunn and Peter Safran. For Gunn, nailing the launch is everything. He’s poring over test audience reactions, tweaking the film, and even greenlighting full reshoots:
“We’ve held screenings. I’m always digging into feedback, editing, making little tweaks. We might shoot a couple of small bits. Reshoots are tricky for me—I used to resist them. It’s not about starting from scratch.”
Superman swoops into theaters worldwide on July 11.
