Lex Luthor Returns, Krypto Fights, and Superman Finds His Place

July 2025 is on the horizon, and DC Studios is going big. They are releasing a rebooted version of one of their most famous superheroes, Superman, directed by writer-director James Gunn. He is rebooting the comic book adaptation entirely and has helmed months of teasing trailers. Now that the first full trailer for the film is here, there is enough to whet fans’ appetites until the film’s premiere.

Yes, You Get to Meet a Brand New Clark Kent and Lois Lane

This trailer has it all. A new Clark Kent, a no-nonsense Lois Lane, a host of other DC comics heroes and villains, and just for good measure: a one superdog. Gunn is no stranger to DC Comics and brings a new tone to the big screen through his film The Suicide Squad. The Superman trailer reflects a similar, fun, and action-packed take but remains focused on emotional storytelling.

Superman Is Not Your Traditional Comic Book Origin Story

The film itself is not an origin story. Gunn has stated that his focus is on Clark Kent’s emotional journey to finding where he belongs. Stuck in the middle of a conflict between his Kryptonian royal upbringing and his adopted Kansas small-town life, Clark struggles to find balance in a hero’s life.

The Superman actor, David Corenswet, is recognizable for roles in Pearl and Hollywood, most recently. He portrays a 25-year-old Superman, a more jaded, world-weary character than the naïve “kid with big eyes and too much power” Clark we’ve seen before. He expertly balances the dual role of Clark Kent and Superman; their relationship is a central one, most notably with Lois Lane.

Lois Lane, played by Rachel Brosnahan of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel fame, is fierce and unapologetic. The trailer opens with Lois careening through a scripted interview with the man, “Superman,” for the Daily Planet. It is immediately evident that the Lois and Clark relationship has sparks that fly; they seem equally at odds and attracted to each other. The question remains, though, if Lois has figured out Clark’s secret identity. Some viewers claim she has. Others (this writer included) look to the exchanged glances and slight grimace in Brosnahan’s expression to see a Lois Lane that is still in the dark. We will have to see the film to find out!

Nicholas Hoult has also been added to the list of high-profile cast additions as the notorious supervillain Lex Luthor. Fans need not worry; he is every bit as scary, nefarious, and stereotypically corporate-gone-bad as his character demands. He’s also not the only one. Sara Sampaio stars as his devoted aide, Eve Teschmacher. Terence Rosemore joins as Otis, another member of Luthor’s team.

Who Is That Super Dog?

Speaking of characters stealing the show, another breakout character? Superman’s ultra-loyal white dog, Krypto. Fans had first seen a small glimpse of Krypto in the teaser trailer released in December of last year. The shot in question shows him yanking an unconscious Superman into the Fortress of Solitude by his cape after he was grievously wounded in battle.

The Krypto cam returns in the full trailer; in fact, he may get more screen time than Clark Kent himself in the film. He squabbles playfully with Lex Luthor and does battle with the blue-skinned villain Angela Spica, AKA The Engineer. Played by Maria Gabriela de Faria, the villain dons sleek black spandex and high-tech nano-rotating blades that act as lethal weapons. Spica is not alone; she commands a full-scale invasion force against the fortress.

Epic Battle Scenes Abound in the Superman Trailer

It isn’t all battles and special effects, though. From high-flying roof-jumps to glimpses of kaiju (Japanese giant monsters), the trailer also provides looks at an impressive roster of lesser-known but no less interesting DC characters.

Among them are Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, who dons a bowl-cut (always a plus), Anthony Carrigan as Rex Mason/Metamorpho (a green-skinned hero with the ability to manipulate the elements through his body), Isabela Merced as the winged warrior Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi as the brainiac Michael Holt/Mister Terrific. We also get to see a few more family members for Clark Kent. Milly Alcock plays his cousin Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, indicating the start of a broader Krypton family narrative to follow. Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell complete the Kent household as Clark’s adopted Kansas parents, Jonathan and Martha.

The title role of Superman is none other than David Corenswet; Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, the bowl-cut sporting Green Lantern; Anthony Carrigan as Rex Mason, better known as Metamorpho (a green-skinned hero who can manipulate the elements through his body); Isabela Merced as the winged warrior Hawkgirl; Edi Gathegi as the scientific superhero Michael Holt/Mister Terrific; Milly Alcock as Superman’s cousin Kara Zor-El (aka Supergirl); Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell as Clark’s adopted Kansas parents Jonathan and Martha Kent. There is even another nod to other DC hero crossovers with Frank Grillo returning to his role as Rick Flag Sr. from the animated series Creature Commandos and Sean Gunn as Maxwell Lord.

Clark’s Heroics Are Tested

Much of the trailer is action-packed and moves at breakneck speed, from rooftop jumps to setting our little blue man on the cosmic level. One particular moment does provide a contrast to Clark’s heroics and the human element Gunn makes so clear in this trailer. Lois has her moment and expertly berates Clark on the use of his superpowers to put “ordinary people” in harm’s way, directly bringing up the opinions of the U.S. Secretary of Defense. Clark, with a heated passion, protests, exclaiming that “People were going to die!” It’s a theme of the cost of heroism, and it will no doubt be something Gunn will explore in detail in the film.

Juxtaposed with the action is a scene both lighthearted and sweet. The film ends, at least for the trailer, with Superman reclining on his bed in a rare moment of solitude and contentment. The source of his calm? A satisfied Krypto on his chest. It is a seemingly simple scene, but one that has come to represent DC Comics and other superhero adaptations. Heroism at its best needs to be grounded by human connection. Gunn has aimed for a balance in his tone, and this Superman reboot has the potential to hit the mark.