On May 6, 2024, filmmaker and DC Studios co-chief James Gunn revealed the first official look at David Corenswet as Superman in his 2025 reboot. However, fans of the former DC film architect Zack Snyder and those who worked closely with the controversial director, weren’t impressed by the new and improved Man of Steel.

Clay Staub, a writer, director and unit director for many of Snyder’s films, delivered a brutal takedown of the new Superman costume. Or, to be more specific, how the new Superman costume was revealed to the world. “Who thought this was the best option for a First Look?” Staub said. “Really, I’m not joking, speaking solely from the layout perspective, the pose (pulling his boot on) making the suit chest and arms look bulky and rubbery. BTW are those Trunks we’re returning to, I’m asking for a friend?”

Staub continued: “BTW–I’m not commenting on the Actor or Story, it could be Great. I’m just looking at the layout and the takeaway. If the metaphor is the New Man/New Suit or Pull Yourself Up By Your Bootstraps...then both failed.” Staub later shared a fan-edit of Gunn’s Superman reveal, which brightened the colors to make it appear more like a traditional Superman comic. An ironic situation, as many images from Snyder’s DCEU films, like Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice was edited by comic book fans online to add color to these gloomy-looking movies.

The New Superman Has Been Revealed

Based on Staub’s “Don’t go halfway ever!” comment, it appears his main criticism is that Gunn is trying to meet Snyder and comic book traditionalists half-way by portraying Superman in an optimistic light but through a murky and digitally-driven teaser. Staub worked as a unit director on Snyder's Dawn of the Dead and 300, and was a storyboard artist for the 2021 Army of the Dead Netflix movie. He was also the aerial second unit director on Batman v. Superman and Zack Snyder's Justice League. Staub is also the writer and director of the 2017 movie Devil's Gate, which is currently rated at 33% “rotten” on Rotten Tomatoes.

After the poor critical and commercial performances of Snyder’s DCEU film era, the upcoming 2025 Superman reboot movie by new DC movie head Gunn is seen by many as a promising beginning for DC and Warner Bros. Discovery. The film stars American actor Corenswet in a story that takes inspiration from All-Star Superman and other classic comics about the Man of Steel. Actor Nicholas Hoult will portray Lex Luthor. Superman, formerly Superman: Legacy, will be released in theaters on July 11, 2025.

Source: X (formerly Twitter)