The conversation surrounding James Gunn’s Superman continues to be a rollercoaster, as fresh rumors suggest the film may not be shaping up as well as Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and DC Studios had hoped. A recent report from insider Jeff Sneider has reignited concerns, hinting that the film’s internal reception after several Superman test screenings remains troubling.
Conflicting Reports on Superman Quality
Jeff Sneider, an industry insider, initially shared positive feedback in his newsletter regarding Superman’s progress. However, shortly after publishing, he was contacted by a trusted source who contradicted that narrative, warning that the film is still struggling.
Superman wounded in the snow in the trailer for James Gunn’s Superman – YouTube, DC
During an episode of The Hot Mic podcast, Sneider revealed, “I got a call from my best source after that newsletter. He said, ‘Great newsletter tonight. You got one thing wrong. And that’s about Superman, which I continue to hear is ‘terrible’.”
Though he stopped short of providing detailed specifics, Sneider suggested he has additional information he is not yet willing to disclose. He also hinted at skepticism regarding James Gunn’s transparency about the film’s state, pointing to previous instances where Gunn dismissed industry leaks, such as the recent Clayface rumors.
A Marketing Push Amidst Uncertainty
Regardless of the film’s actual quality, WBD and DC Studios are making moves to ensure it succeeds.
Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner in Superman – YouTube, DC
According to The Wrap, the company has enlisted marketing veteran Ricky Strauss to consult on the film’s promotional strategy. Strauss, who has worked with Apple TV, Marvel, and Star Wars, has an extensive background in shaping high-profile campaigns. His resume includes titles like Moana, Frozen, The Jungle Book, and Cinderella, as well as involvement in An Inconvenient Truth and Waiting for Superman—the latter being an ironically titled documentary critiquing America’s education system.
Gunn’s Response to Feedback
James Gunn has acknowledged the ongoing refinement process for Superman and is reportedly planning additional filming. While some speculate this is part of a larger overhaul, Gunn downplayed the significance of the reshoots, stating they are minor adjustments based on early Superman test screenings feedback.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 27: (L-R) Sean Gunn and James Gunn attend the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 World Premiere at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on April 27, 2023. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Disney)
“We’ve done real screenings. Definitely learning stuff all the time, definitely editing and making little changes. You know, we might shoot a couple little, tiny things,” Gunn said. “All my additional photography is so hard, because it’s like, I used to be kind of against it. Because, you know, you don’t want to have to shoot again.”
He further clarified that these adjustments are more about refining details rather than making large-scale changes.
“I really [like] being able to say, ‘You know what? I wish I had a shot of that fist hitting that,'” he said. “So it wouldn’t be anything major, but those kinds of things, yeah, I’ll cover a couple more things like that.”
The Stakes for DC Studios and Warner Bros.
Even with its impressive trailer performance—garnering nearly 50 million views on YouTube—Superman still faces immense scrutiny.
Superman in the trailer for James Gunn’s Superman – YouTube, DC
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As the first major entry in Gunn’s new DC Universe, its success is crucial for WBD’s long-term plans. With Marvel struggling with audience reception and box office returns in recent years, DC has a unique opportunity to capitalize on shifting trends.
However, if Superman underperforms, it could undermine confidence in the entire rebooted franchise before it fully takes off.
Diverging Insider Takes
Sneider is not the only one hearing concerning reports. On The Hot Mic, he referenced a conversation with an insider who claimed to have spoken to multiple individuals who had seen the film. The general consensus? The early buzz is not reassuring.
“I’m hearing bad things. I’m hearing you should be worried [about] things. Now, a lot of time between now and July 11. A lot of things could happen. Sounds like James Gunn is aware of some of the feedback,” Sneider stated.
Nicholas Holt as Lex Luthor in Superman – YouTube, DC
Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter has kept a tight lid on the details of its own sources, leading some to speculate that if the news were positive, they would be more forthcoming.
Their report simply acknowledged, “We’re keeping the buzz about the movie itself in our own Fortress of Solitude, but we can tell you that the movie will be doing a few days of additional shooting in Los Angeles in the near term.”
A Divisive Early Reception
Elsewhere, World of Reel reported that Sneider heard from a “rock-solid source” that the current cut of Superman shown on the Warner lot is “kind of a mess.” According to this insider, Warner Bros. executives are beginning to feel uneasy about the final product.
Adding to the mix, The Hot Mic co-host Jon Rocha cited a separate source who described Superman as having a tone similar to Captain America: The First Avenger and The Mummy (1999). While those films were well-received and successful, Sneider responded with concern: “That’s bad.”
Superman saves a little girl in the Superman teaser trailer – YouTube, DC
Despite these conflicting opinions, Rocha’s source maintained that the movie should ultimately satisfy fans.
“They think most people will be satisfied with the movie and it should be received well enough to continue Gunn’s DCU.”
However, Sneider remained skeptical, warning, “Your Superman reports are spot on. There’s plenty of reason to be nervous.”
Final Thoughts
The stakes could not be higher for Superman. With WBD banking on this film to launch a new era for DC Studios, any signs of trouble are bound to cause concern. If the film struggles, it could derail years of planning before Gunn’s vision even has a chance to solidify.
With Marvel floundering, the opportunity for DC to take the lead in the superhero genre is real—but only if Superman delivers.
Superman and Lois Lane kiss while flying in the trailer for James Gunn’s Superman – YouTube, DC
As more reports emerge about Superman test screenings, the question remains: is the skepticism warranted, or is this just the usual pre-release turbulence? Either way, all eyes will be on Superman when it arrives in theaters on July 11, 2025.
How do you feel about these Superman test screenings reports? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
