LAS VEGAS — The film industry is looking for a boost as 2025 approaches, and some are hopeful that the upcoming “Superman” movie, directed by James Gunn, can lead the way. Warner Bros. showcased an exciting lineup of films at a recent convention, but all eyes were particularly focused on the iconic superhero.
Gunn expressed his belief in the movie, noting that it emphasizes the importance of kindness and love in a world that often feels lacking in these qualities. “This is a movie that celebrates kindness,” he stated during the CinemaCon event in Las Vegas, where he also introduced the cast of his film.
David Corenswet, who takes on the role of Superman, shared his excitement about portraying a character that is so well-known and cherished. He hopes to introduce something fresh about Superman while reaching a new audience. Alongside him, Rachel Brosnahan, portraying Lois Lane, praised the positive atmosphere on set, saying, “James makes a family out of every set. It’s such a joy to come to work every day.”
Gunn was appointed to direct “Superman” in 2023 after he and Peter Safran took leadership roles at DC Studios. Safran emphasized their commitment to the film art, stating that it aims to encourage audiences to return to theaters and experience movies as they were meant to be seen.
Scheduled for a July release, “Superman” will premiere amid a competitive summer of superhero films, including “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” and “Thunderbolts.” Warner Bros. also teased additional projects during the presentation, like Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” and an animated “Minecraft Movie.”
In a nod to film enthusiasts, the studio showcased stars from Paul Thomas Anderson’s upcoming movie, “One Battle After Another,” which features talents like Leonardo DiCaprio and is set for a September release. DiCaprio highlighted the film’s cultural relevance and epic scale, sharing his long-time desire to collaborate with Anderson.
As the cinema landscape evolves, discussions at conventions like CinemaCon often involve the industry’s challenges, such as the duration films should remain in theaters and how studios should balance streaming services with traditional releases. The drive to attract audiences back to theaters is strong, and the anticipation for “Superman” could be a crucial part of that strategy.