James Gunn clarifies CGI rumors in latest “Superman” trailer

by Annika January 28, 2025

Superman fans are keeping a close eye on the upcoming film directed by James Gunn, with recent speculation suggesting that CGI was used to replace actor David Corenswet in a trailer. This has sparked concerns about the excessive use of CGI, especially after the negative reception to Henry Cavill’s digitally-altered appearance in Justice League. However, Gunn swiftly dismissed these rumors, stating that Corenswet’s presence in the footage is real and that the only visual effect used was a wide angle lens. While the stylistic choice may seem odd, it was intended to convey the character’s speed. Superman is set to release on July 11, 2025.

James Gunn clarifies CGI rumors in latest “Superman” trailer

– Fans suspect that David Corenswet may have been replaced with CGI in the latest Superman trailer, leading to distrust of CGI in the Superman fandom.
– James Gunn clarifies that Corenswet is indeed present in the footage and that the only effect used was a wide angle lens to create a stylistic choice.
– The use of a wide angle lens is not uncommon in the superhero genre and has been used before by Gunn himself.

Fans can’t contain their excitement for James Gunn’s new DC Universe and the highly-anticipated arrival of Superman on the silver screen. Despite the film being months away, every inch of footage is being scrutinized by eager fans searching for any clues about the upcoming superhero extravaganza. In the latest TV spot, a peculiar shot at the end caught the attention of many, sparking speculations that CGI was used to replace actor David Corenswet in the scene.

The skepticism surrounding CGI in Superman films is understandable. After all, fans witnessed the unfortunate result of Henry Cavill’s portrayal in Justice League, where his mustache had to be digitally altered, leading to a less-than-stellar depiction of the iconic character. However, there was hope that the DC Universe’s approach to Superman would lean more towards practical effects. This optimism grew when behind-the-scenes photos emerged, revealing that James Gunn had Corenswet donning the Superman suit, lifting props, and flying through the sky with the help of wires.

Responding to the rumors, James Gunn swiftly dismissed the notion that CGI had been used to replace Corenswet. In a statement released on Threads, the director clarified that the footage indeed features Corenswet as Superman, and the tundra background is genuine without any digital manipulation. Gunn explained that the unusual appearance in the shot was simply the result of using a wide-angle lens.

Gunn elaborated, “There is absolutely zero CG in his face. Faces can appear different when a wide-angle lens is used up close. The background plate in Svalbard is 100% real, just like David.”

The use of a wide-angle lens during flying sequences is not uncommon in the superhero genre. It was previously employed in films like Black Adam and even in Gunn’s own Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, where it was used for the character Adam Warlock. So, while Corenswet’s depiction may appear peculiar, it is a deliberate stylistic choice to convey the character’s speed. However, considering the precedent set by previous Superman films, Gunn could have adjusted the focus slightly to make the shot look less unsettling.

Fans can anticipate the release of Superman in theaters on July 11, 2025.