‘Superman’ teaser trailer unveils DC’s cinematic comeback

The words spoken by the titular Man of Steel throughout the first teaser trailer for “Superman” are rich with symbolism. “Krypto, home. Take me home,” are the only words he speaks in the footage, which debuted today after a press preview on December 17, introduced by writer and director James Gunn.

Gunn has made it clear for two years that this film will officially launch the new DC Universe, which he and DC Studios co-chief Peter Safran are overseeing. As the teaser reveals, this Superman—played by relative newcomer David Corenswet (known for “Hollywood”, and “Twisters”)—will be making his debut in a cinematic universe already populated by the full range of DC Comics characters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhUht6vAsMY

The teaser trailer’s dialogue can hence essentially mean that Superman is returning home to DC for the reboot of its cinematic universe.

The teaser provides a first look at Corenswet portraying Superman’s alter ego, Clark Kent, the reporter for the Metropolis newspaper The Daily Planet. Several brief shots feature Kent’s colleague and Superman’s love interest, Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), both at the Daily Planet and alongside Superman.

The footage also shows Superman’s nemesis, Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), brooding as he schemes some evil plan. Additionally, there are glimpses of Skyler Gisondo as Daily Planet photographer Jimmy Olsen and Pruitt Taylor Vince as Jonathan Kent, Clark’s adopted father.

These characters have appeared in nearly every live-action and animated Superman adaptation to date. However, for the first time in the modern era of live-action superhero films, we are introduced to Superman’s playful canine companion, Krypto the Superdog, who saves a battered and weary Superman after he crashes into the Arctic ice.

The teaser offers brief glimpses of several other DC superheroes making their cinematic debut. These include Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, seen floating inside an indestructible sphere; Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, the combative Green Lantern who approaches Superman with seemingly hostile intent; Isabela Merced as the winged Hawkgirl; and Anthony Corrigan as the pale, bald Metamorpho.

In a Q&A following the press preview at the Warner Bros lot, Gunn clarified that the teaser’s purpose is to highlight that this Superman “lives in a world with superheroes.”

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