Superman Final Trailer Breakdown: Lex Luthor, Kaiju, and DC Allies

Summary:

James Gunn reintroduces Superman with heart, hope, and a villain-driven story that feels personal and epic.
The final trailer before the release introduces Lex Luthor, a fire-breathing Kaiju, and other new characters.
The trailer also gives us a glimpse of his love interest, Lois Lane, who is, of course, a reporter.

After years of waiting, DC fans finally have a new Superman on the horizon, and the latest trailer makes it crystal clear that James Gunn’s take on the Man of Steel is not holding anything back.

The latest Superman trailer is filled with action and emotion and bursting with a new approach to character and world-building. It paints a complete picture of what’s coming when the film hits theaters on July 11, 2025. From Lex Luthor’s menacing schemes to Superman’s otherworldly powers and triumphs, below is a complete breakdown of everything the explosive trailer shows.

Table of Contents

Lex Luthor’s Obsession Takes Center Stage

The trailer doesn’t waste time setting its central conflict: Lex Luthor’s relentless obsession with Superman. Nicholas Hoult portrays the character with chilling intensity, playing a version of Luthor who views Superman as an existential threat to humanity. His vendetta is personal, as he even threatens everything Clark cherishes, including Lois Lane.

Hoult’s delivery, bolstered by a dark and dramatic voice-over, transforms Luthor into a menacing mastermind without superpowers. Superman reacts with quiet determination. “No matter what you do to me, Luthor, your plans won’t work,” he fires back in a firm yet hopeful tone. The tension between Luthor’s cynicism and Superman’s idealism drives the trailer’s emotional and thematic heart.

Superman in Action: A True Display of Power

The trailer pulls no punches when it comes to showcasing Superman’s abilities. David Corenswet’s version of Superman is shown using heat vision, soaring through the skies, battling superpowered foes, and performing heroic saves. In one striking moment, he’s revived by a blast of solar energy, a dramatic reference to his Kryptonian biology in a stunning visual.

One of the first standout sequences is when Superman pairs up with his loyal dog, Krypto, to take down one of Luthor’s enforcers, which seems to have been taken straight out of a co-op action game. In another over-the-top setup shot, he’s seen cradling what looks to be an alien infant while restrained by some unknown force, hinting at major cosmic stakes to come.

Superman’s DCU Allies (and Villains)

While Superman is the main focus, the trailer teases a larger DC Universe. Guy Gardner (Green Lantern), played by Nathan Fillion, has an exchange with Clark, telling him, “Make a move, Big Blue,” which teases some initial friction between Earth’s mightiest defenders. The trailer also flashes quick shots of Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, and Metamorpho, hinting at a group of powerful allies, and maybe some rivals, getting involved in the story.

Lois Lane, portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan, is also assigned an active role. She’s piloting Mister Terrific’s high-tech ship along with Perry White and Jimmy Olsen, indicating she won’t be sidelined on this excursion; she’s part of the action and helping to make things better.

A Change in Tone from Earlier Superman Films

One of the first things that hit us in the trailer is its tone. This Superman doesn’t wallow in darkness or grit. Instead, it finds balance. Corenswet’s Clark Kent is humble and inspiring, hopeful without being naive. Directed by James Gunn, the movie moves away from the dark tone of past versions, such as Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, and adopts a lighter approach to Superman that asks audiences to “look up” with wonder and aspiration.

But it doesn’t shy away from weighty moments. There’s footage of large-scale destruction, a giant monster kaiju, Metropolis splitting apart, and Superman being shouted at by Mister Terrific while flat on the ground. The emotional weight is present, but it’s handled with a tone that also allows for levity, heart, and a more human connection.

Easter Eggs and Comic Inspirations

Sharp-eyed fans might pick up on a few nods to All-Star Superman, Grant Morrison’s iconic comic book series. Down to tone and visuals, and in a few quiet storytelling moments, the influence is reflected. Gunn has publicly acknowledged the comic as a key inspiration, and that respect shines through in the footage.

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There is also a clear attempt to blend modern, stylized superhero action, similar to Gunn’s work on Guardians of the Galaxy, with timeless, character-driven storytelling reminiscent of mythology. Another standout moment features Superman unleashing his heat vision to cut through a circle of Luthor’s armored henchmen as he spins mid-air, which is both exhilarating and visually inventive.

A Universe in the Making

Superman is set to launch the new DC Universe Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters, and the trailer is demonstrating just how large this chapter can be. Supergirl, The Engineer, Ultraman, and Kryptonian robots like Kelex are all teased, suggesting that the film is planting seeds for much more to come.

The supporting cast is also well-rounded in the story, with Jonathan and Martha Kent, Perry White, Jimmy Olsen, Cat Grant, Eve Teschmacher, and even Otis. Every name adds a layer to the world Gunn is building, with plenty of space to create spin-offs and storylines.

Shorter Runtime, Tighter Storytelling

James Gunn has confirmed the movie will be 2 hours and 9 minutes long, including credits, 15 minutes less than Man of Steel in 2013. James Gunn confirmed the runtime himself and denied any interference from Warner Bros. With or without the reduced runtime, the trailer promises a complete, tightly woven narrative filled with character arcs, dynamic relationships, and big-screen spectacle.