Gunn Confirms Superman's Flight Stunt Was Practical

DC Studios co-chief James Gunn has addressed the online discussion surrounding Superman's appearance during flight, following the release of a TV spot that sparked debate.

Over the weekend, DC Studios unveiled a new TV spot for the upcoming Superman movie, prompting widespread commentary about David Corenswet’s facial expression while flying.

The 30-second video, featured below, includes two previously unseen scenes: Lex Luthor exiting a helicopter in a snow-covered wilderness, potentially in search of the Fortress of Solitude, and Superman soaring over an icy terrain, performing a barrel roll as he races toward an unknown destination.

Some viewers noted that the shot seemed slightly off because Superman’s face remains unusually still while his hair and cape are swept by the wind. Others attributed it to "unpolished CGI," but Gunn clarified in a response to a fan on Threads that no CGI was applied to Superman’s face in that sequence.

“Looks awesome,” one Threads user commented on the TV spot. “Great camera angle of Superman in flight! However, something about his face seems a bit unnatural. I assume there’s still time to fine-tune the visual effects.”

Gunn responded by stating: “His face has no CGI whatsoever. Using a wide-angle lens up close can alter how people’s faces appear. The background shot in Svalbard is completely authentic, as is David.” Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago, served as one of the filming locations for Superman.

So, the explanation is clear: Superman’s flying expression is entirely natural, meaning David Corenswet genuinely displayed that subtle smirk while racing toward the camera—or while a powerful fan blew air directly at his face.

Despite this clarification, fans continue to debate the shot, often comparing it to Adam Warlock’s flight scenes in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, also directed by James Gunn. And as IGN has noted, the excitement for the Superman film remains high, alongside discussions about this brief clip. Superman arrives in theaters on July 11, 2025, marking the first installment of the DCU's Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. IGN offers a detailed look at all the DC Heroes and Villains featured in the new trailer, insights from James Gunn on Krypto’s role as a rather troublesome dog in the movie, reflections on how Superman embodies hope, and additional coverage.