DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn addresses concerns over Superman’s flying appearance following online buzz about a recent TV spot.

DC Studios unveiled a new TV spot for the upcoming Superman film over the weekend, prompting widespread discussion about David Corenswet’s aerial performance.

The 30-second clip, below, features two fresh scenes: Lex Luthor exiting a helicopter in a snowy expanse, possibly hunting for the Fortress of Solitude, and Superman soaring over a frozen terrain, executing a barrel roll while heading toward an undisclosed location.

Some viewers noted that Superman’s face seems unusually static while his hair and cape flutter in the wind, leading to speculation of “awkward CGI.” However, Gunn responded to a fan on Threads, stating no CGI was used for Superman’s face in the scene.

“Looks fantastic,” a Threads user commented on the TV spot. “Love the camera angle on Superman’s flight! But something about his face feels slightly off. Plenty of time to polish the CG, though.”

Gunn countered: “There’s no CGI on his face at all. A wide-angle lens up close can alter how faces appear. The Svalbard background is 100% real, as is David.” Svalbard, the Norwegian archipelago, served as a filming location for parts of Superman.

Thus, Superman’s flying expression is entirely natural, with David Corenswet genuinely sporting a subtle smirk while zooming toward the camera—or perhaps while facing a powerful fan on set.

Despite this clarification, fans continue to discuss the scene, drawing comparisons to Adam Warlock’s flight in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, also written and directed by James Gunn. As IGN has covered, excitement for the Superman film remains high alongside debates over this brief clip. Superman arrives in theaters on July 11, 2025, kicking off the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. IGN offers an explainer on all the DC Heroes and Villains in the new trailer, insights from James Gunn on Krypto being a rather mischievous dog in the film, reflections on how Superman embodies hope, and more.