James Gunn Confirms 'Absolutely Zero CG' in Superman’s Flying Face After TV Spot Raises Eyebrows

DC Studios co-head James Gunn addresses online criticism regarding Superman's expression during a flight sequence in a recently released TV spot.

A new 30-second promotional video showcases previously unseen footage: Lex Luthor exiting a helicopter in a snowy environment, possibly near the Fortress of Solitude, and Superman performing a barrel roll during high-speed flight over an icy landscape.

The scene sparked online debate, with some viewers commenting on Superman's seemingly unnatural facial stillness while his hair and cape are windswept. Speculation ranged from poor CGI to other technical issues. However, Gunn clarified on Threads that the shot is entirely practical, with no CGI used on Corenswet's face. He attributed the perceived oddity to the close-up wide-angle lens used during filming. The background, filmed in Svalbard, Norway, is also confirmed as entirely real.

The director's explanation hasn't completely quelled the discussion. Comparisons are being drawn to the flight sequences of Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, also directed by Gunn. Despite the controversy surrounding this brief clip, excitement for the Superman film remains high.

Superman is slated for release on July 11, 2025, marking the inaugural film of the DCU's Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. Further information and commentary from Gunn, including details on the DC heroes and villains, Krypto's personality, and the film's thematic focus on hope, are available elsewhere.