Summary
Set photos from the ongoing production ofSuperman, the first project of the rebootedDC Universe, have received some criticism, but Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige has delivered the perfect response. James Gunn’sSupermanis well on its way to making its July 2025 release date, as the movie kicked off filming in February.Supermanhas consequently become the new focus for superhero paparazzi, which has led to the leaking of manyphotos from theSupermanset, featuring the likes of David Corenswet’s Man of Steel, Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor and many other characters.
So far, set photos ofSupermanhave provided a more detailed look atDavid Corenswet in the new Superman suit, have provided glimpses at the Metropolis of the new DCU, and have teased a brand-new superhero team comprising Mister Terrific, Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern and Hawkgirl. However, these set photos have been divisive, assome have criticized the movie’s somewhat cheap and put-together appearance, while Terrific, Gardner and Hawkgirl’s costumes have also been berated. This criticism is simply unnecessary, however, as proven by Marvel’s Kevin Feige.
DC’s Superman Reboot Is Already Beating Henry Cavill’s In A Major Way
David Corenswet’s Superman is still filming, but based on new reveals, the DCU reboot of the Man of Steel already beats Henry Cavill’s in a key way.
Kevin Feige Gave The Perfect Response To Superman Criticisms In His Deadpool & Wolverine Set Photo Comments
Speaking toVarietyfor a July cover story ahead of therelease ofDeadpool & Wolverine, Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige commented on the barrage of set photos that arose during the filming of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s MCU debut. While Feige was speaking specifically aboutDeadpool & Wolverine, his comments are actually relevant to all superhero movies, including the DCU’sSuperman.Noting that things often"don’t look great"in behind-the-scenes photos, Feige expressed his hopes that viewers would be"savvy enough"to know the final cut of the movie would look far better.
We didn’t want this to be a green screen box for all of the locations. We want it to be out in the real world, and that always comes with potential trade-offs. We were in a lot of secure locations and places that were far away from prying eyes — with the exception of drones. It was a new experience for me to have paparazzi drones flying over flying over set. Sometimes things look cool in a behind-the-scenes photo, but most often, they don’t look great. I think people are savvy enough over the years to know that’s not what it will look like in the movie. That being said, Wolverine in that yellow outfit looks cool from any angle, drone or shot through the trees.
Why Kevin Feige Is Right About Movie Set Photos (Especially For Superhero Movies)
These comments should quickly assuage any concerns that audiences might have about the apparent quality of the production inSuperman’sset photos. As Feige notes, it’s often more beneficial to shoot on location, meaning set photo leaks are unavoidable, whichJames Gunnhimself even addressed, stating he"fully expected"them. However,filming in public doesn’t allow for visual effects sequences, heavy CGI, or simply basic context to be delivered to prying eyes, meaning set photos regularly seem disappointing.
Modernsuperhero movies from both Marvel and DCare heavily reliant on CGI and visual effects, which goes as far as even some costumes being edited in post-production. This could certainly be the case forSuperman, meaningwhat has been seen in set photos could, and likely will, completely change prior to the movie’s release in July 2025. In James Gunn’s hands,Supermanwill surely be an entertaining and faithful ride, so it isn’t helpful for viewers to criticize and belittle the highly-anticipated movie based on its first set photos.
Superman
Cast
Superman (2025): Superman follows the dual life of Clark Kent, a journalist in Metropolis, as he endeavors to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. Set against a backdrop of personal discovery, the film explores his journey of identity as he navigates his existence in a complex world.
