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

DC Studios co-chief James Gunn has addressed the online buzz surrounding Superman's flying face after a recent TV spot for the upcoming Superman movie sparked debate among fans. Over the weekend, DC Studios unveiled a new 30-second TV spot that included two previously unseen scenes: Lex Luthor disembarking from a helicopter in a snowy wilderness, possibly in search of the Fortress of Solitude, and Superman executing a barrel roll as he flies over an icy landscape toward an unknown destination.

The clip of Superman flying, featuring actor David Corenswet, quickly became a focal point of discussion online. Some viewers pointed out that Superman's face appeared unusually still, despite his hair and cape fluttering in the wind, leading to speculation about "wonky CGI." However, Gunn took to Threads to set the record straight, responding directly to a fan's comment about the CGI in the shot. He clarified, "There is absolutely zero CG in his face. People’s faces can look different when you put a wide angle lens up close. The background plate in Svalbard is 100% real as is David." Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago, served as a filming location for parts of the movie.

Gunn's clarification confirms that the image of Superman's face, which some perceived as a knowing smirk, was captured naturally. This revelation has not stopped fans from debating the shot, with many drawing comparisons to the flying scenes of Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, another film written and directed by Gunn.

Despite the ongoing discussion about this brief clip, there is considerable anticipation for the Superman movie, set to premiere in theaters on July 11, 2025. This film marks the inaugural entry in the DCU's Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. For more insights, IGN offers an in-depth look at all the DC Heroes and Villains in the new trailer, James Gunn's comments on Krypto being a troublesome dog in the movie, reflections on how Superman embodies the theme of hope, and additional coverage.