Here’s something I didn’t expect to feel just four months out from the release of Superman (2025): optimism.
Not cautious optimism. Not the kind you wrap in layers of “we’ve been hurt before” skepticism. No, this is the real deal—thanks in part to a recent scoop from one of Hollywood’s most reliable insiders, Jeff Sneider.
In his latest InSneider newsletter and podcast, Sneider dropped a low-key bomb:
Someone who’s seen an early cut of James Gunn’s Superman liked it.
And just like that, a fandom that’s been burned, rebooted, and reshuffled too many times to count… is perking up.
Jeff Sneider’s Early Superman Report: A Quiet Confidence
We’ve all seen the phrase “early reactions are positive” before. (The Flash, anyone?) So it’s fair to be skeptical.
But Sneider’s tone here is measured—no hype machine, just informed enthusiasm.
“I spoke to someone this weekend who has seen Superman, and they liked it,” he wrote.
“They said David Corenswet delivers as the Man of Steel and that the ‘jokey moments’… worked much better within the flow of the edit.”
The most promising part?
“It has genuinely funny moments, but it also knows when to drop the shtick and get serious.”
For Superman fans, that line is pure gold.
Gunn’s High-Wire Act
Let’s not forget what James Gunn is up against.
He’s not just rebooting Superman—he’s rebooting faith in the DC Universe.
This character has mythic legacy baggage. Reeve defined him, and Snyder redefined him. Now, it’s Gunn’s turn to blend classic hope with modern storytelling.
So far? He may have found the balance.
Runtime Check: 140 Minutes of Hope?
Sneider reports the current cut clocks in at around 140 minutes (2 hours, 20 minutes). That runtime is quietly reassuring.
For comparison:
- Man of Steel (2013) — 143 min
- Superman: The Movie (1978)—143 min
- The Suicide Squad — 132 min
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 — 150 min
140 minutes? That says “confident storytelling” without overstaying its welcome.
🧑🚀 Cast Check: A Fresh Face, A Stacked Roster
Early reactions are especially kind to David Corenswet, who takes on the cape. The vibe?
He’s not just a lookalike—he delivers the heart, too.
Also starring:
- Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane
- Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor
- Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific
- Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho
- Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl
- Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner
- Skyler Gisondo, Wendell Pierce, and Milly Alcock (as Supergirl)
Also spotted in training photos: Jennifer Holland—despite Gunn claiming she’s not in the film. Suspicious? Just a bit.
Surprise Villains, Secret Roles & the Tom Cruise Theory
Sneider’s report suggests major roles still haven’t been revealed.
Two logical gaps? Kal-El’s parents—Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van.
Now here’s where it gets spicy:
Sneider floated the name Tom Cruise as a possible surprise casting. Nothing confirmed, but the theory is that Cruise (who inked a deal with WB) might play a key legacy character like Jor-El.
Also mentioned: “surprise villains.” Think Zod. Or something even deeper from the DC archives.
Why This Movie Matters
This isn’t just a Superman movie.
It’s the first film in Gunn and Safran’s new DCU. If Superman lands, so does the next decade of storytelling.
If it flops? The rest—Supergirl, The Authority, Batman: The Brave and the Bold—has an uphill battle.
At ScreenDollars, we’ve seen how one movie can reshape an entire franchise.
- Iron Man launched a universe.
- The Batman carved its lane.
- Superman (2025) could be DC’s next turning point.
What’s Next?
Superman releases in U.S. theaters on July 11, 2025, via Warner Bros. Pictures.
With several months of post-production ahead, we’ll be watching for:
- A new trailer
- Final casting announcements
- Official soundtrack reveals
- And maybe… a surprise Comic-Con appearance?
Final Takeaway
The early whispers are encouraging:
- A strong lead
- A tone that respects the character
- A director who understands the balance
- And an insider who says: They liked it.
It’s okay to hope again.
Stay with ScreenDollars
We’ll keep tracking the story—from early reactions to box office performance and what it means for the future of the DC Universe.
Follow us for more updates, insights, and full-circle coverage as the summer of Superman approaches.