James Gunn’s bold attempt to relaunch the DC cinematic universe with a brand-new Superman movie is already stirring major online debate before its official release on July 11. Ahead of the worldwide premiere, Superman was screened for selected critics and journalists under a strict review embargo, but one outlet decided to leak its verdict early. A now-deleted piece from The Daily Beast labeled the highly anticipated film as potentially “the final nail in the superhero coffin,” triggering widespread reactions among fans and industry watchers.
The controversial early review slammed the film for its excessive CGI and said that David Corenswet, who takes on the iconic role of the Man of Steel, struggles to step out of the long shadows cast by Christopher Reeve and Henry Cavill. According to the leaked excerpts, the review argued that while Corenswet certainly looks the part, his portrayal feels slight and overshadowed due to the film’s “over-the-top CGI insanity” that diminishes the impact of the action sequences.
Additionally, the review criticized Gunn’s choice to cram too many characters and subplots into the two-hour runtime. With quick appearances from characters like Maxwell Lord and Supergirl and side characters like Mister Terrific getting unexpected screen time, the piece claimed the film sacrifices meaningful character development for future franchise teases. The core emotional arc of Superman’s own journey, it argued, feels rushed and underdeveloped.
Despite the negative review’s removal, screenshots spread rapidly across social media, sparking heated debates among fans. Many loyal supporters defended the film, praising its trailers and the upgraded visual effects—particularly the improved Kaiju sequence—and arguing that early reactions from other sources have been far more positive. Some felt the leaked review was a deliberate attempt to undermine the reboot, while others agreed with the harsh assessment, lamenting DC’s departure from Zack Snyder’s vision.
As the film’s release date approaches, fans remain divided but hopeful that James Gunn’s vision will breathe new life into the DC Universe and do justice to the legacy of Superman. The film features David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. The world will find out on July 11 if the reboot can soar above its early controversies.