The first teaser for Superman 2025 surprised many viewers. It shows a Superman on the ground, injured, lying in the Arctic snow. After all, Superman has always been the Man of Steel, an invincible hero. How could we imagine this iconic hero in such a weakened state?
Too powerful, too perfect
From the moment the first trailers were released, this portrayal raised eyebrows. Some accused David Corenswet, the actor who plays Superman, of portraying a "weak" character. Yet, when you think about it, this narrative choice isn't a mistake. Quite the contrary, it addresses a decades-old criticism. Superman has almost unlimited powers. He flies, is super-fast, incredibly strong, and virtually indestructible. He can even erase people's memories with a simple kiss. Indeed, since his creation, Superman has embodied power and perfection. He possesses unparalleled strength, near-total invincibility, and an exemplary moral compass. Yet, these qualities have often made the character too powerful, almost untouchable. This is why some fans find Superman boring. Indeed, how can you create concern when the hero seems invincible? Moreover, his exemplary and incorruptible character can sometimes make the character predictable. This moral perfection also reduces the dramatic appeal. In comparison, characters like Homelander in The Boys are fascinating because they exploit the dark side of superpowers.
A more human and accessible Superman
Thus, in Superman (2025), James Gunn seems determined to correct this flaw. He seems determined to show a vulnerable, fallible hero facing formidable enemies. The trailer seems in line with this direction, revealing intense battles against a gigantic monster, but also the Engineer and a mysterious adversary in black, who many believe to be Ultraman, the evil version of Superman.
We also see Superman needing the help of a simple civilian to get back up in one go. This scene marks a strong break from previous versions. It humanizes the Kryptonian.
This apparent weakness could add a lot to the story. It makes the fights more believable and dramatic, because the viewer now understands that Superman can lose.
To reach a wider audience?
More importantly, it shifts the focus of the story. Rather than showing what Superman can do, the film finally seems to ask how and when he chooses to use his powers.
One of the interesting points of this Superman is that there seems to be kryptonite. In the trailer, in fact, some of his enemies appear to be working for Lex Luthor. This suggests that they have this classic hero weakness and would explain why Superman can bleed and suffer.
In any case, this choice could allow the franchise to be renewed and thus reach a wider audience, including those who are not necessarily comic book fans.
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