James Gunn: No CG Used on Superman's Flying Face in TV Spot

DC Studios co-chief James Gunn has addressed the online debate surrounding Superman's flying face, sparked by a recent TV spot for the upcoming Superman film. The 30-second video, showcased below, features two new clips: Lex Luthor disembarking from a helicopter in a snowy wilderness, possibly on a quest for the Fortress of Solitude, and Superman performing a barrel roll over an icy landscape as he races towards an undisclosed destination.

Viewers quickly took to social media to discuss the shot of Superman, played by David Corenswet, noting that his face seemed unnaturally still while his hair and cape billowed in the wind. Some speculated about "wonky CGI," but Gunn was quick to clarify on Threads that no CGI was used for Superman's face in the shot.

A fan on Threads praised the TV spot, saying, "Looks dope. Great camera angle of Superman flying! Except there's something with his face that looks a little off. I know there's plenty of time to refine the CG."

Gunn responded, "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, the Norwegian archipelago, served as a filming location for parts of the movie.

This clarification confirms that David Corenswet's seemingly knowing smirk as he flies towards the camera is entirely natural, perhaps aided by a strong fan blowing on his face during filming.

Despite Gunn's explanation, fans continue to debate the shot, drawing comparisons to the flying scenes of Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, another project written and directed by Gunn. The anticipation for the Superman film remains high, as evidenced by ongoing discussions about this brief clip. The movie is set to premiere in theaters on July 11, 2025, marking the first installment in the DCU's Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.

For more insights, IGN provides detailed coverage on the new trailer, including explanations of all the DC Heroes and Villains featured, comments from James Gunn on Krypto's mischievous nature in the film, discussions on the theme of hope in Superman, and more.