Just now, IMAX delivered a powerful first look at Superman (2025), the highly anticipated reboot directed by James Gunn. The newly released sneak peek not only introduces us to David Corenswet’s Man of Steel but also places an unexpected character at the center of early fan buzz: Krypto the Super Dog. While early reactions online celebrated the tone and visuals, one surprising takeaway has united audiences—this movie might actually bring people back to the theaters. But why? The answer lies in the film’s subtle charm, confident visual language, and the return of old-school character-driven storytelling that feels both modern and nostalgic.
Krypto the Super Dog: A Symbol of Sincerity
Krypto’s presence in Superman may appear playful on the surface, but his role is far from comic relief. In fact, his inclusion signals a tonal shift in modern superhero storytelling—one that embraces warmth and sincerity rather than leaning on darkness or satire. This choice echoes a deliberate return to the emotional roots of the Superman mythos. James Gunn’s version of Krypto isn’t just there for children’s appeal; he embodies the spirit of loyalty, love, and companionship—a grounded emotional anchor that balances the mythic weight of Superman’s responsibilities. In many ways, Krypto reminds us of the more heartfelt portrayals of the character from past decades. That emotional resonance is already being felt by audiences who say this sneak peek reawakens something that’s been missing: genuine hope. Check out the Sneak Peek:
Visual Identity: The Leica Look and the RED V-Raptor
The strong emotional tone of the sneak peek is matched by an equally considered visual style. Superman (2025) was shot by veteran cinematographer Henry Braham, BSC, using the RED V-Raptor camera—a modern digital powerhouse known for its 8K large-format capabilities and cinematic latitude. As detailed in our report “Superman Shot on RED Digital Cinema by Henry Braham”, this camera body allowed the team to push the visual dynamic range and texture of the film while staying agile for action-heavy scenes. And besides that, Braham is a RED shooter. However, it’s the lensing choices that truly define the aesthetic signature of the film. Braham’s use of the rare Leica Tri-Elmar lens is crucial in giving the movie its elegant, almost timeless visual quality. In our in-depth look “The Lens Behind the Look of Superman 2025: Leica Tri-Elmar”, we examined how the lens delivers painterly flares and organic softness, creating images that feel evocative of classic 1970s cinema while leveraging the technical clarity of modern RED systems. This combination—high-end digital capture and legacy glass—supports a balanced aesthetic that’s neither overly slick nor artificially “retro.” The image feels honest. And that honesty plays directly into the film’s emotional core.
Flight Reimagined: Practicality Meets Innovation
The sneak peek also revealed glimpses of flight sequences that appear more tangible than we’ve seen in recent superhero entries. Rather than fully relying on CG-heavy solutions, Gunn’s team reportedly used a mix of wire rigs, wind tunnels, and practical gimbals to ground Superman’s flight in physical realism. Our feature “How They Shot the Flying Scenes and What’s Sparking Debate About Superman’s Face” dives into the process, explaining how practical effects were integrated with digital environments. The goal, according to the filmmakers, was to recapture the believability of flight seen in the Christopher Reeve era—while upgrading the technology to match today’s cinematic expectations.
The Gunn vs. Snyder Aesthetic: A Cinematic Crossroads
The sneak peek continues to spark discussion around Gunn’s tonal and visual departure from Zack Snyder’s take on Superman. As we previously explored in “The Gunn Look vs. The Snyder Look”, Gunn opts for primary colors, natural light, and emotional earnestness. It’s a significant shift from the desaturated palette and mythic intensity that characterized the Snyderverse. While Snyder’s vision emphasized deconstruction and inner turmoil, Gunn seems to be constructing something new from the pieces—a vision that doesn’t reject the character’s past, but reinterprets it for a new generation. Krypto, again, functions as a totem of this tonal shift. Not cartoonish. Not ironic. Just real—and in doing so, perhaps more profound.
Audience Response: “This Movie Will Bring Me Back to the Theater”
Perhaps the most striking outcome of this sneak peek is the emotional reaction from audiences. Social media sentiment shows viewers expressing something rarely heard in recent years: excitement for a superhero movie grounded in storytelling rather than spectacle alone. “This feels like the kind of Superman I grew up with,” one fan wrote on X. “If the full movie is like this, I’m seeing it in IMAX twice.” With theaters still recovering from the post-pandemic slump and superhero fatigue setting in, Superman may prove to be a unique cultural reset. Not because it reinvents the genre—but because it returns to what made it powerful in the first place.
Final Thoughts: Counting the minutes till the IMAX screening
The IMAX sneak peek of Superman (2025) delivers something rare in today’s blockbuster landscape: cinematic sincerity. From Krypto’s charming debut to the careful lens choices and RED V-Raptor’s digital prowess, every element feels designed not just for spectacle, but for emotional resonance. James Gunn appears to be crafting a Superman film that acknowledges its place in history while reaching toward something new. It’s confident, heartfelt, and yes—adorably earnest. In an age where so much cinema tries to be “gritty” or “subversive,” this film may succeed precisely because it dares to believe in something again. And maybe, just maybe, that belief starts with a flying dog.
