James Gunn répond au spot télé de Superman : pas de CGI sur le visage de David Corenswet

James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, has officially cleared up a growing online debate surrounding a key flying scene in the upcoming Superman film — and he’s putting the spotlight on cinematography, not CGI.

The controversy erupted after the release of a new 30-second TV spot for Superman (2025), which features David Corenswet as the Man of Steel soaring over the icy landscapes of Svalbard, Norway — a real location used for principal photography. In the clip, Superman performs a dramatic barrel roll through the air, his cape and hair whipping in the wind, while his face remains eerily still, locked in a subtle smirk.

Many viewers took to social media, particularly Threads and X (formerly Twitter), to express their unease. Some speculated that the uncanny stillness of Superman’s face was due to flawed or overprocessed CGI, while others joked that it looked like a "mannequin in motion."

But Gunn stepped in to set the record straight:

“There’s absolutely no CGI on his face. A wide-angle lens up close can alter facial appearance. The Svalbard background is 100% real, as is David.”

This explanation puts the spotlight on the technical nuances of filming. The use of a wide-angle lens — common in action and superhero scenes for dramatic effect — can create a distortion known as "lens compression" or "foreshortening," which can make facial features appear flatter, exaggerated, or strangely static, especially in close-ups. Additionally, the intense wind on set (likely from fans or machinery) could have caused Corenswet’s hair and cape to move dramatically, further emphasizing the contrast between motion and stillness.

Gunn also confirmed that the icy, otherworldly backdrop was not digitally enhanced — it’s real footage captured in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, known for its dramatic glaciers and remote wilderness. The location was likely chosen to evoke the raw, mythic grandeur of Superman’s origin and connection to Krypton.

Interestingly, fans have drawn comparisons to another Gunn-directed flight sequence: Adam Warlock’s mid-air maneuver in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 — a moment that also featured a deadpan expression and wind-tossed hair. The uncanny similarity in style has only fueled speculation that Gunn is deliberately crafting a "soaring hero" aesthetic across his cinematic universe.

Despite the debate, excitement for Superman remains sky-high. The film is set to launch DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, hitting theaters on July 11, 2025. With Gunn at the helm, a fresh take on the classic hero, and a grounded, hopeful tone that echoes Superman’s enduring legacy, the film promises to redefine the character for a new generation.

For more on what fans are saying — from Krypto the dog’s mischievous antics (yes, he’s a prankster) to deep dives into the new Superman suit and the meaning of "hope" in this new era — IGN has a full breakdown of the latest trailer, including behind-the-scenes insights and character analyses.

So while the internet debates whether Superman’s face is too perfect, Gunn reminds us: sometimes, it's not the tech — it's the lens. And in this case, it's all real.