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

DC Studios co-chief James Gunn has addressed the online buzz surrounding Superman's flying face after a new TV spot for the upcoming Superman movie sparked debate. The 30-second clip, released over the weekend, features two new scenes: Lex Luthor exiting a helicopter in a snowy wilderness, possibly in search of the Fortress of Solitude, and Superman performing a barrel roll as he flies over an icy landscape towards an unknown destination.

The internet was quick to comment on the appearance of David Corenswet's face as Superman, with some viewers noting that it looked "a little off" due to its stillness amidst the billowing hair and cape. Speculation about "wonky CGI" circulated, but Gunn took to Threads to clarify that no CGI was used on Superman's face in the shot. Responding to a fan's comment about the need to refine the CGI, Gunn stated, "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 revelation confirms that the seemingly knowing smirk on Superman's face as he speeds towards the camera is entirely natural, possibly aided by a fan blowing on Corenswet's face during filming. Despite Gunn's clarification, fans continue to discuss and compare the shot to that of Adam Warlock flying in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, another film written and directed by Gunn.

The excitement for the Superman movie remains high, with its release scheduled for July 11, 2025. As the first film in the DCU's Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, it has generated significant interest. IGN has provided detailed coverage, including an explainer on all the DC Heroes and Villains featured in the new trailer, insights from James Gunn on Krypto's less-than-ideal behavior in the film, discussions on the theme of hope in Superman, and more.