Superman 2025 vs 2025 Flight Scene

The upcoming Superman film, directed by James Gunn and released on July 11, 2025, has sparked intense debate among fans, particularly regarding its flying scenes starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel. These sequences, showcased in trailers and television spots, have drawn comparisons to Henry Cavill’s Superman flying scenes in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (2013) and Tyler Hoechlin’s portrayal in The CW’s Superman & Lois. The discourse has focused on Gunn’s use of practical effects, filmmaking choices, and the aesthetics of Corenswet’s Superman in flight, with fans divided on whether or not this reboot surpasses its predecessors. This article delves into the technical and artistic differences between the flying scenes of these two iterations of Superman in 2025, exploring why they have become a lightning rod for discussion.

Gunn’s Superman presents a brighter, more hopeful version of the character, a departure from the darker, more dramatic tone of Snyder’s DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The flight scenes, shot with IMAX-certified Red Digital Cinema cameras and Leica Tri-Elmar lenses, emphasize vivid, high-resolution visuals. Cinematographer Henry Braham, known for his work on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, used a specialized turntable to capture Corenswet’s dynamic mid-flight turns, simulating the physics of flight without relying heavily on CGI. Gunn has claimed that “zero CGI” was used on Corenswet’s face, addressing fan concerns about a “strange” or “too soft” appearance in a TV spot released during the NFL Conference Championship Games in January 2025. This spot, featuring Superman soaring over the icy landscapes of Svalbard, highlighted his naturally flowing hair in detail, winding fans in much the same way as an early superhero film. However, some criticized the wide-angle lens for distorting Corenswet’s face, with outlets such as Forbes noting that it “looks weird,” sparking debate over whether the practical effects cut through their CGI-heavy predecessors.

In contrast, Cavill’s Superman in Man of Steel relied heavily on CGI to depict high-speed, almost militaristic flight sequences. Snyder’s vision, shot with a mix of Arri Alexa and Red Epic cameras, emphasized an otherworldly Superman, with flying scenes that felt raw and powerful, but often lacked Gunn’s personal lens. Fans on platforms such as Reddit and X have compared stills from both films, with some arguing that Man of Steel’s flying scenes, despite being over a decade old, appear “light years better” due to their polished CGI and epic scale. Others, however, appreciate Gunn’s approach for its grounded authenticity, noting that the rotating platform and practical effects create a more dynamic and humanized Superman. A notable moment in Gunn’s trailer shows Superman protecting a little girl from a mid-flight explosion, a scene that echoes the heroic, approachable tone of Christopher Reeve’s Superman but contrasts with Cavill’s more stoic, less emotional flights.

Tyler Hoechlin’s Superman in Superman & Lois, produced on a fraction of a blockbuster budget, has also entered the conversation. Fans have shared side-by-side GIFs on X, comparing Hoechlin’s flying scenes to Corenswet’s. The CW series, praised for its emotional depth, used simpler CGI to depict Superman’s flights, often focusing on his interactions with family rather than spectacle. Some fans argue that Hoechlin’s version of Superman “Mogs” Gunn, citing the TV show’s ability to convey heart despite limited resources. However, others counter that Gunn’s use of practical effects, such as the Stabileye Nano to stabilize aerial shots, elevates the cinematic experience, making Superman’s flight feel more tangible. A TV spot showing Superman flying over Metropolis, with subtle wind effects on his cape, has been compared to Adam Warlock’s flight in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, showcasing Gunn’s signature blend of humor and heroism.

The debate also touches on narrative context. Gunn’s Superman, set in a world already familiar with superheroes, explores Clark Kent’s struggle to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. Flying scenes, such as one in the Fortress of Solitude where robots heal Superman with sunlight, reflect this internal conflict, drawing inspiration from Grant Morrison’s All-Star Superman. By contrast, Man of Steel’s flights often symbolized Superman’s alienation, with sweeping, high-altitude shots emphasizing his distance from humanity. Fan reactions remain polarized: some see Gunn’s hands-on approach as a refreshing return to Superman’s roots, while others feel Snyder’s CGI-driven spectacle better captured the character’s mythic stature. As the July release approaches, these flying scenes will continue to fuel discussions about how Superman should fly in the cinematic landscape of 2025.