Warner Bros. Discovery is gearing up for a pivotal year in 2025.
Next summer, the entertainment conglomerate will launch a new phase of its DC Universe, aiming to rival Marvel and anchor its future financial success. The new era of DC films will kick off with Superman: Legacy, which debuted its first trailer shortly before Christmas.
The teaser garnered over 250 million views within 24 hours, making it Warner Bros. Discovery’s most-watched film trailer to date. While the studio may celebrate the high levels of audience interest, industry insiders suggest a contrasting reality. Reports indicate that Warner Bros. is anxious about Superman: Legacy and lacks confidence in the film’s quality.
According to CosmicBook, significant concerns surround Superman: Legacy in internal discussions. Test screenings have reportedly flagged the project as problematic. Noted film journalist Jeff Sneider corroborates this, stating that early reactions from test audiences were lukewarm, leading Warner Bros. to worry about the movie’s commercial viability.
Described as a tonal blend of the first Captain America movie and The Mummy, the film seeks to evoke a sense of adventure. It is said to be the least humorous film directed by James Gunn, although moments of humor remain. Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Lex Luthor is viewed as the film’s standout feature, while the overall project has been labeled as “decent” or “serviceable.”
Warner Bros. Discovery is unwilling to settle for mediocrity, recognizing the high expectations attached to Superman: Legacy. The studio feels immense pressure to deliver a film that satisfies both audiences and critics.
Sneider also notes that only about a third of the film’s visual effects were completed at the time of the test screenings, potentially influencing the negative feedback. Despite this, Superman: Legacy is slated for reshoots in the new year. However, James Gunn reportedly does not plan significant rewrites or reworks, instead focusing his efforts on the demanding post-production process.
The stakes for Superman: Legacy are undeniably high, as it serves as the cornerstone for Warner Bros. Discovery’s ambitious DC relaunch. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the film can rise to the challenge.
