BUSTED! Superman Film Rumors Debunked
Comic Reviews for the week ending 5/4/2025
Good morning, my friend,
The closer we get to July 2025, the higher the anticipation (and anxiety) gets over James Gunn’s Superman film. If Gunn blows it, the new DCU might as well be renamed to DOA.
As sure as time and taxes, rumors are flying about the film, so let’s take a look at what’s what and separate fact from fiction using insights from trusted sources and exclusive CinemaCon buzz.
Rumor #1: Lex Luthor’s Mutant Monkeys and #SuperShit
One of the most outlandish rumors claims Lex Luthor orchestrates a social media campaign against Superman, using an army of mutant monkeys to flood the internet with a trending hashtag, #SuperShit. Some speculate this is Gunn’s petty allegory for his 2018 Disney firing over old tweets, injecting cancel culture into the Man of Steel’s story. It sounds like a plot straight out of a comic book fever dream—but is it true?
The Truth: This rumor is almost certainly false. It originates from unverified X posts by user MyTimeToShineHello, amplified by outlets like Cosmic Book News and Bounding Into Comics (Cosmic Book News). However, no major publication, such as Variety or The Hollywood Reporter, has corroborated this claim. In fact, Gunn has previously debunked scoops from MyTimeToShineHello, casting serious doubt on their reliability (Cosmic Book News).
Instead, trusted sources paint a different picture. Collider reports that Gunn’s Superman focuses on Clark Kent’s compassion and humanity, balancing epic action with heartfelt moments (Collider). Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, is a cunning ideological foe, not a social media troll. The mutant monkey plot? It’s a rumor without a shred of credible evidence, likely born from internet speculation run amok.
Rumor #2: Kryptonians as Galactic Conquerors
Another rumor suggests a massive retcon: Kryptonians are no longer a peaceful, advanced civilization but a race of conquerors, with Jor-El as a Saiyan-like warlord. According to this leak, Kal-El was sent to Earth to conquer it, like Goku in Dragon Ball. When the public learns of this, they turn against Superman, fueling the #SuperShit backlash. Sounds like a shocking twist—but does it hold up?
The Truth: There’s no evidence to support this claim. No reputable outlet, including The Hollywood Reporter, CBR, or Collider, mentions a Kryptonian retcon (THR, CBR). The rumor appears to stem from the same unverified sources tied to the cancel culture plot, with Bounding Into Comics vaguely referencing public backlash but offering no specifics (Bounding Into Comics).
Gunn’s vision, as shared in Digital Trends, emphasizes Superman’s hope and belief in life’s sanctity, rooted in traditional Kryptonian values (Digital Trends). Trailer imagery shows Krypton as a majestic, doomed world, consistent with classic lore. Fandango highlights the film’s focus on Superman’s dual identity, not a galactic conquest narrative. The idea of Jor-El as an Omni-Man-esque tyrant is pure speculation, unsupported by any concrete leaks or official statements.
Rumor #3: A Goofy Tone and Divided Test Screenings
Some fans worry that Gunn’s Superman leans too heavily into the slapstick humor of Guardians of the Galaxy, with unverified X posts claiming test screenings left audiences divided, calling the film “a mess” or “too silly.” Could the Man of Steel be getting a comedic makeover?
The Truth: While concerns about tone are understandable, the evidence suggests otherwise. Unverified X posts about negative screenings lack confirmation from major outlets. GameRant explicitly states that Superman is distinct from Gunn’s Marvel work, aiming for a heartfelt, grounded tone (GameRant). The CinemaCon footage, unveiled in April 2025, was a hit, with The Hollywood Reporter praising its vulnerable, earnest portrayal of Superman (THR).
Stars like Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane) and Nicholas Hoult have emphasized Gunn’s commitment to a sincere, character-driven story (Nerdist). While the film includes lighter moments—Gunn’s signature touch—the CinemaCon buzz confirms it balances humor with gravitas, avoiding a Guardians-style comedy fest. The divided audience narrative seems to be more rumor than reality.
Rumor #4: Snyder Fans vs. Gunn’s Superman
The clash between Zack Snyder’s DCEU fans and Gunn’s DCU vision is no secret. Some claim Snyder fans are fueling anti-Gunn sentiment, with one rumor suggesting Snyder’s Superman Day post outshined Gunn’s in likes, hinting at bot-driven support. Is this a real fan war, or just online noise?
The Truth: The Snyder fan backlash is real and well-documented. Cosmic Book News notes frustration among Snyder supporters over Henry Cavill’s exit and Gunn’s reboot (CBR). X posts reflect ongoing discontent, with some fans rallying behind Snyder’s darker, mythic Superman. However, claims about Snyder’s Superman Day post or bot farms are unverified, as no source provides like counts or evidence of coordinated campaigns.
Rather than stoking division, let’s look forward. Forbes praises Gunn’s cohesive DCU vision, which includes exciting projects like Supergirl and Green Lantern (Forbes). Both Snyder and Gunn fans can unite in their love for Superman, celebrating a fresh take that honors the character’s legacy.
The Real Superman: What to Expect
So, what is James Gunn’s Superman about? Based on reliable sources, it’s a story of hope, identity, and heroism. David Corenswet stars as a young Clark Kent navigating his Kryptonian roots and human upbringing. The film features a stellar cast, including Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Isabel Merced as Hawkgirl, with cameos from Supergirl and Lobo (Nerdist). Filmed in Cleveland to capture an authentic American vibe, it blends heart, action, and a touch of Gunn’s humor without losing Superman’s core (Digital Trends).
Don’t Fall for Clickbait
The internet loves a juicy rumor, but Superman deserves better. The mutant monkey and evil Kryptonian tales are unverified and likely false, while concerns about tone are overstated. Gunn’s vision is shaping up to be a heartfelt, action-packed reboot that respects Superman’s legacy while launching the DCU into new heights.
Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to our newsletter for more DCU updates, and share your thoughts in the comments. Are you Team Gunn, Team Snyder, or just Team Superman? Let’s keep the conversation flying faster than a speeding bullet!
-Gabe
Citations
Cosmic Book News: James Gunn Superman Rumor Cancel Culture
Bounding Into Comics: Superman Rumor Details
Collider: Superman CinemaCon Footage
The Hollywood Reporter: CinemaCon 2025 Superman Preview
Digital Trends: Superman 2025 Everything We Know
GameRant: Superman Tone vs. Guardians
Nerdist: James Gunn Superman Details
Forbes: Superman CinemaCon Preview
CBR: James Gunn Isn't the Reason Henry Cavill Is No Longer Superman - Zack Snyder Is
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