James Gunn’s upcoming reboot of Superman is set to reintroduce fans to a superpower that saw little screen time during Henry Cavill’s DCEU portrayal, as Henry Cavill’s Superman X-ray vision usage in DCEU was minimal. This creative decision by Gunn aligns his new Superman film with the original comic roots, promising to showcase an ability that distinguishes the character on-screen and underscores the contrasts between the DCU’s direction under Gunn and the approach used by Zack Snyder.
Superman’s Underused Power Returns to the Big Screen
The 2025 tie-in comic, Superman: A Friendship Unleashed, offers a direct glimpse at James Gunn’s vision for the character. In this story, Superman deploys his X-ray vision in a high-stakes moment, scanning through the floors of a tall building to find a group of scientists trapped on the 14th floor. When firefighters realize their ladders cannot reach that height, Superman takes flight to intervene.
He reassures Chief Farrell, saying:
Not to worry, Chief, after all, I specialize in heights.
—Superman
This comic panel not only highlights the renewed focus on Superman’s X-ray vision but also signals how Gunn intends to weave classic powers into meaningful, plot-driven scenarios. Just as previews of toys confirmed Heat vision’s role in the new movie, the comic’s depiction strongly suggests that X-ray vision will feature prominently in Gunn’s Superman film set for release in 2025.
Comparing the Use of X-Ray Vision Between Versions
Throughout the DCEU, led by Zack Snyder and starring Henry Cavill, Superman’s X-ray vision was seldom utilized and rarely at the heart of any major sequence. One standout moment appears in the 2017 film Justice League, during the intense resurrection scene. Here, Superman—still disoriented—is confronted by Aquaman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, and Cyborg. As he assesses the group, he activates his X-ray vision, quickly examining Cyborg’s technology and realizing it can be externally manipulated. In a decisive action, Superman disables Cyborg by triggering one of his rockets before further conflict can escalate.
Another significant, though vastly different, depiction occurs in Man of Steel when a young Clark Kent first discovers his powers at school. At this point, Clark’s X-ray vision overwhelms him rather than empowers him, as he is suddenly able to see his classmates’ skeletons and hear every sound in the classroom, causing acute distress and fear.
This contrast is central to the shift Gunn is making. While Cavill’s Superman experienced X-ray vision as a burden or used it sparingly in combat or investigation, Gunn’s version, based on the comic visuals, wields it with confidence and familiarity. Notably, Gunn has made clear his story is not an origin tale, suggesting that Clark Kent’s mastery of his abilities—including X-ray vision—will be portrayed from the outset.
What the New DCU Superman Promises
The upcoming 2025 film is the highly anticipated first installment in the rebuilt DCU. Written and directed by James Gunn, this new chapter stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman and explores the hero’s determined quest to maintain his moral core amid a difficult and sometimes unfair universe. Well-known characters will join him: Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced round out the cast. The film is scheduled for a July 11 release, with some subscribers gaining early access to screenings before the general audience.
This reboot marks a clear point of departure from the previous film series. With both a new actor and a director who is openly referencing comic arcs such as All-Star Superman, Superman for All Seasons, Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?, and Kingdom Come, the project is shaping up to be deeply rooted in established lore yet open to fresh creative expression.
Visual and Narrative Differences Highlighted
One of the earliest and most noticeable shifts between Zack Snyder’s DCEU and Gunn’s DCU manifests in visual tone. Snyder’s Superman movies famously leaned on a gray, somber color palette to evoke a sense of epic gravitas and emotional struggle. Gunn’s Superman, as revealed in early trailers, features a vibrant, saturated color scheme that signals a more optimistic outlook without ignoring Superman’s alien origins or his complex place in the world.
Narratively, Gunn aims to present Superman as neither a reluctant god nor a naive beginner, but as a compassionate, mature figure capable of balancing hope with realism. The frequent religious symbolism and messianic allegory under Snyder’s lens will give way to more emotionally grounded and human-driven storytelling. Gunn’s decision to incorporate distinct comic-based powers such as X-ray vision more regularly is a deliberate move to reconnect the cinematic Superman with his comic book legacy.
Despite the changes, Gunn is not disregarding all elements from the DCEU era; instead, his approach is about recalibrating Superman’s mythology for a new generation. Interestingly, while Gunn draws on iconic comic arcs for inspiration, Skyler Gisondo—who will portray Jimmy Olsen—admitted he did not read any Superman comics in preparation for his role, highlighting the blend of tradition and new interpretations in the current project.
Anticipation and the Path Forward
The return of Superman’s X-ray vision as a central power—especially given the limited usage of Henry Cavill’s Superman X-ray vision usage in DCEU—signals a broader shift in how the character’s abilities will contribute to storytelling and heroism in the DCU. With a fresh creative team and a renewed cinematic vision, long-time fans and newcomers alike will have the opportunity to see both familiar and reimagined aspects of Superman when the film arrives in theaters. The decision to re-focus on classic powers also sets the stage for more character-driven and inventive stories, cementing a new era for the Man of Steel.
