The new Superman film starring David Corenswet offers an inspiring and optimistic portrayal of the character, showcasing James Gunn’s dedication to the role. However, a notable moment teased in the trailer, where Clark Kent visibly shifts into Superman during an interview with Lois Lane, does not appear in the same way in the movie’s final version. This adjustment subtly changes how audiences perceive Clark’s transformation into the Man of Tomorrow.
In the trailer, the scene takes place in Lois Lane’s apartment, where she addresses Clark as Superman while sitting across from him. The camera then shifts to a direct frontal shot of Clark as he straightens up, looks Lois in the eye, and confidently responds with “Ms. Lane.” This moment signals a clear transformation—Clark’s posture, gaze, and tone all convey that Superman has taken over. The trailer isolates Clark in the frame, amplifying the significance of this subtle but powerful metamorphosis.
The theatrical cut handles this scene differently. Both Clark and Lois share a widescreen shot from the side rather than the focused, head-on angle seen in the trailer. Although the dialogue remains the same, the emotional impact diminishes because the viewer’s attention divides between the two characters instead of concentrating solely on Clark’s change. This choice may highlight the equality in Lois and Clark’s relationship, but it reduces the visual emphasis on the moment where Clark steps into his Superman persona, missing a valuable chance to underscore who Superman is even when not in costume.
The Importance of Clark Kent’s Visible Shift to Superman in Film History
The absence of a distinct transformation scene is especially striking since it’s one of the few points in the movie where Clark shifts into Superman. Notably, the film avoids typical clichés like Clark using a telephone booth or ripping open his shirt to reveal the suit beneath. These sequences have long symbolized the fusion of Clark Kent and Superman, blurring the lines between the two identities and allowing audiences to witness both as one person.
Christopher Reeve’s performances in Richard Donner’s Superman films established many of these transformation moments as core parts of the character’s appeal. From subtle changes like standing taller to mid-flight costume reveals, Reeve’s portrayal showed the gravity behind Clark becoming Superman. One of the most memorable scenes of the 1978 Superman has Clark removing his glasses and adopting a definitive Superman stance in Lois Lane’s living room. Though still dressed as Clark, the change in voice and posture speaks volumes, revealing the man beneath the glasses without relying on costume switches. This kind of nuanced transformation was a signature moment made possible by Reeve’s masterful acting.
David Corenswet’s performance in the upcoming 2025 film offers similar potential. His straightening up and facing the camera in the trailer is an intimate, powerful transmogrification that could stand alongside Reeve’s iconic scenes. It demonstrates Corenswet’s ability to navigate Clark’s dual identities smoothly without editing cuts, using only subtle physical cues. By dropping this moment from the final cut, the film forgoes an opportunity to deeply explore Clark’s internal transition and present a richer portrayal of the character’s complexity.
James Gunn’s DC Universe movie is scheduled to open on July 11.
How the Film Blurs the Boundaries Between Clark Kent and Superman
One reason the film may have excluded a clear transformation scene is its approach to portraying Clark Kent and Superman as nearly indistinguishable. In this version, Corenswet’s Clark is seldom seen without his cape and suit when performing heroic duties. The story does not focus on an origin narrative, and Lois Lane knows Clark’s true identity early on, eliminating the traditional tension of secret identities. While this modern take on the relationship enhances equality and trust, it also diminishes the layered complexity that usually comes from Clark’s need to conceal his powers.
For some viewers, this change impacts the magic traditionally woven into Superman’s story. While James Gunn may have his reasons for reframing these scenes, the lack of a defined transformation moment leaves an impression that something vital was lost. Showing Clark become Superman simply by sitting up and facing Lois in the trailer was a subtle but powerful reminder that being a hero transcends costume and superpowers; it comes down to confidence and presence. This moment highlighted that heroism can begin with something as simple as engagement and courage.
The film’s theatrical release is now underway in cinemas nationwide.
