Snyder Fans Troll Gunn’s Superman, But New Hero Shines with Heart

The DC Universe is undergoing a rebirth, but not without resistance. James Gunn’s upcoming Superman, starring David Corenswet in the iconic role, has ignited a storm of backlash online — and much of it is coming from the die-hard fanbase of Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel and Henry Cavill’s darker, brooding Superman.

As soon as a special sneak peek of Superman dropped — first shown exclusively during screenings of A Minecraft Movie, and then swiftly leaked online — the internet exploded. While many praised the fresh, nostalgic vibe and heartwarming tone, others, particularly fans loyal to the SnyderVerse, wasted no time in mocking what they perceived as a "cheap" costume and "too soft" version of the character.

The Backlash: SnyderVerse vs GunnVerse

Cavill loyalists flooded social media with side-by-side comparisons, calling Corenswet's Superman “a cosplay version” and slamming the suit for its brighter palette and fabric choice. Some memes joked that the new Superman looked like “he shops at Party City,” while others mocked the “overly optimistic” direction, accusing Gunn of turning the Man of Steel into a "boy scout."

For many fans, Cavill’s Superman — first introduced in Snyder’s gritty, emotionally intense Man of Steel — embodied a more grounded, complex, and mythic figure. His story was marked by trauma, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity, themes that resonated with a generation seeking realism in their superheroes. So, when James Gunn promised a return to hope and inspiration with Superman, a clear tonal shift was inevitable — and predictably divisive.

But the Sneak Peek Tells a Different Story

Despite the noise, the new footage tells a compelling story. The sneak peek shows Superman crash-landing on Earth, wounded by a mysterious cosmic force. With urgency and vulnerability, he calls out to his loyal companion, Krypto the Superdog, who rushes him to the Fortress of Solitude.

There, Gunn flexes his love for the deep science fiction roots of the Superman mythos — introducing sun-charged healing robots, cosmic technology, and the emotional bond between Clark and Krypto. It's quirky. It's bold. But it’s also deeply human.

What stood out most, however, was how Superman interacted with those around him. Even while injured, even while hunted — he treats everyone with kindness. He smiles. He thanks the Fortress robots. He comforts a frightened onlooker in a flashback sequence. This Superman bleeds, but he also believes.

A Kinder Kryptonian

Gunn’s version leans into the essence of what made Superman a cultural icon in the first place — not his strength, but his compassion. This is a Man of Steel who still finds time to be gentle. In a superhero landscape filled with cynicism, explosions, and existential crises, this approach feels almost revolutionary.

Yes, it’s a stark contrast from the Snyder-era Superman who struggled publicly with his identity, his responsibilities, and his place in the world. But maybe that’s exactly what Gunn is going for — a clean slate, a brighter day.

Final Thoughts

The backlash from Snyder loyalists is loud, persistent, and, in some cases, understandable. But change always comes with resistance. The early look at Superman suggests James Gunn isn’t trying to erase the past — he’s simply offering something new.

And in a world that could use a little more kindness, maybe this Superman is exactly what we need.