James Gunn’s Superman Test Screening Buzz: What Are Early Viewers Saying About This DC Reboot?

James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman film, set to soar into theaters on July 11, 2025, has already sparked a whirlwind of buzz thanks to early test screenings. As the first major cinematic outing in the rebooted DC Universe (DCU), all eyes are on this David Corenswet-led blockbuster to see if it can revive the franchise’s big-screen glory.

But what are those lucky enough to catch an early glimpse saying? From whispers of "Guardians of the Galaxy-level good" to cries of "franchise-killing bad," the reactions are as polarizing as kryptonite is to the Man of Steel. Let’s dive into the latest chatter surrounding James Gunn's Superman test screenings.

What Are the Positive Reactions to James Gunn’s Superman?

Early feedback from some screenings paints an optimistic picture. Posts on X and reports from outlets like ComicBookMovie.com suggest that certain viewers found the film to be "Guardians of the Galaxy-level good," a glowing comparison given Gunn’s success with that Marvel hit.

Attendees reportedly praised the movie’s polished visuals—despite some unfinished VFX—and its compelling cast, with Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor and Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane earning special nods.

A Portuguese fan site, DC da Depressão, highlighted improved CGI over the trailer, well-timed comedy, and emotional depth, likening the tone to the first Wonder Woman and Guardians of the Galaxy. These reactions suggest Gunn might deliver a fresh, heartfelt take on the iconic hero that could kickstart the DCU with a bang.

Why Are Some Viewers Calling It a Disaster?

Not all feedback is flying high, however. Hollywood insider Jeff Sneider, speaking on The Hot Mic podcast, co-hosted by noted film pundit John Rocha, dropped a bombshell, claiming that early test screenings yielded "terrible" responses, with his "best source" warning that fans "should be worried." Sneider’s initial reports suggested the buzz was so negative that significant changes might be needed, painting a grim picture of a potential franchise misfire.

Earlier posts on X even claimed audiences rated it a dismal 50/100—worse than Black Adam’s 60s—calling it "a mess" and "a bastardization of the character." While these harsh critiques remain unverified, they’ve fueled speculation that Gunn’s vision might not resonate with all Superman fans.

How Is James Gunn Responding to the Feedback?

Gunn himself has acknowledged the screening process, offering a measured response amid the chaos. At a DC Studios press conference reported by The Nerds of Color, he confirmed, "We’ve done real screenings," and admitted they’re "definitely editing and making little changes" based on feedback.

He also didn’t rule out "tiny" reshoots, citing examples like wanting an extra shot of a fist in a fight scene. Gunn’s transparency suggests he’s actively refining the film, but his calm demeanor contrasts with the panic some rumors have stirred. Known for addressing rumors head-on via social media, he hasn’t fully debunked or confirmed the extremes, leaving fans to wonder how much stock to put in these early takes.

What Makes These Early Reactions So Conflicting?

The wildly divergent opinions might stem from the nature of test screenings themselves—early cuts often lack final polish, and internal studio screenings (as noted by insider ViewerAnon on X) aren’t as verifiable as public ones. Some sources, like journalist Matias Lertora, have even questioned whether public test screenings have occurred, calling negative reports "falsified."

This uncertainty opens the door to exaggeration or bias, with Snyderverse loyalists possibly amplifying criticism and Gunn fans hyping the positives. The film’s tonal shift—potentially blending humor, heart, and heroism—could also split audiences accustomed to darker Superman portrayals, making consensus elusive at this stage.

When Will We Know the True Quality of Superman?

With seven months until release, the jury’s still out. Test screening reactions, while juicy, are notoriously unreliable—remember The Flash being hailed as "the greatest superhero movie" before its lukewarm reception? Genuine reviews won’t surface until critic screenings closer to July, giving Gunn’s team ample time to tweak the film.

The trailer’s record-breaking 22.6 million views in 24 hours on YouTube signals massive interest, but whether that translates to box-office gold or a Kryptonite-level flop hinges on the final product. For now, the buzz—good, bad, or messy—keeps Superman in the spotlight.

Some Closing Thoughts:

James Gunn’s Superman is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most talked-about films, and early viewer reactions only amplify the intrigue. Whether it’s a soaring success or a crash landing, the conflicting whispers from test screenings have DC fans on edge. Will Gunn’s signature blend of humor and heart win over audiences, or will the naysayers prove prophetic?

As the July 11 release date nears, one thing’s clear: this Man of Steel reboot is already a lightning rod for debate.

Stay tuned—truth, justice, and the DCU’s future hang in the balance.

We at The Omen Media strive to bring you your daily dosage of entertainment, one tantalizing story at a time. If you would like to support our efforts, and we would really appreciate it if you would, consider doing one of the the following:

1) Buy us a small cup of coffee by clicking here, or

2) You can also support us by becoming a Patreon member by clicking here. We don't have anything exclusive to offer to our Patreon members just yet as we are just a little movie website, but it still costs money to run one. For just $3 a month, you can support everyone who is working behind the scenes to get you your daily dose of entertainment one piece at a time.

Every support counts and every such gesture will serve as an additional motivation for us to keep bringing you your daily fix of showbiz.

Thank you for taking the time out to read this and we hope that you have a lovely day ahead!