Early Superman Test Screening Earns Marvel-Level Comparisons

The expectation surrounding DC Studios’ upcoming Superman film rose significantly when the trailer was released. It gave audiences a glimpse at what they’ll be able to expect on July 11, 2025, when the film releases, which will genuinely help to kickstart the James Gunn/Peter Safran era as Superman is going to be seen as the flagship movie of the DC Comics Universe.

DC Studios always looks to do things slightly differently from the competition, ensuring that their films are not seen as copies of what Marvel Studios is doing within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, after a difficult period for DC, there’s no doubt that fans would be happy to see Superman find itself in the conversation of being on the same level as an MCU movie, and that could be the case.

According to ComicBookMovie.com, early screen-testing has led to Superman being compared to a specific movie from the MCU. The feedback from those who have seen it was a lot more positive, and it has been described as “Guardians of the Galaxy-level good,” which is certainly high praise. Some of the VFX was unfinished at this stage in the process, but it was noted that a “lot of the shots were polished enough with seven months to go” before the release takes place, which is a positive sign. The general feeling was that those in attendance who were willing to share their opinions “loved the movie,” but of course, any early screen testing can only be taken so seriously.

Comparisons to Guardians of the Galaxy are going to draw attention to Gunn due to his involvement in both movies. However, it’s ultimately a positive situation for DC Studios because any film that’s close to the level of that MCU classic is going to be an entertaining movie, which is exactly what DC Studios needs at this stage, especially for a character as important as Superman, who the company will undoubtedly be putting a lot of pressure on to carry the franchise.

Guardians of the Galaxy was heavily praised for its epic soundtrack and the comedic tone that cut through it while it had an ensemble cast that featured each character enough for them to develop their personalities. Superman will likely be different from that in many ways, but if the quality of writing and acting is in place, then there’s no reason it cannot live up to Guardians of the Galaxy to create something special.

While DC Studios fans will not want to see Superman be a carbon copy of Guardians of the Galaxy in terms of tone, as the characters and worlds are completely different, there’s no doubt that the comparison is a positive sign. Guardians of the Galaxy was a massive success for Marvel Studios and is widely considered one of the best comic book movies of all time due to the emotions it evoked and the high-quality story. If it’s that which Superman is going to be pulling from, then there’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to this film, which could give DC Studios the positive boost it needs.

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Written and directed by James Gunn, Superman is the first movie in Warner Bros.’ rebooted DC Universe to center around the titular comic book hero. It introduces a new version of the Man of Steel after Henry Cavill’s departure from the role, honoring the character’s roots as “the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way.”

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