Test screenings for James Gunn’s SUPERMAN were reportedly not good

The first trailer of James Gunnit is highly anticipated Superman got a great and emotional reception last week, earning widespread praise for its classic tone and inspiring atmosphere.

However, recent test screenings have reportedly raised concerns, as shared on The Hot Mic podcast by industry insiders Jeff Sneider AND Giovanni Rocha.

Sneider, citing a source with links to multiple viewers of the film, explained:

“The buzz is not good. I hear bad things. I’ve heard things like “you should be worried.” It seems James Gunn is aware of some of the feedback.

While reshoots are often a normal part of the filmmaking process, Sneider suggests that they are more substantial than Gunn has publicly admitted.

Gunn himself called the upcoming reshoots “shooting shots” rather than full reshoots, stating: “No scenes. No reshoots.” Despite this, an editing source reportedly told Sneider that there are “plenty of reasons to be nervous.”

Rocha provided further context, offering a mixed rating based on feedback from someone who has seen the film:

“[It has] the tone of the first Captain America film and the Mummy movie. They said Nicola Hoult is the highlight and the film is “decent”, but much of the film was unfinished, with only a third of the visual effects completed.

This tone represents a notable shift for Gunn, who is typically known for his humor-laden approach. Rocha underlined this in the meantime Superman: Legacy has “the least amount of humor of any of Gunn’s films”, there is still humor everywhere. He added:

“Most people will be satisfied with the film, and it should be received well enough for Gunn’s DCU to continue.”

The inclusion of Supergirl, confirmed by Rocha, is one of the most intriguing tidbits to emerge from the screening feedback.

Sneider goes on to point out that many successful films including blockbusters Barbie suffered initial negative buzz after test screenings. The purpose of these screenings is to identify problems and correct them before the final product hits theaters.

It’s also worth noting that feedback from test screenings can vary greatly. While some viewers may have reservations, others may have loved the film.

With Superman: Legacy Set to hit theaters on July 11, 2025, Gunn still has plenty of time to address any concerns and make a film that resonates with audiences.

For now, we can hope that the Man of Steel’s return to the big screen will be a great experience! I’m still excited about the movie!