James Gunn’s Superman Poster Teases New Spin on Classic John Williams Theme Music

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As a lifelong fan of Superman and someone who has grown up with the John Williams theme song playing in the background during my most formative years, I must say that the new take on this iconic melody for James Gunn’s upcoming Superman movie is nothing short of a nostalgic delight. It’s like a warm hug from an old friend, reminding me of the countless afternoons spent watching Christopher Reeve soar across the silver screen.

DC Studios has unveiled the initial poster for James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film, building anticipation among DC Universe fans ahead of this week’s official trailer release. This motion poster showcases a flight sequence reminiscent of David Corenswet’s Man of Steel, while also offering a sneak peek at the new musical score for Superman. This fresh theme music, designed to evoke the iconic superhero, noticeably honors legendary composer John Williams’ original Superman theme from Richard Donner’s 1978 film “Superman: The Movie”.

Superman’s New Theme Music Is A Blast From The Past

In the official poster for the upcoming Superman movie, you’ll notice a fresh, meditative take on John Williams’ iconic Superman theme tune. This new version seems to appeal to both longtime Superman enthusiasts and intrigue potential new fans with its classic John Williams chords. The change in music could hint at the type of film this trailer is promising, giving us a taste before the full movie is released.

Gunn is infusing a hint of self-awareness into his DC Universe reboot by adopting a twist on John Williams’ iconic “Superman – Main Theme”. In contrast, Bryan Singer’s “Superman Returns” (2006) was a deliberate effort to recreate the world established in Donner’s original “Superman” films. Composer John Ottman, working with Singer and Warner Bros., even created a rendition of Williams’ “Superman” theme, showcasing its grandeur in a full orchestrated version.

Previously, a common criticism of Singer’s film was its excessive imitation of Donner’s movie, from casting Superman (Brandon Routh) to the portrayal of Lex Luthor by Kevin Spacey, as well as the music that accompanied it all. It appears that so far, Gunn is preserving the essential characteristics of Donner’s Superman (and the late Christopher Reeve’s warm and American persona) and transferring them into the larger, darker, more chaotic modern DCU. For example, imagining Corenswet’s Superman dealing with the rough, shady (yet lovable!) creatures of the Creature Commandos gives you an idea of the range of tones the DCU is aiming for – and how Corenswet’s Superman will serve as its unwavering moral compass.

Why Old School Superman Still Works in the DCU

In our ComicBook Nation Podcast, DC comic writer Dan Jurgens discussed Superman’s steadfast embodiment of moral ideals. When asked about refreshing the Superman franchise, Jurgens emphasized that there wasn’t a need for any unique twist – it was all about having the correct perspective.

Over the years, people often question whether Superman seems outdated or overly idealistic, asking if he’s too much of a ‘Big Blue Boy Scout.’ Jurgens replied that such criticism isn’t about the character but about us as a society. He suggests that Superman serves as a mirror, reflecting our own values and actions back to us. When we realize how much we need Superman, it might be because we have strayed too far from his principles of truth and justice, not because Superman himself has changed.

The DC Universe has hinted that this upcoming Superman film might be set in a time when Clark Kent/Kal-El has grappled with his own mortality and contemplated a world without him as its guardian. By exploring the lasting impact (legacy) of Superman, both in a tangible sense and symbolically, James Gunn’s interpretation could emphasize the crucial role Superman plays in the DC Universe and offer a thrilling, humorous, emotionally stirring superhero journey. The reworked John Williams theme is expected to enhance this effect.

Superman flies into theaters on July 11, 2025. The trailer will be released this week.

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2024-12-16 19:39