After years of setbacks, scrapped plans, and cinematic reboots, DC is ready to throw its cape back into the ring. This summer, James Gunn’s Superman (2025) will take flight just two weeks before Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) hits theaters. For superhero fans, that means a July stacked with blockbusters—and competition.
Slated for release on July 11, Superman (2025) marks the beginning of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DC Universe. It stars David Corenswet (Twisters) as Clark Kent, stepping into the role previously held by Henry Cavill in DC Extended Universe (DCEU) films such as Man of Steel (2013) and Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021).
Nicholas Hoult (Nosferatu) joins as Lex Luthor, and Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) takes on Lois Lane. Gunn, who directed Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, is now steering DC’s most iconic hero into a brand-new continuity.
Watch the second official trailer for Superman (2025) below:
Related: James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ Hit With Legal Battle That Could Impact Global Release
Marvel, on the other hand, is banking on The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set to debut on July 25. With Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian) leading the cast, the film has been heavily hyped and comes on the heels of a shaky box office stretch for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While Captain America: Brave New World (2025) and Thunderbolts (2025) have performed decently at the global box office, neither has been a runaway hit.
Now, the stage is set for a direct box office duel.
Superman (2025) has already built impressive momentum—DC’s second trailer, which dropped on May 14, has already amassed tens of millions of views, indicating more than a keen interest in the film. The reboot also carries the weight of expectation, being the cornerstone of DC’s new cinematic vision. But Marvel’s “first family” has name recognition and nostalgia on its side, and Disney is unlikely to let it underperform without a fight.
For the first time in years, it feels like the two comic book giants are going head-to-head with equally matched contenders. And, unlike previous showdowns, this one isn’t about who has the most sequels or spin-offs—it’s about who can win back audiences.
Whether you’re Team Superman or Team Fantastic, July is shaping up to be one of the most exciting months at the movies in a long time. Both films have something to prove. One is rebooting an icon, the other is finally introducing a long-anticipated team into the MCU. Only time—and ticket sales—will tell who flies away victorious.
Which are you most excited for, Superman (2025) or Fantastic Four? Let us know in the comments down below!
